The UK is stronger together than it can be apart. That's the reason it was formed in the first place.
I'd probably vote no to breaking up the union, but I'd like to get rid of the term Britain and British because no one on the fucking planet outside the UK and ROI understands Scottish is British and Scotland is in Great Britain.
TheConradeRoss no it wont Scotland will never leave Britain and become independent for a number of reason 1.england and Scotland are too interlinked by are army,royal family,banks,trade,land and blood lines 2. What would Scotland be as independent just another small weak country in the EU but as britain it is rish and powerful and one of the strongest country in the world 3, most of the people in Scotland no that it world be a very bad idea for Scotland to leave , apart England and Scotland ar
it was alot more sinister than that my friend. England had this planned and offered to help at first, they also blockaded Scottish ports and sunk any ships returning from "New Caledonia" and bribed Scottish land owners in to Unionism. No one got a vote in Scotland. Any way that's that in brief and its in the past...2014 Scotland will be Independent again!
For goodness sake this video blatantly ignores many important aspects of Union. England, not Scotland had the large national debt in 1707 and the union destroyed Scotland's long established trade links to the low countries and France. Further King William (the so-called protestant hero) actually sided with Catholic Spain to make sure the Scottish colony failed...geez I know these are only short videos but it would be better not to portray such a one sided view of history.
@1990MattyD Where did I insult anyone's race? You threatened to move from Scotland to England if Scotland became a real country, so why don't you just move down south just now then if you hate it so much, leave your work and family and move south, you are not wanted.
Love this!! I've always thought that the reason Americans are confused is because we are correctly taught that the US was colonized by the English in the early and mid 1600's and then POOF - everyone is suddenly British by 1775 with absolutely no explanation of the union with Scotland. An extra 15 minutes of class time explaining this in history class would help tremendously. Would love one on why does Wales disappear and then reemerge and why no dragon on the Union Jack:-)
LOL, stupid scotts, they sold their soul to the english after their horrible plan failed. They shouldnt be alowed to vote for independance, the english should be the ones to give them it or not.
Scotland should quite whining . There's really nothing to be gained except ego satisfaction from having a unique flag once again. Less support from a larger country is a detriment in today's economy and culture.
If Scotland becomes independent both the UK and Scotland will be fucked. Scotland's spending is carried by English taxes, were Scotland to become independent, they would have to make massive cuts, not to mention the millions upon millions that would have to be spent dividing the wealth, those costs also apply to the UK, so while the UK as a country would become richer per capita for the loss of Scotland, the cost of division of assets would be formidable.
@Ymgarl Except you're completely wrong. Scotland currently provides the Treasury with slightly more than it receives from the Barnett Formula; so Scotland isn't subsidised in the slightest at worst, and subsidises part of the UK at best.
There was an article on it in the Times recently.
I am English and it is in my best interests economically for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom. However, being English, i would be overjoyed to see Scotland leave us alone and leave our funding for their university scheme which still mind fucks me how its still around. Next up, WELSH INDEPENDENCE!
There are advantages and disadvantages to Scotland's independence. Though I am technically too young right now to vote, once 2015 hits I'll be able too, thought I'm not sure I'll want to.
Shame for you; there was an article recently in the times that shows Scotland is at the 0% mark or slightly above in terms of gain / output. In other words, it isn't subsidised. It's the only nation in the UK that isn't.
And take note, that's at the moment. Not even including Oil Revenue, taxes, greater control over monetary issues and so on. I was fairly dubious of the whole Independence thing for a while, but actually doing some hard research on it cheered me towards it.
@gears146 Objective advantages and disadvantages for Scottish independence are difficult to do. It's really a question of if the Scottish people want to be independent or not.
@CGPGrey The scots I've seen in the last vote did not want to be independent, whilst in the UK they do, strange isn't it, seeing that Scotland had given us a monochy to our now extinct one.
@CynthiaShirona149 I'm English, and I'd be upset to see Scotland go. People forget that just because England has a larger population, we are not the only country involved, I think that Scotland and Northern Island needs more recognition.
Now, what to do about the Republic of Ireland... :P
Fantastic vids mate. You might like to do one on North Sea Oil, and how there is going to be the mother of all arguments if Scotland gets independence and tries to claim it all as Scottish oil! :)
There are no Scottish Waters. There are no English or Welsh Waters either. The maritime boundaries are all those of the United Kingdom. So all this horseshit about the English making money from Scottish oil is just that, horseshit. It's UK oil.
@m00nshine2004 When Scotland becomes independent the waters around Scotland will be "Scotish waters". Therefore the oil that is in these waters will be ours.
Well you may try to claim them but you will have to argue that it's ok under international law to seize drilling rights in the North Sea from the UK. Good luck with that. Also it's 'IF' you become independent not 'When'
@m00nshine2004 LMAO are you kidding me? You English are always trying to take what's not yours. An independent Scotland WOULD get the oil. The EU and UN has said so. You're really that delusional that you think England would get the oil that clearly sits in Scottish waters? Man....
It is when not "if". The SNP got an absolute majority in the Scottish parliament. That's even with the undemocratic "list" system Blair set up. You'll see come 2014.
@patrickyunblocked Im sick of seeing people like you moaning at the english "you english trying to take whats not yours" your just making up horrible insults and being a general prick, the reason english peopel beleive they deserve the oil is because paying for that oil to be drilled was paid by the English tax payer not only that most of it is in SHETLANDS waters.
@patrickyunblocked Im english and unlike you we don't insult people because of where they are from, as for shetland there is a shetland separatism movement and I should also note the SNP have never won a seat in shetland UK MP's have already said if shetland chooses to remain british they should be able to, either way you don't deserve the oil.
