(1) Great Britain is the shortened name for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. (2) The U. S. fought for independence from England in the 1700s. (3) Great Britain is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (4) England, Scotland, and Wales are on one island, and Northern Ireland is on another island. (5) These islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, across the English Channel from France and the rest of Europe.