Paste your esHistory defines the entity of the modern person. It is the framework that helps to formulate a culture that people can identify themselves with and helps them to forge the future. Different nations have different historical backgrounds that have been a testimonial to the changes in their modern-day lifestyles and culture. This is particularly the time of diminishing role of monarchies in Europe which were often deeply embedded in their culture. The irrelevance of monarchies is attributable to the development of many constitutionally sovereign countries in Europe and around the world. However, the royal Britain monarchy has endured the tumultuous decline presenting an exceptional case to the major realms of the British society. The Britain monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II is marked by notable changes that have appealed to the domestic and international community making it a vital component of the British society.
Krugman, (1991) critically argues that history is an important element that acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy. In his journal publication, Krugman examines that history helps in the setting up of initial conditions that can pre-determine the outcomes or expectations the future will align itself with while setting a positive pace for the posterity. Therefore, positive influences in the course of history will significantly impact on the current and future state of a nation positively. The reverse is also true. Thus, nations should embrace any historical moments and experiences that define the identity of a nation, fosters peaceful co-existence amongst its citizens and promotes democracy.
Great Britain is no exception. Since time immemorial, the history of Britain has been iconic. There are several notable events in history have significantly shaped the modern day Britain. One of them is the monarchy power by the royal family which Queen Elizabeth II currently heads. Queen Elizabeth II is among the most prominent and influential figures who have provided immense contributions to the making of Britain. Although the authority of the monarch in Britain is limited, hence making the queen's powers just symbolic, she still has a huge responsibility in the representations of Britain. The monarch serves as the embodiment of Britain. Since 1952 when she became the queen she has made numerous significant contributions to Britain.
Good Reputation and Image of Britain
Foremost, Queen Elizabeth II attracts high admiration and reverence for all the good reasons. The significance of the high respect accorded to her is largely attributed to her attributes. Being the queen of Britain for over 60 years, she has been an iconic figurehead when it comes to representing Britain in the face of other nations. This is a task that she has done incredibly. It is worth noting that any group of people who recognize themselves as a single entity requires and regards a figurehead that they can identify themselves with; people love to have a unique symbol that represents them. Elizabeth II has been that symbol for the people of Great Britain.
It is worth noting how the rhetorical attitudes of British people towards the royal monarchy, and how the attitude of the monarchy could potentially impact on the public stance of the people. The argument of social psychology suggests that people are innately inclined to ‘take sides' according to the specific attitudes expressed by those that they consider to represent them. The attitudes of the monarchy can have both implicit and explicit effects on the British people, who, in turn, can change the historical context of Britain.
Queen Elizabeth II's public life significantly helped to ensure that Britain remained united amid the external forces and pressures that the country has been subjected to during her reign. Her attitude greatly contributed to bonding the people of Britain. More importantly, her reign started in 1952, barely a few years after the Second World War. It was a rather challenging moment for Britain because the then powerful and mighty British Empire was crumbling on its feet. It was a time during which the British Empire was at its lowest moments. Britain's colonies, protectorates, dominions and other territories were gaining independence which demanded perseverance and inspiration portrayed by the Queen instilling hope when the people needed it the most. All through and after her coronation and in her public life, she embarked on a mission to paint a good picture of Britain despite its weakening power through her simplicity and positive public attitude. During the transition of the old British Empire to the British Commonwealth which eventually transformed to the Commonwealth of Nations, she had the responsibility of ensuring that the transition was smooth and that all the British Isles were equally represented. Currently, she has a role as the host of the Head of States of the Commonwealth. Throughout her reign as a public figure, the Queen has exhibited a very positive attitude which has helped her build a good reputation for the royal family and Britain at large. She courts a lot of respect in Britain and across the globe.
Fostering Unity Peace
As the territories of Britain were attaining self-independence, the British Empire was weakening. There was the need for Britain to try to retain the territories that were left if at all the empire's power would remain worthwhile. But, this wasn't an easy feat. It required Britain to prove that it had the capability of being inclusive and accommodative.
It was necessary for Britain to exhibit a high degree of nationalism. In the Britain context, the modern nationalism demanded that all the territories involved become a homogenous territorial unit where all players had equal status in the treatment of every citizen as equal members of the territory (Thomas & Resh, 1997).
A perfect example of how Queen Elizabeth II was able to help Britain keep her territories from falling is depicted in the 2014 Scotland secession plans. The decision for Scotland to vote for secession was monumental. It was a decision that would have a great impact on the country if it decided to attain its sovereignty. It meant that Scotland would permanently split from the United Kingdom. At its best, it was a political decision whereby voters were to determine the eventual outcome. As different political groups, civil societies, and political movements campaigned on whether or not it was a good decision for Scotland to vote for secession, the pressure was piling on Queen Elizabeth II to remark on the matter. However, the monarch was silent about the issue for a while. This was not the first time that the UK was under threat of a break up by Scotland. Back in 1977, Scotland and Wales were contemplating attaining self-independence during a vote conducted for devolution purposes. It was the interference of the Queen that made the difference. During that period, Queen Elizabeth II took a public stance and underscored the value of a Union of the Crown with the Majesty her Queen as the head of state. Her speech changed everything and was able to calm the mounting pressures that would have seen the UK split based on differing opinions about secession of other nations from England. Her declaration that she was crowned the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland exhibited her steadfastness as a symbol of unity and cohesion. The Queen’s declaration that politics will come and go, but the monarch constitutes a neutral and a unifying figure in the kingdom illustrates self-efficacy (William, 2012). The Queen’s display of steadfastness through appreciating differing opinions shows that the royal family experiences the same hardships as the locals and it create a sense of hope and unity.
Another essential aspect of tying the royal family to the masses is the Queen’s resolve to strengthen people. In her capacity as the Queen towards cohesion and humanity In the Scottish referendum of 2014, she also had the responsibility to address the mounting pressure for the secession. Amid the pressure, she also understood well that the monarchy was supposed to be apolitical and neutral. Eventually, she yielded to the pressure but made a rare comment whereby she hinted that the Scottish citizens had the right to make the decisions that they felt were best for them. However, she did warn them that they needed to think carefully about the future and how the referendum vote would eventually impact on Scotland. Her comment was welcome and indeed had a significant impact on the referendum of 2014 whereby the people voted against the secession.
Charity Work
Elizabeth II has been known to have a preference for charitable organizations that address community-based issues, health, education and civic concerns. Presently, she is the one monarch who has made enormous contributions to charity work, more than any other monarch in the history of Britain. The queen has played a crucial role in charitable work in Britain and also across the globe. Currently, she is the patron of over 500 charity organization in Britain. The monarchy supports a total of 2,415 charities presently in Britain alone and in addition they still help hundreds of other charity organizations across the globe (Andrew, 2012). Her charitable support has been able to make a difference for millions of citizens in Britain by touching the lives of other people and setting a good example.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that the Queen Elizabeth II has been significant in the embodiment of Britain. She has made great strides in inspiring a culture that promotes unity in the modern Britain. Her role has been crucial in enabling Britain and all its states to remain united and coexist peacefully. The togetherness of Britain has empowered it economically because of the country’s good reputation that enables it to court favorable international treaties and investments. However, despite her efforts in ensuring that Britain remains a force to reckon with, several challenges have threatened its unity. The Brexit from the European Union (Brexit) in 2016 had a significant impact on the unity of Britain. For instance, Scotland had hinted that there were high chances that the country would seek a referendum to vote for its secession from the Britain with regards to Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. These are some of the issues that need to be addressed if at all the unity of Britain shall survive. However, these problems are more political, and thus it is not the mandate of the queen to address them, making them an even greater challenge for her.
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