Firstly a poll taken in the last week in Jan this year found only 44% of Scots in favour of Independence. I'd say that was a definite 'if' not 'when.' And secondly, don't be brainwashed by slippery Salmond. It is by no means certain that UK oil would be owned entirely by Scotland. They would put in a claim for ownership sure, don't blame them, but would Scottish jurisdiction apply to the oil fields? This debate has been going on since the 70's...more
...when the Scots separatists ran under the slogan, 'it's Scotland's oil.' It wasn't true then and it isn't now. However, let's assume Scotland laid claim and the rest of the UK didn't agree. What would/could happen? The Scottish could simply refuse its landing, or keep in it in their refineries refusing to pass it into the UK. Then the UK could order the pipeline to be switched off at source like Russia did with the Ukraine. Like I say...not as straight forward as you think!
@CGPGrey the majority dont want it my friend and they can not afford to do it thus they will need to be connected to a Union and as the Eu has its hands full with the messy rescission that happened they have their hands full and the term better the devil you know comes to mind
@gears146 2015 would be an interesting year, I hope by then the EU-debt crisis would be all relatively resolved and it will be clear whether the European Union is as strong as it claims to be. If it is strong it would be better for Scotland to get closer to Europe, since England generally hates EU-stuff. If the EU turns out to be weak and powerless and dissolves into something else, it might be better to just keep going with England
Oversimplified and politcally misleading. Declined to mention that England went to great lengths to bring down the Darien scheme, then when the scheme went belly-up delivered terms for a union heavily weighted in England's favour, backed by implicit threat of war. Not much of a union when you think of it.
(1) Oversimplified? Yes, but what do you expect in two minutes?
(2) Misleading? Slightly, but see (1).
(3) Also not mentioned: existing Union of the Crowns; Spanish hostility to Darien colony; the Covenant in the civil wars & representation at Wesminster under Commonwealth of 1650s; Scottish Parliament's discussion of possible Union during the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688; etc.
(4) Darien Scheme probably wouldn't have succeeded in any case.
@bobisallright Ah yes but it's what you choose to say in those two minutes that makes all the difference. Darien more a trading colony than hardcore imperialist endeavour. Spanish hostility is mentioned though English hostility of more consequence. Also not mentioned, though pivotal: bribery of Scottish parliament by England in the the face of massive popular hostility, the act that sealed the deal as it were.
@n3ngtha0 land/area wise, yes... but the british empire was spread out around the world, making it a larger influence and a "larger empire" (due to the vast influence it had on other nations) Hope this helped :)
You probably feel the eqivalent of how I feel coming to terms with the fact that I didn't realise OTHER people didn't know that Great Britain's flag was a combination of England's and Scotland's.
I knew it, so I always assumed everybody else did as well. Guess that'll teach me.
@BritishBrony Yes. Caledonia is the Latin name for Scotland. Captain Cook named the islands New Caledonia because they reminded him of Scotland. The Scottish called their colony New Caledonia... well, for obvious reasons. They have the same name, so what?
We stole countries with the cunning use of flags. Just sail around the world and stick a flag in. "I claim India for Britain!" They're going "You can't claim us, we live here! Five hundred million of us!" "Do you have a flag …? "What? We don't need a flag, this is our home, you bastards" "No flag, No Country, You can't have one! Those are the rules... that I just made up!...and I'm backing it up with this gun, that was lent to me from the National Rifle Association."
@foxhole3 Scotland is still part of Great Britain but has its own government. Also Britain has its main parliament, which runs the country. The Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (not just England) is essentially a form signer and a diplomat now.
Basically the Royal Family is great for tourists. xD
@foxhole3 in the "devolved" set up the UK has four main legislatures if you will The Westminister Parliament (UK, English also some welsh matters) ,The Scottish Parliament, The Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly each has it's own "governments". The Queen is the monarch of the UK not just England -and yes they all have to ask permission to set up a government in her name after every election for each. However in reality they don't "answer to" her we live in a democracy.
@m1trekker England's motives were to cover it's own arse, better to befriend the enemy than be made to face it, and Scotland's motives were to attempt to save itself and its people.
@ophero108 England was in the middle with two wars with France and Spain at the time.And needed the Scots soldiors to help them win.And they could never rebel again.If they were fighting on continental Europe.So the English were quids in,with this deal.
@legandrydirk And we ended up with a pretty solid deal meaning that we weren't impoverished to the point that we'd have ended up eating the grass to keep us going =p
@ophero108 We did not the Highlands suffered.The only place that made any kind off real money was Glasgow,and to a lesser extent Edinburgh.And that is not equall,when it was meant to be a fair system.
@legandrydirk Mainly because that's where all the industry flourished. The highlands are hardly the most viable places for building what with the hills and such, so the flatter valleys are where buildings, and therefore factories, began to grow. The more rural Highland settlements only suffered because their skilled labourers shifted to the urban settlements. Over all it was a good idea. That being said, the current referendum in re Scottish Independence could bring its own advantages to us.
@ophero108 Ever been up to the far north at all?Plenty off places were flat,take Cathness for instance.It has some off the best flat farm land in Scotland,and is on the coast.We could have easily built that place into a huge City.And made it a martime place.Where we build ships just like in places like Portsmouth and Plymouth in the south of England.And yet it was rejected in favour off other places such as Southampton.
@legandrydirk I don't quite understand why you are arguing this with me lol, I'm not the English government circa 18th Century. Besides, there's not really much that we can do about where did and didn't get chosen as the location for industrial growth.
@legandrydirk Why would you want to leave the union ? Scotland is drunk on English money and funding. You will not have the money nor funding nor resources nor manpower to succeed as a new nation in this difficult time economically. Independence should not even be an issue really. Anyone with half a brain cell will know that Scotland won't be sustainable as a nation. Also Isn't it Ironic that Alex Salmond has placed the independence referendum at the end of his time in power? O.o
@eddieoxford Joseph Stiglits says other wise,and he has brains.And a noble prize in economics.He says that Scotland can reach full fiscal autonomy without the rest off the UK.Scotland gives around 55 billion a year to the London tresury.And receives 28 million back in a block grant.Westminster has hidden a secret phile on Scots Indy,the McCrone report in 74.And it never saw the light of day in over 30 years.So what else are they hiding.Scotland subsidises the rest off UK,Gers proves this true.
