Essay

Civilization and British Culture

Comparison of UK with France: discuss the similarities and the differences.

Charlotte ADAM Teacher : Mr REDFERN
At the time of European construction, the eternal hostility between France and England seems outdated. Yet the position of the two best enemies competing again during the last World Cuprugby is debatable. Historians even speak of the « Hundred Years War » which since the nineteenth century, is used to describe the period of the wars of Louis XIV to those of Napoleon, one of the highlights of the Anglo-French hatred. In reality it is hard to believe relations between France and England in modern times under a different mode than the confrontation between two divergent andcompeting models.

Beyond the diversity and multiplicity of the two countries, is there a real unity?

The « rosbifs » are hypocritical, frumpy, drink too much beer and flavor all their dishes with mint sauce. The « Froggies » are arrogant, dirty, treacherous, rude and always on strike.

These two identities are constructed in opposition to one another. However, recent studies on literature, economicsand society highlight the importance of similarities between the two countries.

First we will focus on the historical origins of the conflict between the English and French. Furthermore we see that the Channel has played an important role in the differences between these two countries.

To begin the comparison, we will analyze both economic and political systems. On one side the sea power ofthe United Kingdom and the other continental power of France. Then we focus on the European question. We will see that the UK is reluctant to face the European and Euro while France is very favorable.

Finally, we will observe the cultural, social and religious differences between France and United Kingdom. However we will see that the two countries have similarities in the literary and culinarybut also that they can be complementary in several aspects.

I. United Kingdom and France, always neighboring countries

1. The origins of the conflict

All started in 911 by the conflict between France and Great Britain. The French king was forced by the English Viking to give the territory of Normandy. After the invasion in 1337, a new dispute appeared. Britain had pretensions to thethrone of France. The war has divided chronologically into four major events of combat. One victory was for the French, one other for the British. Finally, Jeanne d’Arc led France and pushed the British. The war, which lasted 116 years, was finally over.

Beyond this conflict, the Channel which separates the two countries has always been an object of tension. It also has a story. The Channel was anundefined space during a long time and the process of building a border is slow: it extends from the second half of the seventeenth century to the early nineteenth century. From the beginning of the century, the sea takes two names: “The Channel” and “La Manche”. England becomes a true maritime power with The British or English Channel.

This competition reflects the linguistic tensions betweenFrance and England across the Channel. The rivalry grows and each seeks to appropriate the maritime space. However, treaties can resolve disagreements fairly easily on this point.

2. A monarchy vs a Republic

The Monarchy of the United Kingdom (Commonly Referred to as The British Monarchy) is the constitutional monarchy of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. The present monarch,Elizabeth II, has reigned since February 6, 1952. As a constitutional monarch, the Queen is limited to non-partisan functions. She has bestowing honors such as dissolving parliament and appointing the Prime Minister.

The Fifth Republic is the republican regime in force in France since October 4, 1958, governed by the Constitution of 1958. It succeeded the Fourth Republic established in 1946….