Mr Stewart continued: “This was another means of smoothing out the national feeling by ensuring a balance in the priority given to the Irish Saltire, with the Scottish Saltire taking precedence in the more prestigious half of the design, as the Irish Saltire was above the Scottish Saltire.” The flag was first flown on January 1, 1801, when the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was formed. Since the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, red has represented Northern Ireland.
AlamyWhy doesn’t Wales, the other country that makes up Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), exist? Because Edward I conquered the rebellious Welsh people in 1283. To emphasize his superiority, Edward made his son Prince of Wales. Wales is thought to be represented by the cross of St. George as a principality rather than a kingdom.
In 1908 Parliament declared that the Union Jack should be considered the national flag. Along with the American Stars and Stripes, the Union Jack is probably the most well-known national flag in the world. “I think the Union Jack is just so iconic in terms of its longevity, influence and representation in so many different areas,” says Nick Groom. He points out that a national flag can be easily recognized even when only a small part of it is displayed, or when it is displayed in different colors or black and white.
symbol of empire
Originally a royal flag, the Union flag gradually became a symbol of Great Britain and then the United Kingdom. And as Britain grew as a colonial power and its empire expanded, the Union Jack, which at one time flew over roughly a quarter of the world’s population and landmass, became synonymous with Britain. conquest and exploitation For the people of the imperial territories who wanted independence. For many, the flag still carries connotations of colonialism and disturbing associations with Britain’s role. transatlantic slave trade.
Source: BBC Culture – www.bbc.com