@eddieoxford Jupp report proves it as well.Its you who lacks the itelligence.If you cant see that you need Scotland,and Scotland does not need England.Its Scotland that has better natural resourcies,its us that has the electrcity reknewables,and the water.All comodities that you will need to start paying the going rate for.And its us that keep your nuclear WOD.And the nuclear commision report 1961,says nowhere else in the UK is suitable to house them.Even if you can,it will take over 10 years.
@eddieoxford So you will need to deduct money off our share of the national debt,and give us what we need from the MOD for our conventinal forces.And for the record I am Scottish not British.And that should be a good enough reason for you.I never got a say in the union,nobody like me did.And it was a union,fit for 17th century purposes.In this day and age,we can trade in the free trade common market.With out England trying to stop us,since they once owned the trade routes.UK is dead man walking.
@legandrydirk Why should we give our money to people who have left our nation for your selfish purposes. So what if you never got a say. If you had. We would probably not be discussing about Independance because any thoughts of that would of been solidified In Blood In Death In Conflict Just as we had done that in Wales and Ireland. Why would you want to Trade with the common market? Its an utter failure, Economically and Politically. There is hope for the UK. But in a new Thatcher
@eddieoxford You give money so you can trade.And Scotland will trade with other non Euro union nations.And have already stregthened trade in America.And have made new links with China.And already have done deals with Japanese giants,Samsung,and Mitzibushi.Back to scare mongering about war now.Very good very original,like I have not heard that one a million times before.Sweden used to rule Norway and fight with them to.And Norway is even richer than them.History has nothing to do with right now.
@eddieoxford Read the comment you have no other choise.The only other choise is give up the nuclear deteriant.And you had the chance to do that a few years ago.And you all voted down there to keep them.And there is nothing selfish to want to have your own nation.Especially when that nation is older than the UK state.And older than the nation,that has the real power in that state.What is selfish is trying to keep that nation in it.And trying to keep our nation in it,just to rip us off for the oil
@eddieoxford A Indy Scotland has you over a barrell.What you pro unionist trolls like?Totally miss the point about what is actually happening here.I can sence the hurt in your words.Your like the freightened rabbit caught in the head lights.Belwildered and in fear,and confuesion.Trying to fight the tide that is Independence.The day that any off you actually back anything up,and give me some statuatary law.Backing up anything that you say.Is the day that I eat my own hat.Give me a better argument
@eddieoxford The Scots are the 'Sovereign' of Scotland as enshrined within Scots law.
The English are 'Subjects' of England as enshrined within English law, hence why England can't have their own parliament by choice.
Scotland remain unconquered, one of four nations to never have been truly conquered. Can't say the same for England.
Scotland subsidises the UK treasury, Scotland is the only nation within the UK that is in surplus. England can't even balance the books never mind produce a surplus.
@CFCShame On the contrary, a stable economic future for an independent Scotland is questionable. Both economies are likely to suffer from independence, but Scotland would probably end up worse for it
@ophero108 The union was a Scottish idea - have a look at the write up on the University of Aberdeen website, just google "Act of union Aberdeen" they have an online exhibition. I think its quite understandable for England to want to concentrate on its empire rather than waste time and effort dealing with minor skirmishes across its borders. Scotland's motives were to get itself out of the shit financially. If you ignore it, history tends to repeat itself.
@m1trekker England was actually in a worse state just before the union from their war with Spain, this was one of the reasons the Scots did not want union, because they would have to be saddled with English debt by paying higher English taxes.
Scotland was not financially worse off, that was the investors in the Darien scheme that were, not Scotland. Scotland only lost a 1/5 of it's wealth, a lot of money at the time, but nothing compared to the rest of Scotland's economy as a whole.
@CFCShame Nonsense, a fabrication of history. Google "Act of Union Aberdeen" and enlighten yourself with the online exhibition at the University of Aberdeen. England was on the verge of being the top dog in the world and already reaping the trade benefits of growing empire, Scotland failed in New Caledonia but wanted to join in the empire building that France, Spain and England were involved in. Scotland learned that being small it could never match the achievements of a larger country
@m1trekker And no the union was not a Scottish idea, Scottish King James VI who took over the English throne in 1603 with the Scottish Royal family taking over the houses of parliaments and setting up the house of lords was just after 1603, 104 years before the 1707 act of political union.
Queen Anne was the reigning monarch at the time the 1707 act of union was encouraged in England.
England's motives were to avoid fear of Scotland allying with one of England's enemies like France or Spain.
@CFCShame Do you think the UK's debt is not the UK's debt ? - it is owed to investors who buy gilts and bonds and it is clearly UK debt. Of course Scotland's debt was owed to investors, quite a few Scottish nobility went bankrupt and who did they petition to intervene - Westminster !!!! Ring any bells with today ? Bailing out RBS because it was punching well above its weight.
The UK is stronger together than it can be apart. That's the reason it was formed in the first place.
I'd probably vote no to breaking up the union, but I'd like to get rid of the term Britain and British because no one on the fucking planet outside the UK and ROI understands Scottish is British and Scotland is in Great Britain.
unrealeck 3 hours ago
For the love of God, please don't let this 'independance for Scotland' bullshit happen. I'm Scottish and I DON'T WANT THIS.
ap0ph3nia 13 hours ago
I'm Scottish!!!!
