Elizabeth II ― forming and becoming of personality

Authors

  • Liliia Burachok Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University
  • Mariia Demkiv Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University

DOI::

https://doi.org/10.31861/hj2022.56.114-120

Keywords:

Elizabeth II, Great Britain, constitutional monarchy, queen, Windsor, George VI, Winston Churchill, coronation, Elizabeth age, Westminster Abbey

Abstract

The monarchy is the oldest governing institution in Great Britain; called the British Monarchy or the Monarchy of Great Britain. It is one of the oldest European monarchies, as well as the most famous. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state from 1952; she is also a symbol of stability and the main figure in Great Britain. Researching the stages becoming personality of queen, we see how formed her strong, unshakable character through the prism of historical events with which Elizabeth II managed to adapt to present and remain a national symbol for the Britishs. The epoch of Elizabeth II ruling (especially from the end of ХХ to beginning of XXI century) is an important period in British history. It is time for serious reforms in country and also for major changes on global: the collapse of the socialist system in Central and Eastern Europe, the collapse of the Warsaw Pact Organization, the end of the Cold War, unification of Germany, disintegration of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. During the queen's reign and her life in general, many important events took place. Her Majesty has also been involved in numerous changes to the monarchy, from becoming Queen at the age of twenty-five to traveling the world more than any other monarch before her. Elizabeth II managed to unite the countries of former British colonies and create Concord of nations, that she heads by now. Analysing activity of Her Majesty, it is possible to notice that Elizabeth ІІ supports conservatism, for example, she gives preference to classic style, old books and other things like that. However, at the same time, modernity makes Queen to get used also to new realities, such as radio, television and internet. The Queen is supposed to be impartial, but she is still the head of the executive, legislature and judiciary, as well as the role of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Elizabeth II symbolizes the sovereignty of the state and her carries out only ceremonial functions in Great Britain and in the countries of Concord, mainly carrying out only official visits, since a leading role in political life of Great Britain is played by Prime Minister. Meantime a queen cares about representativity of her country and propagandizes such values, as following and unity, supports good relationships with foreign leaders out of politics. It seems that the reign of Elizabeth II, due to the individuality of the queen and the length of her reign, may go down in history as the "New Elizabethan Era".

Author Biographies

Liliia Burachok, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University

PhD in History, Associate Professor, Department of World History

Mariia Demkiv, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­а second-year master's student majoring in History and аrcheology, Faculty of history, political science and international relations

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Published

2022-12-30

How to Cite

Burachok, L., & Demkiv, M. (2022). Elizabeth II ― forming and becoming of personality. History Journal of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, (56), 114-120. https://doi.org/10.31861/hj2022.56.114-120