During England's empire years, what country was the biggest direct threat which was English-ruled?

Question

A direct attaxk on the actual country...

was it Ireland or Scotland or Wales,etc.

Also, before terrible famine in 1850, Ireland had 8 Million people and was on its way with a high birth rate to equal England's 15 Million population over a number of years.

Answer 1

I disagree with Mike Sanders, in that the issues which Ireland raised in English politics could have created immense political disruption. Indeed, the Fenian outrages were the 19th century equivalent of the 'troubles' of late 20th century.

Neither Scotland nor Ireland caused this sort of problem.

A problem with the question is that you don't define the period of the 'empire years'. From the time that Wales was conquered? From the time overseas colonies (other than Ireland) were seized? I favour this last definition. Hence my response.

Ireland's English problem was always - in the 19th century - that it was treated neither as a colony nor as the other parts of the United Kingdom. Hence it was seen as unfairly treated - rightly - compared with the Scottish and Welsh part of the UK, it was never to benefit from the paternalism that the other parts of Empire were often (though not always) treated to!

Answer 2

Neither Ireland, Scotland or Wales were any threat to the English, neither were India a threat to the British Empire. What you need to remember is that without the English (then) the other British provinces were powerless. India weren't a serious threat until they actual left the Empire, they lacked the infrastructure and cohesion to mount any serious threat until the 1940's.
The only serious threats to the British Empire was by the Americans, who displayed a threatening stance towards the British during the Civil War, and the French simply because of their position, separated by the Channel and the size of their army.

Answer 3

I think you'll find it was the British Empire, not the English Empire. It was the Scots, Irish etc who were the engine behind the Empire, providing the manpower on which it ran.

Moreover, it seems to me that the idea of a "country" being a threat is a strange concept, since the country itself was effectively under British control. I think you really mean to ask which English speaking peoples were the biggest threat. Do you class the Welsh, Scots etc as English speaking? Or the Burmese or Indians?

As for Scotland, it was the Act of Union which really made the Empire possible.

And lest we forget, the British expended its Empire to keep the Germans at bay.

Not sure where all this gets us?

Answer 4

your question is a bit vaige... the biggest direct threat to what?

Ireland has never been a threat to england... if thats what your implying... not our fault you catholics breed like rabbits and it wasn't our fault your potato crop failed. (it admittedly was our fault we didn't help at all)

The biggest threat in the empire was when Ghandi retook india (even though we held the WHOLE of india with only a 30,000 man garison) this was a threat because it showed over nations that it was possible.

The first kick in the teeth for the empire was a combination of losing the Americas and having 2 completely insane kings (george 3rd and 4th) ((they were clinically insane, not just a bit loopy like some of the others))

and in regards to allo, your wrong on both counts... america got rid of us 1st, ireland was about 6th... and that was a NEGOTIATED treaty... if you'd have kicked us out you'd be in control of northern ireland... but your not... admittely it was the acts of activists like Michael Collins that brought about our negotiations (which before we wouldn't have even considered) but you most certainly did not just 'kick' us out.

I would also never say that ireland was ever a direct threat to england... you could have never invaded us or anything... Ireland has always just been a thorn in the empires side... which every now and then would pearce the skin and draw blood.

Might I also remind you that the IRISH ALLOWED the german U boats safe harbour...

I suppose you people liked the idea of a lepricorn doing a goose step.

Answer 5

You are way of the mark. As someone mentioned earlier, there is only a small percentage in this country that are not English, which is probably not far off of how many English people live abroad. You should remember when you go to places like London, that it gets millions of tourists. I come from Bath, and you can walk though the city at times and think it is full foreigners, but most of them are tourists. I for one am glad we have such a diverse society, and for the most part, aren't a racist society. What I don't like are certain people here that hate the west. If they hate us so much, then they should leave.

Answer 6

Neither, Spain was a much bigger threat. Ever heard of the Spanish Armada? Ireland and Scotland never actually posed a threat to England itself, Spain did. Spain had the power and motive, and actually attempted it in 1588. England never conclusivly defeated the armada. A few of the ships were sunk by English fire-ships, and the Spanish fleet became scattered. They sailed north around Scotland and south down the Irish coast on their way back to Spain. Some bad weather and insufficient food stores caused more damage than the British did, but they were forced to retreat nontheless, and England was safe.

Answer 7

Probably Scotland. The Scots, historically, have always objected to being a part of the union, and have usually sided with France a "natural" enemy of the English. They have always had more "force" than the Welsh and Irish who have also been treated abominably.

Answer 8

Ireland because we were costing them too much money which we took from them and then kicked them out of Ireland. And by the way Ireland was the first country to take back their occupied country from the British Empire . And to M sanders . M .collins was brought over to negotiate a peace because Britian were losing. Yes you ruled through brute force and overwhelming numbers as your country did with every country they occupied ruled and plundered. but we will get N/Ireland back some day you see if we dont. We let the Germans use our ports and why not . your enemys are our friends . We like the Germans . Say hello to your royal idiots for me ..

Answer 9

I would have to say India. A massive population that did not like being ruled by a country on the otherside of the world.

Answer 10

wales