Don't know if this is chip-truth, but AFAIK the transition from left to right came with the French revolution.
Before the revolution everybody moved on the left side of the roads. Many of the commons chose to switch to the right side, to avoid being driven/trampled down by nobles in the horsewagons or on their warhorses. This way, they could see the danger and avoid it.
When the french revolution came the nobles chose to switch to the right side and blend with the commons, to avoid losing their heads. After this became the norm, it only took Napoleon and a few counquered nations to make it happen in most of Europe. Napoleon didn't break the British Empire, hence the transition didn't happen there...
As for the salute? I've heard it was something to do with the british soldiers shielding their eyes before the Queen (whom they were not allowed to look upon).
Slashdot Mirror
Don't know if this is chip-truth, but AFAIK the transition from left to right came with the French revolution.
Before the revolution everybody moved on the left side of the roads. Many of the commons chose to switch to the right side, to avoid being driven/trampled down by nobles in the horsewagons or on their warhorses. This way, they could see the danger and avoid it.
When the french revolution came the nobles chose to switch to the right side and blend with the commons, to avoid losing their heads. After this became the norm, it only took Napoleon and a few counquered nations to make it happen in most of Europe. Napoleon didn't break the British Empire, hence the transition didn't happen there...
As for the salute? I've heard it was something to do with the british soldiers shielding their eyes before the Queen (whom they were not allowed to look upon).
- Carsten