Greater Greece and Greater Britain; and, George Washington, the Expander of England.
by Edward A. Freeman (1823–1892)
- Free to read
- 2 hours to read
- 7 chapters
- Reading level: 10th to 12th grade
"Greater Greece and Greater Britain; and, George Washington, the Expander of England" by Edward A. Freeman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work presents two separate lectures that explore the concepts of colonialism and political identity through the parallels between ancient Greece and Britain, particularly in the context of their respective expansions and cultural impacts. The first lecture focuses on the historical significance of Greater Greece, particularly its colonies, while the second lecture celebrates George Washington's role in shaping a new identity for the English-speaking people in America, contrasting it with the earlier colonial ties. The opening of this work introduces the author's reflections on the meanings of "Greater Greece" and "Greater Britain." Freeman explores the historical roots of these terms, emphasizing the interactions and cultural exchanges that occurred as a result of colonization. He highlights the differences between the citizen-based colonies of ancient Greece and the subject-based expansions of modern Britain, underscoring how both societies maintained connections to their respective motherlands despite political separations. Through this analysis, Freeman sets the stage for a deeper examination of political allegiance, identity, and the legacy of historical figures like George Washington, all of which he juxtaposes with the political configurations of ancient city-states.
- Washington, George, 1732-1799
- Imperial federation
- Great Britain · Colonies
Read the opening
Greater Greece and Greater Britain
The name of Greater Britain is one which of late years has become strangely familiar. It is possible that a generation back the words might have fallen harshly on patriotic ears. We were then used to believe that the Britain in which we lived was so great that there could be none greater. The name of “Great Britain” was perhaps used without any very clear notion of its history; but it was at least accepted as implying greatness of some kind. Whatever may have been the exact meaning with which the name of “Greater Britain” was first brought in, it was, we may be sure, suggested by the seemingly older phrase of “Great Britain.” Those who first spoke of “Greater Britain” perhaps hardly knew that the name is as old as that of “Great Britain,” and, more than this, that “Great Britain” and “Greater Britain” are in truth phrases of exactly the same meaning. I would not venture to say how much older the name of “Magna Britannia” may be than its somewhat irregular employment in the royal style by James Sixth and First. But “Greater Britain,” “Major Britannia,” is undoubtedly as old as the twelfth century. We perhaps sometimes forget that, besides this our isle of Britain, there is another Britain on the continent, no other than the land which, by a slight change of ending, we commonly call Britanny. But in Latin and in French the two names are the same, Britannia and Bretagne. The one land is Bretagne, the other is Grande-Bretagne; the one is Britannia minor, the other is Britannia major. In short, the Britain of the island, the Great or Greater Britain, was so called simply to distinguish it from the Lesser Britain on the mainland.
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About this edition
This free edition of Greater Greece and Greater Britain; and, George Washington, the Expander of England. by Edward A. Freeman comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #47908, released 2015-01-07. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: History - American, History - British, History - European, History - Ancient.
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