The Telegraph reports (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9653497/British-have-invaded-nine-out-of-ten-countries-so-look-out-Luxembourg.html)
British have invaded nine out of ten countries - so look out LuxembourgBritain has invaded all but 22 countries in the world in its long and colourful history, new research has found.QuoteEvery schoolboy used to know that at the height of the empire, almost a quarter of the atlas was coloured pink, showing the extent of British rule.
But that oft recited fact dramatically understates the remarkable global reach achieved by this country.
A new study has found that at various times the British have invaded almost 90 per cent of the countries around the globe.
The analysis of the histories of the almost 200 countries in the world found only 22 which have never experienced an invasion by the British.
Among this select group of nations are far-off destinations such as Guatemala, Tajikistan and the Marshall Islands, as well some slightly closer to home, such as Luxembourg.
The analysis is contained in a new book, All the Countries We've Ever Invaded: And the Few We Never Got Round To.
Stuart Laycock, the author, has worked his way around the globe, through each country alphabetically, researching its history to establish whether, at any point, they have experienced an incursion by Britain.
Only a comparatively small proportion of the total in Mr Laycock's list of invaded states actually formed an official part of the empire.
The remainder have been included because the British were found to have achieved some sort of military presence in the territory – however transitory – either through force, the threat of force, negotiation or payment.
Incursions by British pirates, privateers or armed explorers have also been included, provided they were operating with the approval of their government.
So, many countries which once formed part of the Spanish empire and seem to have little historical connection with the UK, such as Costa Rica, Ecuador and El Salvador, make the list because of the repeated raids they suffered from state-sanctioned British sailors.
More at the link above.
all based on this:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTduy7Qkvk8
Blimey - we missed one. Mind you, its not very big.
Geek, draw a pike from the armoury and get over there!
When you think about it, that number really isn't very surprising. Given how, ah, active the UK has been in world affairs the last several centuries, sheer law of averages would dictate they've invaded almost every blood country on the planet!
Quote from: undercovergeek on November 04, 2012, 07:44:15 AM
all based on this:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTduy7Qkvk8
Heh. Love that clip. Also love the one where he talks about empires. :D
There are some great vids with his routines acted out by Lego figures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYeFcSq7Mxg
Quote from: Martok on November 04, 2012, 10:30:15 AM
When you think about it, that number really isn't very surprising. Given how, ah, active the UK has been in world affairs the last several centuries, sheer law of averages would dictate they've invaded almost every blood country on the planet!
Quote from: undercovergeek on November 04, 2012, 07:44:15 AM
all based on this:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTduy7Qkvk8
Heh. Love that clip. Also love the one where he talks about empires. :D
Mainly it was people from Leeds trying to get away from the place.........
Quote from: bob48 on November 04, 2012, 08:29:23 AM
Blimey - we missed one. Mind you, its not very big.
Geek, draw a pike from the armoury and get over there!
If you have any to spare, I'd love to have a pike added to my collection of ancient weapons. I'll even let you have Luxemburg. I just want the pike.
Quote from: Staggerwing on November 04, 2012, 11:12:32 AMThere are some great vids with his routines acted out by Lego figures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYeFcSq7Mxg
the ultimate was
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv5iEK-IEzw
star wars fans beware - gut-busting humor ahead
^ Seen that one too. Always good for a laugh!
Considering it's superb chocolates and beer, I simply cannot imagine why the english wouldn't conquer Luxemborg.
Maybe the Brits don't like chocolate?
We already have chocolates and beer!
We're quite envious of their navy though
Quote from: undercovergeek on November 05, 2012, 08:48:54 AM
We already have chocolates and beer!
We're quite envious of their navy though
Ouch.
Quote from: bob48 on November 04, 2012, 11:30:32 AM
Quote from: Martok on November 04, 2012, 10:30:15 AM
When you think about it, that number really isn't very surprising. Given how, ah, active the UK has been in world affairs the last several centuries, sheer law of averages would dictate they've invaded almost every blood country on the planet!
Quote from: undercovergeek on November 04, 2012, 07:44:15 AM
all based on this:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTduy7Qkvk8
Heh. Love that clip. Also love the one where he talks about empires. :D
Mainly it was people from Leeds trying to get away from the place.........
Um they said "warmongers", not whoremongers. ;)
That's just the final goddam straw that is! :P
Quote from: undercovergeek on November 05, 2012, 08:48:54 AM
We already have chocolates and beer!
We're quite envious of their navy though
Cadbury's choccie, Newcastle Brown Ale, and no aircraft carriers...thats us alright.
Don't forget Sharia Law.
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