Solipsistically 1 day ago
TheConradeRoss no it wont Scotland will never leave Britain and become independent for a number of reason 1.england and Scotland are too interlinked by are army,royal family,banks,trade,land and blood lines 2. What would Scotland be as independent just another small weak country in the EU but as britain it is rish and powerful and one of the strongest country in the world 3, most of the people in Scotland no that it world be a very bad idea for Scotland to leave , apart England and Scotland ar
lawofthefire1 2 days ago
The royal family in England makes the country a lot of money. Why not a Stuart restoration in an independent Scotland?
Maetel22 3 days ago
it was alot more sinister than that my friend. England had this planned and offered to help at first, they also blockaded Scottish ports and sunk any ships returning from "New Caledonia" and bribed Scottish land owners in to Unionism. No one got a vote in Scotland. Any way that's that in brief and its in the past...2014 Scotland will be Independent again!
Saor Alba Gu Brath!
TheComradeRoss 3 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
For goodness sake this video blatantly ignores many important aspects of Union. England, not Scotland had the large national debt in 1707 and the union destroyed Scotland's long established trade links to the low countries and France. Further King William (the so-called protestant hero) actually sided with Catholic Spain to make sure the Scottish colony failed...geez I know these are only short videos but it would be better not to portray such a one sided view of history.
BonnieBlueFlag1314 3 days ago
Comment removed
BonnieBlueFlag1314 3 days ago
Go Scotland! But fuck me if we go independent I'm moving down to England.
1990MattyD 3 days ago
@1990MattyD Quite sad that you prefer a foreign country to an independent Scotland. Off you go, I'll pay for your ticket.
BonnieBlueFlag1314 3 days ago
@BonnieBlueFlag1314 Why do you feel that way towards the English?
ihatealderney 3 days ago
@1990MattyD WELL MOVE THEN, MOVE JUST NOW!
truefalse 2 days ago
@truefalse - To be honest, you're just a racist.
1990MattyD 2 days ago
@1990MattyD Where did I insult anyone's race? You threatened to move from Scotland to England if Scotland became a real country, so why don't you just move down south just now then if you hate it so much, leave your work and family and move south, you are not wanted.
truefalse 2 days ago
flags mix mind fuck
Scoutscout1000 4 days ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
GO SCOTLAND
xtron1234 5 days ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
You forgot about Wales, Wales was not independent but was still recognised as a country at that time.
120TOMTOM 5 days ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Georgeuk94 I am from the shetlands and I am Scottish. So what are u trying to say. Prick.
rydomart911 5 days ago
knight templars ?
wazzzup1234 5 days ago
Could you do a video about the Scottish Independance situation?
PatchworkDuckie 5 days ago
Now iget the flags. Wow
TheBobjane0 6 days ago
Cape Horn. lol.
...I'm a child.
HighlyAwesomeMadames 6 days ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
0:10 "expanding their empires with the cunning use of flags" nice Eddie Izzard reference there :P
zechrov 6 days ago 38
EPIC eddie izzard reference man totally caught me off guard
CityStarrzz 6 days ago in playlist Grey Explains
you forgot the portuguese flag in Brazilian south america...
BrazilianCitizan 6 days ago in playlist Grey Explains
Took the time to read through some of the comments -- clearly you stepped into a pile of doo doo with the Scottish and the English.
jsnb2001 6 days ago
Love this!! I've always thought that the reason Americans are confused is because we are correctly taught that the US was colonized by the English in the early and mid 1600's and then POOF - everyone is suddenly British by 1775 with absolutely no explanation of the union with Scotland. An extra 15 minutes of class time explaining this in history class would help tremendously. Would love one on why does Wales disappear and then reemerge and why no dragon on the Union Jack:-)
jsnb2001 6 days ago
vote yes for independence 2015!
stephenb2100 6 days ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
mind fuck
Xdontshoot 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains
"Through the cunning use of flags..." Eddie Izzard reference. Brilliant
expectopatronum2393 1 week ago
i'm diggin' the monty python god :p
KilljoygurlForever 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Could you explain Canada's Government?
thespiantroop3076 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Haha, the thistle at the end cracks me up!
seatakers 1 week ago
I love all the random Minecraft references.
blueisasomedancer 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
@ 1:50 you just blew my mind
sc41295 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains
am i seeing videos about education to be learned more further in my life .? im only 13 .. Lawl.
98ricky 1 week ago
FRRREEEEDDDOOOOMMMM!!!!
crazyrahul97 1 week ago
do a video on scottish independence!
DannyRodriguezFilms 1 week ago
Cunning use of flags? Damn I love Eddie izzard.
Cmbtsnpr 1 week ago
Through the cunning use of flags :) Eddie Izzard
kittyria7 1 week ago 24
1:03
:D The Minecraft reference made this channel more awesome then it was already, which it's surprising that is even possible.
pikachu777FTW 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains
Dude, Wales got crazy dissed in the Union Jack... :( #noonelikeswales
puellanivis 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains 2
Woohoo Denmark!
laht93 1 week ago
Talking about empires, cant you do a video about the Roman Empire or djingis khan one!
sasukex2uchiha 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains
LOL, stupid scotts, they sold their soul to the english after their horrible plan failed. They shouldnt be alowed to vote for independance, the english should be the ones to give them it or not.
Xenphenik 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Scotland should quite whining . There's really nothing to be gained except ego satisfaction from having a unique flag once again. Less support from a larger country is a detriment in today's economy and culture.
Sosodeflol 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains
"Through the cunning use of flags." Eddie Izzard!!!!!!!!!!!!
soccerjames500 1 week ago
I think there needs to be a video all about the Queen's Corgis. God save the Corgis :D
scimitar512 1 week ago
If Scotland becomes independent both the UK and Scotland will be fucked. Scotland's spending is carried by English taxes, were Scotland to become independent, they would have to make massive cuts, not to mention the millions upon millions that would have to be spent dividing the wealth, those costs also apply to the UK, so while the UK as a country would become richer per capita for the loss of Scotland, the cost of division of assets would be formidable.
ie. Scottish independence is a disaster
Ymgarl 1 week ago
@Ymgarl Except you're completely wrong. Scotland currently provides the Treasury with slightly more than it receives from the Barnett Formula; so Scotland isn't subsidised in the slightest at worst, and subsidises part of the UK at best.
