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238 Years Of The (Dis)United Kingdom

Tyler Durden's picture




 

As the World anxiously awaits the results of today's Scottish Referendum for independence from The United Kingdom, we thought a little context on just how many 'nations' have left over the last 238 years...

 

 

Source: GlobalPost

*  *  *

And As The Onion reports,

Projecting from the rate of territorial decline over the last two centuries, experts predicted Thursday that the British Empire will be reduced to an area of eight acres surrounding Buckingham Palace by as early as 2050.

 

“Considering the loss of its colonial possessions around the world over the years, as well as Scotland’s current independence campaign, we project that the once vast and mighty British Empire will soon reach only a few hundred feet beyond the property lines of the royal palace,” said Oxford University political science professor Patrick Withers, adding that within 35 years, the sum total of British-held territory will likely extend from Upper Belgrave St. a few blocks west of Buckingham Palace to just a small fraction of St. James’s Park to the east.

 

“According to even the most generous estimates, the England of 2050 will no longer include the British Museum, most of the River Thames, or the Houses of Parliament, which will present extraordinary difficulties in governance and sustaining British identity at all.”

 

Withers went on to say that within 100 years, the British Empire may be reduced to the Queen’s throne room and part of the hallway outside.

*  *  *

It's funny coz it's true.

 

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Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:38 | 5230891 unionbroker
unionbroker's picture

how did you get 1931 for Canada?

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:39 | 5230896 InjectTheVenom
InjectTheVenom's picture

someone plz wake me up when it's Texas' turn  (or ID or WY  etc ...)  Thanx !!

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:04 | 5230999 The9thDoctor
The9thDoctor's picture

Despite being "Independent" virtually every nation on this map is still under City of London banking control.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:29 | 5231094 Keyser
Keyser's picture

Ah, the good old days of British colonialism... I particularly enjoyed the era of the opium wars with China... Such civilized folks the British... 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:35 | 5231114 TerminalDebt
TerminalDebt's picture

Queenie needs to get her sword out and lead a war of conquest from horseback

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:53 | 5231181 Pool Shark
Pool Shark's picture

 

 

No mention of Hong Kong?

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:10 | 5231234 Things that go bump
Things that go bump's picture

That was only leased for 99 years. When the lease ran out, the Chinese wanted it back. 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 17:08 | 5231442 NoDecaf
NoDecaf's picture

5pm eastern time...polls should be closed there now

dun-dun-dun-duuuun (dramatic sound)

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 07:04 | 5233128 svayambhu108
svayambhu108's picture

Interesting how exactly these countries support the "western policy" or/and are US puppets, I guess the independence is still 0.9 beta.

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:17 | 5231286 Carl Spackler
Carl Spackler's picture

Keyser,

The current era of British Colonialism may be called the Hopium Wars...when historians look back and analyze what b.s. was spewed upon the populace and additional fiat currency printed on the central bank's presses, throughout this era.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:35 | 5231342 Keyser
Keyser's picture

We all know who and what is behind the City of London and thus, the British Empire be it as it may... The only problem is how do you ferret out scoundrels that literally own everyone and everything? The lust for wealth and power has driven the world insane... Just look at us, any one of the tribes that inhabit this rock... None of us are innocent... 

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:36 | 5231120 Dingleberry
Dingleberry's picture

The doctor is correct.

Economic control is the only control.

Everything esle is just for show.

Ironically, 3/4ths of the nations on the list are shit holes that would be better off being actual subjects again.

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:00 | 5231204 css1971
css1971's picture

The commonwealth didn't deliver?

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:51 | 5231393 Zero Govt
Zero Govt's picture

the Commonwealth, which we ignore, is growing faster than the EU socialist shithole in terminal decline, which we joined

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:12 | 5231270 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

I will provide Zero Hedging in predicting the outcome:  NO Independence!

BTW, someone posted a Poll on ZH yesterday, and > 75% of ZHers predicted "YES".  I voted "No".

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 18:36 | 5231810 Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull's picture

According to this map, it is OK for Spain to claim Gibraltar...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:42 | 5231142 Dubaibanker
Dubaibanker's picture

Starting from USA's Independence in 1783 and Scotland tomorrow, dozens of countries have left the clutches of the British empire in more than 200 years.

I mentioned it here, the other day. Wiki link and all...

