The history of the United States is closely tied to that of the United Kingdom. Since the inception of the United States, the two countries have had a complex relationship, both economically and politically. The US has taken much of the basis from Great Britain, including its culture, legal system, and language. Additionally, the US has experienced an unrivaled success in most aspects, which makes understanding Britain’s legacy to our nation even more important.
The US Constitution was heavily influenced by documents created in the British Parliament such as the Magna Carta in 1215 and the English Civil War of 1642-1651. The authors of the US Constitution drew heavily upon the experience of Great Britain in creating the most successful government that the world has ever seen. The British influence can be seen throughout the US Constitution from the shifting of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches as well as the strong protection of the rights of the individual.
Due to Britain’s economic system, the US inherited a financial system that was based upon a gold and silver system. This system formed the basis of the US currency, and it still exists today as an important part of the American economy. In addition, the US has been heavily influenced by Great Britain in terms of foreign policy. The US followed a path of unilateral action in pursuit of its own interests while also seeking to find common ground with its international allies and partners.
In addition to the various economic and political aspects, the US has also been greatly influenced by Britain in terms of its culture. The US has adopted language, customs, and social norms from Britain. Americans generally find themselves drawn to British fashion, music, and art as well. Even today, the UK and US are often seen as two nations divided by a common language.
The influence of Britain on the US is plain to see, not only in economics and politics, but also in culture. The US has clearly been shaped in many ways by the legacy of Great Britain. Although the two countries have had their moments of disagreement, they are undeniably linked in too many ways to ignore. Without doubt, understanding the way that Britain has shaped the US is an integral part of American history.
Religous Influence
The US has also received its fair share of inspiration from British religion and traditions. In colonial America, most religion was based on Christianity, from Anglicanism to Puritanism. Both of these denominations still exist in the US today and are still quite influential. In addition, there is a strong influence from British folk traditions, such as Christmas, Easter, and other holy days. These folk traditions help to maintain a sense of tradition and are a strong reminder of the cultural ties between the two countries.
The US has continued to take notes from Britain when it comes to religious practice. The Episcopal Church in the US has direct ties to the Church of England, and many evangelical Christians in America look to the UK for guidance. Additionally, the US has seen an increase in the number of Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus in recent years, which can be attributed in part to the various cultures that have immigrated from Britain.
The US has also embraced the idea of religious tolerance and multiculturalism, which is closely linked to the British model of a secular society. This allows for a variety of religious beliefs to exist side by side in the US. This has been an integral part of the US since its inception, and it continues to shape our culture to this day.
Educational Influence
The US has taken a great deal of influence from Britain in terms of education as well, particularly in the area of higher learning. The US has eagerly embraced British university culture and many of our most prestigious universities, such as Harvard and Yale, were modelled after the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Additionally, many of the finest American thinkers have been educated at the universities of Britain.
The US also inherited an educational system from Great Britain, which involves a centralized curriculum and standardized testing. This type of system is still seen in the US today, and while it can have its drawbacks, it has been an important part of the structure of the US education system. Even certain testing strategies, such as multiple-choice and true-false, can be traced back to Great Britain.
Finally, the US has followed a similar path to Britain when it comes to the education of women and minorities. In the US, women and people of color were not originally granted the same opportunities or advantages as their white, male counterparts. This changed in the 19th century in the US, mirroring similar victories in the UK in terms of rights and equality. This is indicative of the impact that Britain has had on the US education system.
Military Influence
The US has learned a great deal from the military tactics used in Britain, and this influence can still be seen in US military strategy today. US forces have had a long history of cooperation and working alongside the British military, and this has helped to spread some of the leadership qualities and battlefield abilities that are seen in the British forces. This influence can be seen in the fierce loyalty and camaraderie of US forces, which is seen as a reflection of the British example.
In addition, the US has also adopted many of the military technologies that have been used in Britain, such as cannons, tanks, and warships. Additionally, the US has adopted many of the weapons and tactics that have been used in Great Britain, such as the bayonet and cavalry tactics. This can all be attributed to the close cooperation between the two nations, as well as the mutual respect that has developed.
Finally, the US has been greatly influenced by British strategy, both on the battlefield and in terms of geopolitical relations. The US has often followed a “British-style” policy of diplomacy, which seeks to maintain a balance of power and prevent a major conflict. The US-UK alliance is an example of this, and it has been an integral part of US hegemony.
Political Influence
The US has also gained a great deal of political influence from the British system of government. The US derives its elections and legislatures directly from the British system, as well as its executive and judicial systems. This influence has extended to nearly all aspects of the US government, from taxation laws to criminal justice. Additionally, the US has been heavily influenced by the British example in terms of its foreign policy.
The US has followed the British example of seeking to balance power in global affairs. The US-UK alliance is a perfect example of this, as the two countries work together to maintain global stability. This type of cooperative approach has been a hallmark of US foreign policy since the country began, and it has been heavily influenced by the British precedent.
Finally, the US has also taken a great deal of its political leadership from Britain. Many of the founders of the US were steeped in the politics of the British Parliament, and this can be seen in their rhetoric and writings. Additionally, many of the US’s presidents have heavily relied on the example of British Prime Ministers in terms of their leadership styles. This can be seen in the way that US presidents often seek to maintain international alliances and promote a cooperative approach to foreign policy.
Economic Influence
The US has been heavily influenced by the economic system of Great Britain. The US has adopted the same type of free-market system that is used in the UK, and this has been a cornerstone of the US economy since its inception. Additionally, the US has taken a great deal of its banking system from Britain, as well as its financial regulations and monetary policies.
The US has also inherited the concept of entrepreneurship from Britain, and this has been a major factor in the US’s economic development. The US is a land of opportunity where individual creativity and hard work are rewarded. This can be traced back to the British example, which has been a beacon for other nations in terms of economic growth and prosperity.
Finally, the US has been heavily influenced by Britain in terms of trade relations. The US has long been linked to the British Empire in terms of trade, and this connection has continued in the modern era. The US and UK continue to have a strong economic relationship, and this has been instrumental in the success of both countries.
Social Influence
The US has also been heavily influenced by Britain in terms of social norms. The US has adopted a more relaxed attitude to religion and morality, which is not seen in many other countries, and this can be attributed in part to the British example. Additionally, the US has adopted a more individualistic outlook on life, which is seen in the entrepreneurial spirit and personal freedoms that are enjoyed in the US.
The US has also taken a great deal of its political dialogue and discourse from the British system. This includes the ability to engage in constructive debate and to voice one’s opinion without fear of censure or reprisal. This type of freedom of speech is often seen as a defining feature of the US and can be traced back to the example of the British Parliament.
Finally, the US has been heavily influenced by Britain in terms of cuisine and lifestyle. This is evident in the popularity of steak and kidney pie, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie in the US. Additionally, the US has embraced the British tradition of afternoon tea and the idea of a quiet village lifestyle.
Legal Influence
The US has been greatly influenced by British law and legal philosophy. The US legal system is based largely upon the British system of Common Law, and many of the laws that are in place today
