综合英语BookIII_Unit5.pptVIP

The Light at the End of the Chunnel Background knowledge The English Channel: commonly called the Channel, is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean separating the southern coast of England from the northern coast of France, and connecting the Atlantic in the west with the North Sea on the east via the Strait of Dover. It is 34 to 240 km. (21-150 miles) wide and 560km. (350 miles) long. The Channel is at its narrowest between Dover in England and Cape Gris-Nez, near Calais, in France, it being 34 km. (21 miles) wide. Its average depth decreases from 120 to 45 meters (400-150 feet). Background knowledge From earliest times, the Channel served as a route for, and a barrier to, invaders to Britain from the Continent. It was crossed by Julius Caesar’s legion in 55 B.C. and Norman forces in 1066. However, when Napoleon and Hitler threatened to cross it, they failed. Therefore, the Channel has chiefly served as a physical barrier to the invasion of Britain. Transportation across the Channel used to be supplied by ferry boat service only. Background knowledge The long-lasting Anglo-French conflict In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, France, conquered England and became King William I of England. After the Norman Conquest, French manners and culture predominated among the English nobles. In 1154 King Henry II recovered the English throne. Thereafter the holdings of English kings in France were greatly increased. At one time, France assisted Scotland, over which the English kings attempted to dominate. These sources of friction led to intermittent fighting between the two countries from 1294 to 1337. Background knowledge In 1337, Edward III of England (1327-1377) took the title of King of France. This step began the Hundred Years’ War which continued on and off until 1453. Early in the conflict the English crushed the French, but by the end of Edward’s reign the French had reconquered almost all the territory Edward had won. Fighting between the two countries continued in the fou