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-09-14/uks-cameron-warns-scots-no-way-...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:42 | 5230906 Hengist
Hengist's picture

Ireland Independence was 1922 but I think the 1931 status comes from being made a Dominion.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:04 | 5230997 Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day's picture

Over the past few hundred years there was no diebold, the poorwill lose again

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:43 | 5230909 oddjob
oddjob's picture

Statute of Westminster 1931

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:57 | 5230974 pods
pods's picture

If the Old Bag is still on your currency you haven't really left.

pods

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:05 | 5231008 oddjob
oddjob's picture

She still comes around to sacrifice children every now and again.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:54 | 5231407 Zero Govt
Zero Govt's picture

thankfully the Queen doesn't run the country as going by the divorces, fallouts and feuds amongst her children her family planning leaves alot to be desired 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:23 | 5231080 JuliaS
Thu, 09/18/2014 - 17:01 | 5231424 thetruthhurts
thetruthhurts's picture

Looks like a trend....

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:41 | 5230894 InjectTheVenom
InjectTheVenom's picture

.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:52 | 5230950 Bangalore Equit...
Bangalore Equity Trader's picture

Listen. This article is about withdrawing the Venom.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:45 | 5230898 knukles
knukles's picture

I say, Smedley, terribly wrong loosing the Empire, what?  Bloody Labourites.  Bringing the Kingdom to her knees.  Even our cousins cross the pond will think we've no power what with the Scots left, eh?  Think we're subsumed by the bloody wogs, wouldn't one?  See you at the Club for a bite at noon, eh? 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:49 | 5230937 NidStyles
NidStyles's picture

Wish the bastards would speak real English...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:57 | 5230969 ACP
ACP's picture

Ah never mind that, bloke. I sees me a sweet little tart I'd like to give a little how's your father with my little todger. I'd better not fanny around and chivvy along and before those nancy boys totty her up too much, yeah?

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:58 | 5230980 pods
pods's picture

Go for a chav princess, they put out.

pods

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:42 | 5230907 JustObserving
JustObserving's picture

Hope this is wrong:

Microsoft's Bing predicts a "No" vote, preserving Scotland's place in the UK. Voting is under way.

48.7% Yes 51.3% No

https://twitter.com/pcworld/status/512666123196567552/photo/1

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:52 | 5230951 Spastica Rex
Spastica Rex's picture

What's a "bing?"

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:16 | 5231062 edifice
edifice's picture

Cousin of "bada" and "boop".

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:40 | 5231127 knukles
knukles's picture

nephew of "bang"

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:14 | 5231272 Steroid
Steroid's picture

"What's a "bing?"

The cherry picker's favorite.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:19 | 5231067 JuliaS
JuliaS's picture

The markets are reacting as if the vote's already been fixed. I'm pretty sure majority supports independence. Just as sure the majority will loose. Soros and his kind will make sure of that.

Scotland is no Crimea. They've got no external supporters and the negative example which their separation would present to EU states cannot and won't be allowed.

Then again, who knows. I might get to eat my hat on that one.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:35 | 5231118 StupidEarthlings
StupidEarthlings's picture

I dunno..is there any voting in these times that aint rigged?

If they can rig it..they will. 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 19:20 | 5231139 JuliaS
JuliaS's picture

Voting process in itself is a proxy war between interest groups. The beauty of a representative democracy is that no person can find out first hand what the majority actually is. One has to trust representatives to tell him what the world outside the box is like.

So you are correct. All votes are rigged. In Scotland, anti-separation riggers have more money than pro-separation riggers.

Markets freaked out when the referendum was first proposed, but then as media began handling it, nervousness dissipated. "Vote no" propaganda is spreading, so I think they're not trying to persuade voters, but to sell the already-determined result.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 18:04 | 5231683 cart00ner
cart00ner's picture

Just voted your comment up to test that theory... But seriously I agree, Obumer hinted weeks ago that the vote would be no, and you have to question why they have banned media speculation on the tally results until they are in?

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 19:53 | 5232084 All is chosen
All is chosen's picture

I'm a retired Scot. Out of 27 friends, 26 will be voting No.

 "Pretty sure" you said?

We are all against the landed gentry and bankster rule, but dividing the peasants isn't the way to fight back!

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:21 | 5231305 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

So, in spite of all the Independence events in history, Quebecker and Scots just can't get it done.

Pansies!

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:46 | 5230919 yogibear
yogibear's picture

The way the UK is going it may become part of the middle east.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:50 | 5230932 RaceToTheBottom
RaceToTheBottom's picture

Burkas in British Racing Green!!!

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:48 | 5230921 Salsipuedes
Salsipuedes's picture

SELL THE DIP(shits)!

