2007-03-27 12:59:36 · 8 answers · asked by Layne J 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
You mean Little Britain?
2007-03-27 13:02:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The "Great" in Great Britain refers to the size of the country occupied by Britons, as opposed to the smaller "Brittany" which is part of France. That's all.
The fact that the Brits assembled the biggest empire the world has ever seen by conquest, moving in on effectively unoccupied land and in a few cases by invitation indicates that they were once a great people. That they educated native peoples in the empire, built roads, railways, hospitals, water systems and sewer systems also shows that they were great.
When they found they could no longer sustain the empire after the slaughter of the First World War at Passchendaele and on the Somme, and the expense, death and damage of the Second, they mostly gave up most of the empire gracefully, making as sure as possible that the regimes that succeeded them were more or less democratic and more or less competent. I refer mainly to India, but there were other places. That also shows a spirit of greatness.
Contrast the overall actions of the British with those of some other European nations that had empires and you will get some idea of what I mean.
They have also managed to survive some pretty stupid governments since then too.
2007-03-27 13:32:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 'Great' part of 'Great Britain' is a throwback to the days of the Empire (which was above all an English Empire, even though it was called, 'British').
It does not sit well with a modern, developed and supposedly progressive democratic country. Would any other country be allowed to adopt the title, 'Great'? How about 'Great Germany' (following reunification), or 'Great Russia' (in view of the fact that said country still incorporates parts of what were once other countries, even post-Soviet Union)? Don't think so.
Why can't we just call it 'The United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland' and have done with it?
2007-03-27 13:44:17 · answer #3 · answered by squeaky guinea pig 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not! Great Britain has the 5th largest economy in the world; the Queen is recognized as the Head of State for 16 sovereign countries (e.g. Canada, Jamaica, Australia); Great Britain has nuclear weapons, a powerful well-disciplined military that includes an aircraft carrier, and is the world's 2nd largest military spender (after the US); and Great Britain is home to arguably the center of world's finance, namely London. I think Great Britain is still great.
2007-03-27 13:07:31 · answer #4 · answered by kvpatel007 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are the only country in Eurotrash land that has any cojones and loyalty to the US. The French are pathetic snivelling ungratefull cowards and after Iraq is wrapped up we should invade France. Several well armed divisions of US Boy Scouts is all we should need for that venture.
2007-03-27 13:11:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great Britain is just That, Great. 5Th largest economy, Great military strength, The commonwealth has like 16 countries under it, like Canada and Australia. They also have nukes.....nuff said, also they are our best buddy.
2007-03-27 13:13:42 · answer #6 · answered by necktie7777 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They used to be a fading power but GWB power de-leveled the US on the world stage so Britain is now Great again.
2007-03-27 13:03:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not true, they're probably the greatest ally we have in the world today.
2007-03-27 13:15:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