The Uses of History: Anglo-British and Scottish Views of Europe

Abstract

This essay investigates the effect of uses of history in shaping public attitudes to the European Union in the case of the United Kingdom. It argues that perceptions of historical experiences still exert a significant influence in forming public opinions on European integration. In order to illustrate this, it proposes to disaggregate the ‘British’ view to the Anglo-British and Scottish views of Europe. The essay notes that mobilisation of historical memory or ideas about the nation based on a particular perception of history in public discourses plays an important role in moulding particular public attitudes to Europe in the UK. It concludes with policy recommendations that pro-European aspects of the English past need to be sought and brought into the public discourse so as to nurture a European identity in the UK.