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:48 | 5230929 RaceToTheBottom
RaceToTheBottom's picture

dupe

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:50 | 5230936 Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights's picture

Didn't make it into this morning's initial claims total:
Microsoft lays off 2,100 as part of earlier job cut plan
| Reuters

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:51 | 5230944 Let them eat iPads
Let them eat iPads's picture

Soon it'll just be England by itself, overrun by arabs - totally irrelevant.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:53 | 5230948 Barnaby
Barnaby's picture

1776 = biggest fleece job in history

There is no independence, only prison for ever and ever.

The only way out? Free Republic of Colorado, Free Republic of Vermont, Free Texas Republic. Fuck this shit.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:56 | 5230968 Bangalore Equit...
Bangalore Equity Trader's picture

Listen. The only thing free you USSA'ers will have is a NSA boot up your ass. lol.

Fools forever.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:57 | 5230971 libertus
libertus's picture

Really? I live in Vermont--there is no way the people will ever seperate from the US. Where would all the welfare payments and pork come from? Maple Syrup? Llama wool? Barnaby must be friends with that nut Prof. from Champlain College who always talks about succession. 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:04 | 5231005 Barnaby
Barnaby's picture

Like I said, only prison for ever and ever.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:22 | 5231078 therearetoomany...
therearetoomanyidiots's picture

I lived in in Vermont...I'm with you libertus.   The only reason VT is seen as liberal is because of all the section 8 money they took in the big 'cities' from the feds to house heroin junkies, meth addicts, alcoholics and hangers on.    Real vermonters are as conservative as it gets.    Probably the single most conservative aspect of vermont is the idea that you only need a VT drivers license to walk into any grocery and provisions store or gun shop to purchase a gun and ammo.   Oh, and to conceal carry.  

But the crap reputation Vermont has earned is from fucktards like howard dean, all of whom come from NY, NJ, lower CT to live in the the peaceful and 'different' environment of Vermont but then climb into the small town politics and fuck everything up with things like leash laws and gold towns (a concept of taking money from those that do and giving to those that don't).   In this case, a town like say, Ludlow which has a ski area, is considered a 'gold town'.   Their taxes are extremely high including property taxes.   So, the woman who inheritied her parents' ten acre farm on south hill, well, she had to sell it because she was a waitress at a restaurant, made decent money but couldn't afford the tax burden.   Now she has to rent and live in a shit hole.   Oh, and the property, bought by a developer who split it up and built a whole 'neighborhood'.   True story.  Nice lady, fucking pols.  

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:18 | 5231294 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

Free CASCADIA!

BTW, for the first time ever, pasting www.cascadianow.org into the URL address, caused an "Unusual Traffic" pop-up, which asks for Captcha letters to be typed.  WTF!?

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:58 | 5230970 JustObserving
JustObserving's picture
Pound hits two-year high as Scotland votes


Sterling reached 78.53p against the euro, the highest level since August 20, 2012


The pound hit a two-year high against the euro on Thursday as markets increasingly bet that Scotland will vote in favour of remaining part of the United Kingdom.

Sterling reached 78.53p against the euro, the highest level since August 20, 2012. The currency also struck a two-week high against the dollar, at $1.6409, in afternoon trading in London.

"The pound's reaction clearly suggests investors are convinced that the Scots will vote to stay in the union," said Fawad Razaqzada, technical analyst at traders Forex.com

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/currency/11107001/Pound-hits-two-year...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:01 | 5230984 Blackfox
Blackfox's picture

Hong Kong?

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:10 | 5231028 The9thDoctor
The9thDoctor's picture

Hong Kong isn't "independent". It was "handed over" to China in 1997.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:27 | 5231091 Pendolino
Pendolino's picture

It wasn't handed over, it was handed back. The UK had a 99 year lease.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:05 | 5231222 The9thDoctor
The9thDoctor's picture

Hence, I put "handed over" in quotes.

Prince Charles called it the "Chinese Takeaway".

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:01 | 5230989 Bioscale
Bioscale's picture

Just vote yes, don't let City shit on your heads!

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:02 | 5230994 huggy_in_london
huggy_in_london's picture

Or you could look at it as "hey look at all these countries England founded, and enlightened".

But thats not an angry, hater statement so lets forget it and go back to beeing angry at everything and everybody here....

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:12 | 5231041 Spastica Rex
Spastica Rex's picture

All those countries of the Empire just never understood how good things were.

Especially India, that large country in Asia, founded by England.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:41 | 5231141 css1971
css1971's picture

Who knew there was more than one type of Indians.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:54 | 5231182 css1971
css1971's picture

Enlightened... The historic British Empire's euphemism for "exporting democracy".

