Britons: Forging the Nation, 1707-1837

xxxi, [1], 442 pp. Includes maps and numerous reproductions of early illustrations and documents. During the 120 years covered by this book, the Scots, Welsh, English, and to some extent the Irish began to think of themselves as Britons. Many forces combined to create this new identity in the minds of these people. One of the most important was the almost-constant warfare against France, and hence the need for protected shipping made British identity an economic advantage for the Scots. Fear of invasion and the need for soldiers helped expand the roles of ordinary men and women and at the same time increased their feelings of patriotism. Colley has reinterpreted some old theories and offers evidence to support her views. She also shows that some changes that seem to have been sudden actually were part of the logical progression of these early movements. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.