There was an article on it in the Times recently.
Gravatris 1 week ago
Eddie Izzard reference "By the common use of flag" xD
TheOtherParagon 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains 2
@TheOtherParagon "Do you have a flag? No flag, no country"
dominickearney 1 week ago
nii scottlant is 10 times better than england
heather0f 1 week ago
Hoaa!! Portugal appears at 0:09!!!
Nós aparecemos!! Fico sempre orgulhoso quando isto acontece...:D
TheDanorte 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
0:10 Eddie Izzard reference FTW!
salamut2202 1 week ago 2
@salamut2202 My thoughts exactly!
D3m190d 1 week ago
I had dysentery..... so you know... I can relate
wingwaabuddha 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Nice Eddie Izzard reference.
OmgItsCHEEZ 1 week ago
Keep the United kingdom United and strong
sayhitodeath999 1 week ago
@sayhitodeath999 fuck that scotland should be its own country. roll on the referendom =D
heather0f 1 week ago
I am English and it is in my best interests economically for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom. However, being English, i would be overjoyed to see Scotland leave us alone and leave our funding for their university scheme which still mind fucks me how its still around. Next up, WELSH INDEPENDENCE!
Boothg333 1 week ago
I always thought Scottish are the same as British until I watched this video. Mindblown. :D
My biggest question is who's the person who created Minecraft and what country is he from?
OfficialJerla 2 weeks ago
There are advantages and disadvantages to Scotland's independence. Though I am technically too young right now to vote, once 2015 hits I'll be able too, thought I'm not sure I'll want to.
xXelmarcoCFCXx 2 weeks ago
It'll be interesting for scotland to learn this lesson twice shortly after declaring independence from the UK and ask to come back
Poxypriest 2 weeks ago
@Poxypriest
Shame for you; there was an article recently in the times that shows Scotland is at the 0% mark or slightly above in terms of gain / output. In other words, it isn't subsidised. It's the only nation in the UK that isn't.
And take note, that's at the moment. Not even including Oil Revenue, taxes, greater control over monetary issues and so on. I was fairly dubious of the whole Independence thing for a while, but actually doing some hard research on it cheered me towards it.
Gravatris 1 week ago
Eddie Izzard reference anyone?
Awesomecraft99 2 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
Through the cunning use of flags? I'm gonna guess you like his executive transvetstiteness Eddie Izzard.
mostaryankidyouknow 2 weeks ago
SCOTLAND FTW
bddag 2 weeks ago
when the flags merged i literally said OH SHIT
darky290 2 weeks ago
From your videos, I can clearly see that you like minecraft
FFDgaming 2 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Scotland is now getting the vote for independance in 2015 and I'm scottish so I get to vote :)
please do a video about the advantages and disadvantages on this please :P
gears146 2 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order) 38
@gears146 Objective advantages and disadvantages for Scottish independence are difficult to do. It's really a question of if the Scottish people want to be independent or not.
CGPGrey 2 weeks ago 29
@CGPGrey The scots I've seen in the last vote did not want to be independent, whilst in the UK they do, strange isn't it, seeing that Scotland had given us a monochy to our now extinct one.
CynthiaShirona149 1 week ago
@CynthiaShirona149 I'm English, and I'd be upset to see Scotland go. People forget that just because England has a larger population, we are not the only country involved, I think that Scotland and Northern Island needs more recognition.
Now, what to do about the Republic of Ireland... :P
beechey145 1 week ago
@CGPGrey
Fantastic vids mate. You might like to do one on North Sea Oil, and how there is going to be the mother of all arguments if Scotland gets independence and tries to claim it all as Scottish oil! :)
m00nshine2004 1 week ago
@m00nshine2004 only what's in Scottish waters.
patrickyunblocked 1 week ago
@patrickyunblocked
There are no Scottish Waters. There are no English or Welsh Waters either. The maritime boundaries are all those of the United Kingdom. So all this horseshit about the English making money from Scottish oil is just that, horseshit. It's UK oil.
m00nshine2004 1 week ago
@m00nshine2004 When Scotland becomes independent the waters around Scotland will be "Scotish waters". Therefore the oil that is in these waters will be ours.
patrickyunblocked 1 week ago
@patrickyunblocked
Well you may try to claim them but you will have to argue that it's ok under international law to seize drilling rights in the North Sea from the UK. Good luck with that. Also it's 'IF' you become independent not 'When'
m00nshine2004 1 week ago
@m00nshine2004 LMAO are you kidding me? You English are always trying to take what's not yours. An independent Scotland WOULD get the oil. The EU and UN has said so. You're really that delusional that you think England would get the oil that clearly sits in Scottish waters? Man....
It is when not "if". The SNP got an absolute majority in the Scottish parliament. That's even with the undemocratic "list" system Blair set up. You'll see come 2014.
patrickyunblocked 1 week ago
Comment removed
georgeuk94 6 days ago
@patrickyunblocked Im sick of seeing people like you moaning at the english "you english trying to take whats not yours" your just making up horrible insults and being a general prick, the reason english peopel beleive they deserve the oil is because paying for that oil to be drilled was paid by the English tax payer not only that most of it is in SHETLANDS waters.
georgeuk94 6 days ago
@georgeuk94 LMAO. It's in Scottish waters you fucking moron, German faggot.
That would be like saying an independent Scotland would have the right to oil that sits in English waters.
We could give 2 shits whether you paid for the drilling or not. You certainly got your profit out of it.
Fact is, the oil sits in Scottish waters. Therefore an independent Scotland gets the oil as recognised by the UN and EU.