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:10 | 5231022 DeliciousSteak
DeliciousSteak's picture

Having overseas possessions was relevant when most countries/regions weren't integrated into the global chain of commerce. Once that got done "empire" lost its meaning. The countries that aren't integrated yet are in chaos, or facing economic restrictions to push them into submission or chaos.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:10 | 5231026 insanelysane
insanelysane's picture

Losing Scotland isn't about losing Scotland, it's about the EU losing members.  All of the fear mongering about how hard it will be to set up their own currency will be shown to be rather easy if Scotland gets their chance and then all of those EU member countries will say, well Scotland did it.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:12 | 5231033 Frank N. Beans
Frank N. Beans's picture

Many of those countries still have the queen on their coins, bills, and postage stamps.  Commonwealth and all that.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:12 | 5231039 css1971
css1971's picture

One can only hope.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:15 | 5231058 edifice
edifice's picture

Any UK government buildings outside of the border will become exclaves. Like, Berlin being totally surrounded by East Germany.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:21 | 5231074 alexcojones
alexcojones's picture

Zerohedge is waaaaaaay funnier than the Onion.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:58 | 5231196 Salsipuedes
Salsipuedes's picture

They just try to get "the best possible version of the truth" (so far). It's the facts that kill me. I look like shit but those are laugh lines, trust me.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:25 | 5231084 therearetoomany...
therearetoomanyidiots's picture

And anyone thinks 'they' will allow this.    How do you think Chalky got elected.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:30 | 5231099 nodhannum
nodhannum's picture

double post

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:28 | 5231100 nodhannum
nodhannum's picture

Just as the Indians kicked the brits out and made them go home, the brits would love to have all the residents of the former colonies sent packing back to their respective hell holes.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:41 | 5231132 Uskatex
Uskatex's picture

Withers also predicts that, within 130 years, the British Empire will be reduced just to the Queen's pu**y.

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:47 | 5231157 Dull Care
Dull Care's picture

The English needs to get Abe Lincoln and Sherman to put down a rebellion in Scotland. If I understood American history classes correctly, this is the only appropriate and civilized response to a political unit wanting to become independent.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:14 | 5231205 Gimp
Gimp's picture

The British Empire ...when men were men and boys were very afraid of get buggered. Or was that the Royal Navy? Rum, sodomy and the lash!

Long live the monarchy..........or whatever

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 17:55 | 5231641 Pie rre
Pie rre's picture

I recall a book written by Hans Turley by that name.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 18:04 | 5231689 NuYawkFrankie
NuYawkFrankie's picture

re ...and boys were very afraid of getting buggered

Not to mention the sheep...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 17:08 | 5231446 NuYawkFrankie
NuYawkFrankie's picture

In the interests of accuracy:

 

The countries mentioned above gained independence from the British Empire - not from the United Kingdom.

 The United Kingdom has only every consisted of the "Home" countries of England, Wales, Scotland & Ireland (later N.Ireland, after The Replublic Of Ireland seceded from the United KIngdom in 1922).

Regardless, here's hoping Scotland follows Eire's example.

 

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 17:11 | 5231453 Goldenballs
Goldenballs's picture

Honk Kong Island was given forever,the New Territories were leased and contained the fresh water supplies hence it  all went back.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 17:37 | 5231550 honestann
honestann's picture

Just say yes... to independence.

Especially individual independence.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 18:35 | 5231798 absente reo
absente reo's picture

Well didn't we do well. Show me another country that colonised so much of the globe and spread democracy and capitalism. Sure, we made mistakes, but fucking hell, you're going to break a few eggs if you're going to bring civilisation to half of the fucking globe. 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 18:40 | 5231817 wankawanka
wankawanka's picture

Independent in name only.  Many of these former colonies still have a Governor General, who acts as the Queens viceroy with the power to veto.  Then again the Bank of England Rothchild is the one bank that rules them all...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 20:18 | 5232170 Rootin' for Putin
Rootin' for Putin's picture

U (k) 238.  Sounds ominous.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 03:24 | 5232979 onmail
onmail's picture

deserves...

Their East India company caused deaths of more than 10 million people in India.

They shot dead thousands of people (unarmed civilians) in 1919 in just one hour using machine guns.

They caused starvation & famines . They looted all the treasures, gold , silver , diamonds etc .

Proof?

The big diamond in the crown of British Queen. 

It is a Blood Diamond.

Souls of 10000000+ human beings.

That makes her the greatest witch who harvested most souls.

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