The Battle of Waterloo: Why it is still important 200 years on? - video
Two centuries on, the historic clash still has great importance in 2015
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As we cast our eyes back 200 years to commemorate The Battle of Waterloo; on first glance, it seems there is not a great deal which is relevant to contemporary politics.
It ended a period of tumult in Europe and ushered in a spate of violent revolutions - it is clear that Europe in the twenty-first century has moved on. But, the historic clash still remains relevant in the context of British politics, namely two controversial referendums.
We talk to Dr Andrew Smith, Teaching Fellow at UCL, about why the Battle of Waterloo is still important today.
Let’s start with last year’s Scottish independence referendum. In the final weeks of the Better Together campaign, the arguments became steeped in history, leading to critics branding the rhetoric as overdramatic.
Despite the histrionics of certain Westminster politicians, the points were valid - the union has a rich history, of which The Battle of Waterloo is a key moment. It saw divided nations work together for a common goal; and this is a timeless lesson.
It also has relevance on the proposed referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union. The skirmish was won due to an alliance of European countries rather than the efforts of a single nation. It laid the first foundations for a unified Europe in the Congress of Vienna; which later became the model for the League of Nations and European Union.
The European Union may have flaws in its current form; but the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo serves as a reminder that European unity has the power to overcome the most powerful of forces.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments