National identity in Britain and Ireland, 1780–1840

What is a ‘nation’? What is a ‘state’? Where have these ideas come from and how have they developed over time? This free course, National identity in Britain and Ireland, 1780-1840, explores how the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland was formed. It then moves to analyse the distinctions between the terms ‘nation’ and ‘state’. Finally, it evaluates the role of national identities in British popular politics during the first half of the nineteenth century.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Uniting the kingdoms
• 1 Uniting the kingdoms
• 1.1 Constitutional relations between Britain and Ireland up to 1782
• 1.2 Tension and rebellion
• 2 Britons and Britishness
• 2 Britons and Britishness
• 2.1 Religion and national identity
• 3 Catholic emancipation
• 3 Catholic emancipation
• 4 Parliamentary reform
• 4 Parliamentary reform
• 5 Ireland and national identity
• 5 Ireland and national identity
• Conclusion
• Glossary
• References
• Acknowledgements