Britain, the European Union, and Why History Matters

Almost as soon as the votes had been tallied in the May 7th 2015 British general election, a number of prominent historians began to take up positions over the looming referendum on membership of the European Union (EU). At stake are two visions of the British past. The first follows a familiar pattern, arguing that British constitutional and political developments form a continuous line of progress that distinguish the nation from its European neighbors. The second suggests that “our island story” can only be understood through discussion of how Britain is enmeshed in broader European historical patterns. Although this discussion may seem arcane, it does in fact present a powerful case for the continuing relevance of history, especially at a moment in which the humanities are under attack in both Britain and the United States.

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