A Brief History Lesson

Since I am here in Britain, I would also like to jump at the chance to get to know more about this country. I noticed, that there is a confusion about the definitions, when you ask people on the streets. Most of them are referring to "England" but mean "Great Britain". What about the "United Kingdom" and what is the "Common Wealth"? What is the difference between "Great Britain" and "United Kingdom"?

"Britain" is often being used as the colloquial term for "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland", which is the official name of this country. "Great Britain" consists of the three parts "England", "Scotland" and "Wales". The "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" has been founded in 1801 with an "Act of Parliament".

Before that time, in the Middle Ages, Wales consisted of multiple Kingdoms and Princedoms. Around 1300 the English took control and in 1536, Wales was "integrated" into England by a law.

Scotland and England were separate kingdoms until in 1603 King James VI of Scotland (or King James I of England) successed Queen Elisabeth I creating the "Kingdom of Great Britain". In 1707 both countries were finally merged.

Since the 12th Century, Ireland was under English influence until it had been integrated into Great Britain in 1801 . In 1922 the southern part of Ireland segregated and became the "Republic of Ireland". (Thanks Ursi for the information provided)