Thande
Donor
I'm currently reading A History of the Union Jack, and I wasn't aware that the first attempt at uniting the English and Scottish Parliaments was actually made in 1606 and, surprisingly, proposed by the Scottish Parliament and turned down by the English.
This was part of James VI and I's plan to create a united 'Kingdom of Great Britain' (which would not be realised in law for another 100 years). Our Parliament apparently opposed it on the grounds that it would destroy the unique 'English-ness'. (Interesting parallels with the EU there...)
In James' own words:
Now we all know what happened in OTL and James' Posterity ruled for less than a century. But WI the English Parliament had accepted a Union in 1606?
It would be helpful, of course, if this kind of rhetoric was toned down (did I mention the echo with the EU?)...
This was part of James VI and I's plan to create a united 'Kingdom of Great Britain' (which would not be realised in law for another 100 years). Our Parliament apparently opposed it on the grounds that it would destroy the unique 'English-ness'. (Interesting parallels with the EU there...)
In James' own words:
Do we not yet remember, that this Kingdom [England] was divided into seven little Kingdoms, besides Wales, and is it not now the stronger by their Union? And has not the Union of Wales to England added a greater strength thereto?
...
I desire a perfect Union of Laws and Persons, and such a Naturalising as may make one Body of both Kingdoms under me your King. That I and my Posterity (if it so please God) may rule over you to the World's End; Such a Union as was of the Scots and Picts in Scotland, and of the Heptarchy here in England.
Now we all know what happened in OTL and James' Posterity ruled for less than a century. But WI the English Parliament had accepted a Union in 1606?
It would be helpful, of course, if this kind of rhetoric was toned down (did I mention the echo with the EU?)...
Shake Hands with Union, O thou mighty State
Now thou art all Great Britain and no more,
No Scot, no English now, nor no debate,
No borders but the Ocean and the shore.