Synopses & Reviews
This readable introduction to all the main themes and changes in British society between the late eighteenth century and the end of the 20th century is an ideal volume for anyone embarking on a study of this complex subject. The author considers the extent and nature of Britain's relative economic decline since the late-Victorian period and examines imperial expansion up to 1914 and the trend towards decolonization after the second world war, culminating in an evaluation of Britain's dilemmas at the end of the 20th century.
Review
Pugh's [book is] broader and more general... highly recommended.
Teaching History
Synopsis
Offers a stimulating introduction to fundamental social, political, and economic changes that took place in Great Britain from the late 18th century to the present day. Explores major factors governing events and reveals how and why Britain reached her peak as a great industrial power by 1850, the nature and extent of economic decline since the late Victorian period, and how the aristocratic British political system gave way to mass democracy with scarcely a protest. Concludes with an evaluation of dilemmas facing Britain at the end of this century.
About the Author
Martin Pugh is Professor of Modern British History at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Table of Contents
British Society and Economy in the 18th Century * British Politics and the Political System in the 18th Century * The Impact of the French Revolution, 1789-1815 * The Industrial Revolution and the British People * Reaction and Radicalism, 1815-27 * The Era of Reform, 1828-41 * The Condition of England Question, 1832-48 * The Triumph of Free Trade * Mid-Victorian Britain: Progress and Prosperity * Pax Britannica * Mid-Victorian Politics, 1846-65 * The Era of Gladstonian Liberalism, 1865-85 * The Age of Conservatism, 1886-1905 * British Society in Decline, 1873-1902 * The Working Class and Socialist Revival * The New Imperialism * The Emergence of the Interventionist State, 1905-14 * The Edwardian Crisis * The Continental Commitment, 1890-1914 * The Impact of the Great War * The Inter-War Economic Depression * The Rise of Labour, 1918-29 * Political Stability in the 1930s * The Era of Appeasement * The Impact of the Second World War * The Era of Consensus, 1945-59 * The Decline of British Power, 1945-74 * Affluence and Decline, 1960-75 * Thatcher and the End of Consensus Politics, 1975-97