Shetland is a part of Scotland. And will remain so.
patrickyunblocked 6 days ago
@patrickyunblocked Im english and unlike you we don't insult people because of where they are from, as for shetland there is a shetland separatism movement and I should also note the SNP have never won a seat in shetland UK MP's have already said if shetland chooses to remain british they should be able to, either way you don't deserve the oil.
georgeuk94 6 days ago
@patrickyunblocked
Firstly a poll taken in the last week in Jan this year found only 44% of Scots in favour of Independence. I'd say that was a definite 'if' not 'when.' And secondly, don't be brainwashed by slippery Salmond. It is by no means certain that UK oil would be owned entirely by Scotland. They would put in a claim for ownership sure, don't blame them, but would Scottish jurisdiction apply to the oil fields? This debate has been going on since the 70's...more
m00nshine2004 6 days ago
@patrickyunblocked
...when the Scots separatists ran under the slogan, 'it's Scotland's oil.' It wasn't true then and it isn't now. However, let's assume Scotland laid claim and the rest of the UK didn't agree. What would/could happen? The Scottish could simply refuse its landing, or keep in it in their refineries refusing to pass it into the UK. Then the UK could order the pipeline to be switched off at source like Russia did with the Ukraine. Like I say...not as straight forward as you think!
m00nshine2004 6 days ago
@CGPGrey the majority dont want it my friend and they can not afford to do it thus they will need to be connected to a Union and as the Eu has its hands full with the messy rescission that happened they have their hands full and the term better the devil you know comes to mind
TheEnglishWarrior1 6 days ago
@gears146 You mean 2014 :P August 18th 2014 I believe.
08campbeldavi 1 week ago
@gears146 2015 would be an interesting year, I hope by then the EU-debt crisis would be all relatively resolved and it will be clear whether the European Union is as strong as it claims to be. If it is strong it would be better for Scotland to get closer to Europe, since England generally hates EU-stuff. If the EU turns out to be weak and powerless and dissolves into something else, it might be better to just keep going with England
That's just my guess though.
laurensb1b 1 week ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
@gears146 I thought the vote was set for 2014?
codyjunierengineer 1 week ago
@gears146 As long as the scotts don't try and colonize panama again, you should be golden.
S0ryiu 6 days ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Oversimplified and politcally misleading. Declined to mention that England went to great lengths to bring down the Darien scheme, then when the scheme went belly-up delivered terms for a union heavily weighted in England's favour, backed by implicit threat of war. Not much of a union when you think of it.
BodachMor 2 weeks ago
@BodachMor
(1) Oversimplified? Yes, but what do you expect in two minutes?
(2) Misleading? Slightly, but see (1).
(3) Also not mentioned: existing Union of the Crowns; Spanish hostility to Darien colony; the Covenant in the civil wars & representation at Wesminster under Commonwealth of 1650s; Scottish Parliament's discussion of possible Union during the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688; etc.
(4) Darien Scheme probably wouldn't have succeeded in any case.
bobisallright 1 week ago
@bobisallright Ah yes but it's what you choose to say in those two minutes that makes all the difference. Darien more a trading colony than hardcore imperialist endeavour. Spanish hostility is mentioned though English hostility of more consequence. Also not mentioned, though pivotal: bribery of Scottish parliament by England in the the face of massive popular hostility, the act that sealed the deal as it were.
BodachMor 1 week ago
Cunning use of flags, plus 1 for Eddie Izzard reference :D
westinghouse48 2 weeks ago
Wasn't Genghis Khan's empire, or rather the one which he established, bigger than Great Britain's empire?
n3ngtha0 2 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
@n3ngtha0 land/area wise, yes... but the british empire was spread out around the world, making it a larger influence and a "larger empire" (due to the vast influence it had on other nations) Hope this helped :)
jayjason000 2 weeks ago
@n3ngtha0 nope, British was the biggest in total(33.7 million km2) the Mongolian empire was the largest contiguous empire(24.0 milion km2).
DrunkenDweorg 1 week ago
1:46 Mind= Blown!
dashe95 2 weeks ago
It's like watching Nyotalia,only clean 8o
Denimemmy 2 weeks ago
Eddie Izzard reference infused knowledge is appreciated!
Nevidge 2 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order) 3
why did you say "wee" only us scots use that i thought, do yanks use it to????
cojoe182 2 weeks ago
@cojoe182 Seriously? Everyone says "wee".
Nevidge 2 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
@Nevidge sorry haha, i have never been out of the mainland Uk , and the english don't use it, so i assumed noone did
cojoe182 2 weeks ago
reminds me of age of empires II somehow...:)
shongrocks1622 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i wish u were my teacher :( you seem really awesome!
MilockGAMES24 2 weeks ago
@CGPGrey the portuguese flag was white and blue with the crown and the shield in the middle not red and green as it is now!
ac14pc 2 weeks ago
When the flags became the UK flag I was all 'oooooohhhh'
frondew 2 weeks ago 94
@frondew My life changed after I saw that merger. I mean it.
maybeidontgiveashit 2 weeks ago
@frondew that shit blew my mind
uke52 1 week ago
@uke52 Ooh, I'm top comment, nifty.
frondew 1 week ago
@frondew haha always a nice feeling
uke52 1 week ago
I think now would be the perfect time for a Scottish Independence video time grey :)
georgeuk94 2 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains 39
I feel so stupid that I never realized great Britains flag is a combination of englands and Scotlands.
gallifrey27 2 weeks ago
@gallifrey27
You probably feel the eqivalent of how I feel coming to terms with the fact that I didn't realise OTHER people didn't know that Great Britain's flag was a combination of England's and Scotland's.
I knew it, so I always assumed everybody else did as well. Guess that'll teach me.
