Is Great Britain... Great?

Question

I dont think so, London is one of the most contaminated cities in Europe.

What ya think?

Answer 1

The "Great" in Great Britain refers to its physical size relative to the other Britain, more commonly known as Brittany, or Bretagne, in Northern France. Until 1603 the island of Great Britain was divided into the kingdoms of England and Scotland.

French was the diplomatic language of the day (as it still is, officially) and they began the usage of "Grande Bretagne" for the island, as opposed to the French province of "Bretagne" (which the English call Brittany) because it was settled by Britons in the 5th century.

However, in the scheme of things, the United Kingdom is one of the world's richest and most powerful nations. Pollution of cities occurs worldwide and the idea that a country can't be great because it has pollution is ridiculous.

(I've lived in the Third World - you should see conditions in some of those cities!)

Answer 2

yes Britain will always be Great - why do you think everyone wants to come here? The Brits are pretty cool in a crisis, are also pretty tolerant compared to other nations and polite. We are generous - we give more to charity per capita than any other country. How do you think we, such a small country gained and ruled such a huge Empire and then gave it back! Nearly every invention is from Britain [in spite of the USA claiming some - oh, and well said Ye Olde Canadian - the American Colonies have very little history, so do get what little you have, right] We were described as panicking when the Northern Rock Bank crisis hit - other countries throw rocks through windows - set fire to cars etc - When the Brits 'panic' they form orderly queues, sit on camping stools and share vacuum flasks of tea and gossip with their neighbours....... And as a Londoner, l can say what l like about London and Britain, but l am not taking any silliness from outsiders,,,,,,

Answer 3

There are nicer places to live, but not many.
I love these islands, so i would call them 'great', but i also know their history, social divisions and problems so i'm well aware of how bad the place has been and can be.
But I love the fact that it is open to the world, that people from all over the planet come to Britain to find a home and a job, to make a success of themselves, to learn and to earn. If anything still makes Britain 'Great' it is that openness, that willingness to give people a chance.
America used to be like that, 'bring me your poor.. etc.', now it seems Europe has taken over that role.
Incidentally what do you mean by 'contaminated'?
Polluted?
Disease-ridden?
Over-run with foreigners?
What are you trying to say about lovely London?

Answer 4

This is one of the most common misunderstandings that people have.
The Great in Great Britain is only a geographical term and refers to the fact that The island of Great Britain is the largest island of the British Isles.
It is not a reference to its political power or its desirability as a place to live.
So in the true meaning of the word the island will always be Great Britain

Answer 5

the reason why it's called great britain is because the english finally got the scots down, so the whole of the island was united for the first time in history. If you add northern ireland to it, you get the UK. So the first term is geographical, the second term is political. No?

Answer 6

wrong, London has for 50 years been cleaning up, smog has been literally illiminated, though certain hot weather conditions can at times like in any city be probmatic. It's congestion zones limitations and the proof of the excellent eco system of the River Thames is proof that London for a mega city is doing pretty good.
London is actually doing a lot to improve it's quality of the enviroment and it's public transport is excellent.
It has not solved everything but it really puts it's heart in it and considering it's high tourist zones it does well.
Don't knock London millions of people work and live there and it is a great city.
I don't live in London or the area but lots of people I met like London so I am not being biased and though I am english my wife is american and she says it is the greatest city she has been in.

Answer 7

Contamination is usually proportionate to greatness. Ever seen Athens? A filthy dump. But hey! Athens! I mean, c'mon! Birthplace of Western thought and culture.

Answer 8

There are lots of great things about all four countries in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Answer 9

Yes.

And someone mentioned that the law GB made about settling west of the mountains was "unfair"...

Yeah, well as soon as you got your independence you started settling there...

There was already someone there, the Indians, and you killed them in droves. THAT IS WHY YOU WERE NOT ALLOWED TO SETTLE WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS. The British didn't want you to march around commiting genocide.. But you did anyways.

Answer 10

Great Britain ISN'T "GREAT" any longer, - 18 years of Tory dictatorship ROBBED the Nation,. of ALL that it was, - for SO LONG, - so PROUD OF!

THANK GOD, for the General Election of 1997!