Union with David Olusoga

20231 series
Available on
BBC Two

King James united the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603, but it was not until the Act of Union in 1707 that the two kingdoms transformed into Great Britain. David Olusoga delves into the long struggle to create a new state during a period of societal upheaval, war, and political instability. In his exploration of Britain's complex history of national identity, Olusoga interweaves the past with the present to shine a light on the fault lines that define and divide the country's fractured modern society.

The Making of Britain: Episode Image
Episode 1The Making of Britain

David Olusoga discovers how Scotland joined England and Wales to form Great Britain.

Creating Britishness: Episode Image
Episode 2Creating Britishness

In the face of multiple threats to the union, a new sense of British identity emerges.

The Two Nations: Episode Image
Episode 3The Two Nations

A new working-class identity emerges, uniting the four nations. Famine comes to Ireland.

Union and Disunion: Episode Image
Episode 4Union and Disunion

A sense of national unity emerges after World War II, but new divisions create questions.

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