IAmCaptainMarvel 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Doesn't your other video clearly indicate that GB is a geographical designation rather than a "kingdom"? So how can the "kingdom" of GB be born?
jeffab01 2 weeks ago
"Expanding their empires through the cunning use of flags" Is that an Eddie Izzard reference :D?
DisturbeD6699 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order) 5
wow blew my mind when the two flags merged
samandllamas 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains 3
@samandllamas agreed!
KanagJ 3 weeks ago
you r a genious and i love you
Narthan11 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
You make learning fun.
Kimishibai 3 weeks ago
As a scottish history student I feel as though I should have known this...
rachelhenderson28 3 weeks ago
should have banded with the irish.
HarveyGrass 3 weeks ago
Isn't New Caledonia a French colony near Australia? Just saying...
BritishBrony 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
@BritishBrony Yes. Caledonia is the Latin name for Scotland. Captain Cook named the islands New Caledonia because they reminded him of Scotland. The Scottish called their colony New Caledonia... well, for obvious reasons. They have the same name, so what?
fifteenthirty9 3 weeks ago
We stole countries with the cunning use of flags. Just sail around the world and stick a flag in. "I claim India for Britain!" They're going "You can't claim us, we live here! Five hundred million of us!" "Do you have a flag …? "What? We don't need a flag, this is our home, you bastards" "No flag, No Country, You can't have one! Those are the rules... that I just made up!...and I'm backing it up with this gun, that was lent to me from the National Rifle Association."
dacat 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
@dacat
Oh hi, Eddie!
daisyksmith 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
BEAUTIFUL!!!I LOVE KNOWLEDGE FEED ME MORE !
MrGoodJason 3 weeks ago
I feel ashamed as a native for not knowing this..
kurtmcfried 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
You should do a video on the "for definite" referendum on Scottish independence.
FactsOfRandom 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (All)
They should have used diamond pick axes.
Attobatt 3 weeks ago
so a small question the government of scotland answers to the queen of england or am i off course?
foxhole3 3 weeks ago
@foxhole3 Scotland has it's own parliment but is still part of Great Britain.
TheWolfmaid 3 weeks ago
@foxhole3 Scotland is still part of Great Britain but has its own government. Also Britain has its main parliament, which runs the country. The Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (not just England) is essentially a form signer and a diplomat now.
Basically the Royal Family is great for tourists. xD
kurtmcfried 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
@foxhole3 in the "devolved" set up the UK has four main legislatures if you will The Westminister Parliament (UK, English also some welsh matters) ,The Scottish Parliament, The Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly each has it's own "governments". The Queen is the monarch of the UK not just England -and yes they all have to ask permission to set up a government in her name after every election for each. However in reality they don't "answer to" her we live in a democracy.
GRAEMEMCFORLIFE 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
You get points for the Eddie Izzard reference, rage faces, and referring to countries as "she." :]
MyGuyMontag 3 weeks ago
These videos are great! The fact that you talk so fast actually forces me to concentrate harder, so bizarrely it works!
globalroof 3 weeks ago
You forgot the Dutch
Frizzi95 3 weeks ago
So England's motives for union were to encourage peace whereas Scotland's motives were to make itself richer and get out of bankruptcy.
m1trekker 3 weeks ago
@m1trekker England's motives were to cover it's own arse, better to befriend the enemy than be made to face it, and Scotland's motives were to attempt to save itself and its people.
ophero108 3 weeks ago
@ophero108 England was in the middle with two wars with France and Spain at the time.And needed the Scots soldiors to help them win.And they could never rebel again.If they were fighting on continental Europe.So the English were quids in,with this deal.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@legandrydirk And we ended up with a pretty solid deal meaning that we weren't impoverished to the point that we'd have ended up eating the grass to keep us going =p
ophero108 3 weeks ago
@ophero108 We did not the Highlands suffered.The only place that made any kind off real money was Glasgow,and to a lesser extent Edinburgh.And that is not equall,when it was meant to be a fair system.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@legandrydirk Mainly because that's where all the industry flourished. The highlands are hardly the most viable places for building what with the hills and such, so the flatter valleys are where buildings, and therefore factories, began to grow. The more rural Highland settlements only suffered because their skilled labourers shifted to the urban settlements. Over all it was a good idea. That being said, the current referendum in re Scottish Independence could bring its own advantages to us.
ophero108 3 weeks ago
@ophero108 Ever been up to the far north at all?Plenty off places were flat,take Cathness for instance.It has some off the best flat farm land in Scotland,and is on the coast.We could have easily built that place into a huge City.And made it a martime place.Where we build ships just like in places like Portsmouth and Plymouth in the south of England.And yet it was rejected in favour off other places such as Southampton.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@legandrydirk I don't quite understand why you are arguing this with me lol, I'm not the English government circa 18th Century. Besides, there's not really much that we can do about where did and didn't get chosen as the location for industrial growth.
