21st Century

• What new challenges did the 21st century bring to the United Kingdom?


  The rise of terrorism, conflicts in the Middle East, and shifting relationships with Europe
• What significant political event in the UK was influenced by the challenges of the 21st century?


  The Brexit referendum and the nation’s withdrawal from the European Union
• How did the rise of terrorism impact the United Kingdom in the 21st century?


  It led to increased security measures and changes in foreign policy
• What were the implications of the conflicts in the Middle East for the UK?


  They influenced military involvement and diplomatic relations
• What was the outcome of the Brexit referendum for the United Kingdom?


  The nation withdrew from the European Union
• What does the term 'shifting relationships with Europe' refer to in the context of the 21st century UK?


  Changes in political, economic, and social ties between the UK and European countries
• What event reshaped global security strategies on September 11, 2001?


  The terrorist attacks on the United States
• How did the UK respond to the 9/11 attacks?


  The UK became a key ally in the War on Terror
• What was the main objective of the UK joining the US-led coalition in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021?


  • Remove the Taliban from power
  • Dismantle Al-Qaeda
  • Engage in counterinsurgency operations
• How long did British troops remain in Afghanistan?


  Two decades
• What was the rationale behind Britain's support for the US invasion of Iraq in 2003?


  To topple Saddam Hussein due to the threat of weapons of mass destruction
• What were the consequences of the lack of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq?


  It drew significant criticism domestically and internationally
• What major events heightened concerns over national security in the UK?

  The London bombings (7/7) in 2005 and the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017
• What were the outcomes of the high-profile terrorist attacks in the UK?


  • Heightened concerns over national security
  • Increased surveillance
  • Enhanced counterterrorism efforts
• When did the UK join the European Economic Community (EEC)?


  1973
• What were the main benefits of the UK's membership in the EEC?


  Economic benefits
• What led to frequent disputes between the UK and EU institutions?

  Tensions over sovereignty and immigration
• What currency did the UK retain instead of adopting the euro?


  Pound sterling
• What does the UK's opt-out of the euro currency signify?


  Ambivalence about deeper European integration
• Which political factions in the UK expressed concerns about EU influence?

  Conservative and nationalist factions
• What was a significant outcome of growing concerns about EU influence in the UK?


  Calls for a referendum on EU membership
• What date was the Brexit referendum held?


  June 23, 2016
• What percentage of voters supported leaving the EU in the Brexit referendum?


  52%
• What was a significant consequence of the Brexit referendum?


  It sparked political upheaval in the UK
• Who was the Prime Minister that negotiated the withdrawal agreement during Brexit?


  Theresa May
• What was the outcome of Theresa May's efforts to pass the withdrawal agreement?


  She struggled to pass it through Parliament
• Who replaced Theresa May as Prime Minister?

  Boris Johnson (July 24, 2019 - September 6, 2022)
• What approach did Boris Johnson take regarding Brexit?


  He pushed for a hard Brexit
• When did the UK officially leave the EU?


  January 31, 2020
• What were some of the economic impacts of Brexit?


  It disrupted trade and immigration policies
• How did Brexit affect relations with Scotland and Northern Ireland?


  It led to tensions due to pro-EU sentiments
• What special status did Northern Ireland have post-Brexit?


  It had a special trade status with the EU
• What debates were reignited due to Northern Ireland's status after Brexit?


  Debates over Irish unity
• What did the UK seek after leaving the EU?


  New trade deals and a redefined global role
• Which countries did the UK emphasize ties with after Brexit?


  The United States, Commonwealth nations, and emerging markets