ophero108 3 weeks ago
@ophero108 Soon we will be out the union any way.Personally I cant wait for it myself.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@legandrydirk Why would you want to leave the union ? Scotland is drunk on English money and funding. You will not have the money nor funding nor resources nor manpower to succeed as a new nation in this difficult time economically. Independence should not even be an issue really. Anyone with half a brain cell will know that Scotland won't be sustainable as a nation. Also Isn't it Ironic that Alex Salmond has placed the independence referendum at the end of his time in power? O.o
eddieoxford 3 weeks ago in playlist All Explanation Videos
@eddieoxford Joseph Stiglits says other wise,and he has brains.And a noble prize in economics.He says that Scotland can reach full fiscal autonomy without the rest off the UK.Scotland gives around 55 billion a year to the London tresury.And receives 28 million back in a block grant.Westminster has hidden a secret phile on Scots Indy,the McCrone report in 74.And it never saw the light of day in over 30 years.So what else are they hiding.Scotland subsidises the rest off UK,Gers proves this true.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@eddieoxford Jupp report proves it as well.Its you who lacks the itelligence.If you cant see that you need Scotland,and Scotland does not need England.Its Scotland that has better natural resourcies,its us that has the electrcity reknewables,and the water.All comodities that you will need to start paying the going rate for.And its us that keep your nuclear WOD.And the nuclear commision report 1961,says nowhere else in the UK is suitable to house them.Even if you can,it will take over 10 years.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@eddieoxford So you will need to deduct money off our share of the national debt,and give us what we need from the MOD for our conventinal forces.And for the record I am Scottish not British.And that should be a good enough reason for you.I never got a say in the union,nobody like me did.And it was a union,fit for 17th century purposes.In this day and age,we can trade in the free trade common market.With out England trying to stop us,since they once owned the trade routes.UK is dead man walking.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@legandrydirk Why should we give our money to people who have left our nation for your selfish purposes. So what if you never got a say. If you had. We would probably not be discussing about Independance because any thoughts of that would of been solidified In Blood In Death In Conflict Just as we had done that in Wales and Ireland. Why would you want to Trade with the common market? Its an utter failure, Economically and Politically. There is hope for the UK. But in a new Thatcher
eddieoxford 3 weeks ago
@eddieoxford You give money so you can trade.And Scotland will trade with other non Euro union nations.And have already stregthened trade in America.And have made new links with China.And already have done deals with Japanese giants,Samsung,and Mitzibushi.Back to scare mongering about war now.Very good very original,like I have not heard that one a million times before.Sweden used to rule Norway and fight with them to.And Norway is even richer than them.History has nothing to do with right now.
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@eddieoxford Read the comment you have no other choise.The only other choise is give up the nuclear deteriant.And you had the chance to do that a few years ago.And you all voted down there to keep them.And there is nothing selfish to want to have your own nation.Especially when that nation is older than the UK state.And older than the nation,that has the real power in that state.What is selfish is trying to keep that nation in it.And trying to keep our nation in it,just to rip us off for the oil
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@eddieoxford A Indy Scotland has you over a barrell.What you pro unionist trolls like?Totally miss the point about what is actually happening here.I can sence the hurt in your words.Your like the freightened rabbit caught in the head lights.Belwildered and in fear,and confuesion.Trying to fight the tide that is Independence.The day that any off you actually back anything up,and give me some statuatary law.Backing up anything that you say.Is the day that I eat my own hat.Give me a better argument
legandrydirk 3 weeks ago
@eddieoxford The Scots are the 'Sovereign' of Scotland as enshrined within Scots law.
The English are 'Subjects' of England as enshrined within English law, hence why England can't have their own parliament by choice.
Scotland remain unconquered, one of four nations to never have been truly conquered. Can't say the same for England.
Scotland subsidises the UK treasury, Scotland is the only nation within the UK that is in surplus. England can't even balance the books never mind produce a surplus.
CFCShame 3 weeks ago
@eddieoxford Scottish independence is simply put....
England's loss is Scotland's gain.
That's why English people like you fear it where as the Scots don't but rather, look forward to it.
Scotland can only gain from it, nothing to lose, unlike England, hence your fear.
CFCShame 3 weeks ago
@CFCShame On the contrary, a stable economic future for an independent Scotland is questionable. Both economies are likely to suffer from independence, but Scotland would probably end up worse for it
fifteenthirty9 3 weeks ago
@ophero108 The union was a Scottish idea - have a look at the write up on the University of Aberdeen website, just google "Act of union Aberdeen" they have an online exhibition. I think its quite understandable for England to want to concentrate on its empire rather than waste time and effort dealing with minor skirmishes across its borders. Scotland's motives were to get itself out of the shit financially. If you ignore it, history tends to repeat itself.
m1trekker 3 weeks ago
@m1trekker England was actually in a worse state just before the union from their war with Spain, this was one of the reasons the Scots did not want union, because they would have to be saddled with English debt by paying higher English taxes.
Scotland was not financially worse off, that was the investors in the Darien scheme that were, not Scotland. Scotland only lost a 1/5 of it's wealth, a lot of money at the time, but nothing compared to the rest of Scotland's economy as a whole.
CFCShame 3 weeks ago
@CFCShame Nonsense, a fabrication of history. Google "Act of Union Aberdeen" and enlighten yourself with the online exhibition at the University of Aberdeen. England was on the verge of being the top dog in the world and already reaping the trade benefits of growing empire, Scotland failed in New Caledonia but wanted to join in the empire building that France, Spain and England were involved in. Scotland learned that being small it could never match the achievements of a larger country
m1trekker 3 weeks ago
@m1trekker And no the union was not a Scottish idea, Scottish King James VI who took over the English throne in 1603 with the Scottish Royal family taking over the houses of parliaments and setting up the house of lords was just after 1603, 104 years before the 1707 act of political union.
Queen Anne was the reigning monarch at the time the 1707 act of union was encouraged in England.
England's motives were to avoid fear of Scotland allying with one of England's enemies like France or Spain.
CFCShame 3 weeks ago
@CFCShame Do you think the UK's debt is not the UK's debt ? - it is owed to investors who buy gilts and bonds and it is clearly UK debt. Of course Scotland's debt was owed to investors, quite a few Scottish nobility went bankrupt and who did they petition to intervene - Westminster !!!! Ring any bells with today ? Bailing out RBS because it was punching well above its weight.
m1trekker 3 weeks ago
@CFCShame Mary Queen of Scots coveted the English crown way back in the 1560s wanting peaceful union.
m1trekker 3 weeks ago
Eddie Izzard Reference =D
love that whole bit
god1is1god 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains (chronological order)
Was that an Eddie Izzard reference?
BeingKleeopatra 3 weeks ago in playlist Grey Explains
Love these videos. Knowledgeable and funny. :)
quickreflex0 3 weeks ago in playlist All Explanation Videos