Description
Book SynopsisThis Companion brings together thirty-two new essays by leading historians to provide a reassessment of British history in the early twentieth century. The contributors present lucid introductions to the literature and debates on major aspects of the political, social, and economic history of Britain between 1900 and 1939.
Trade Review"The essays are readable and accessible, and ... provide an introduction to early twentieth-century Britain for students who will benefit from the 35-page bibliography of secondary sources."
Economic History Review "Wrigley's volume offers thirty-two essays on various aspects of British history between 1900 and 1939. Both the cast of contributors, and the variety of topics they cover, are impressive ... This is an excellent volume, comprising strong essays ably held together by the editor. It will be of considerable value to students and their lecturers." Andrew Thorpe, University of Exeter
Table of ContentsList of Contributors x
Introduction xv
Part I British Political Life
1 The Conservative Party, 1900–1939: From Crisis to Ascendancy 3
Philip Williamson
2 The Liberal Party, 1900–1939: Summit and Descent 23
Michael Bentley
3 The Politics of the Labour Movement, 1900–1939 38
Duncan Tanner
4 The Politics of National Efficiency and of War, 1900–1918 56
G. R. Searle
5 Scottish Issues in British Politics, 1900–1939 72
I. G. C. Hutchison
6 Wales and British Politics, 1900–1939 87
R. Merfyn Jones
7 Ireland and British Politics, 1900–1939 102
D. George Boyce
8 Women and Politics, 1900–1939 118
Christine Collette
Part II Britain and the World
9 Immigrants, Sojourners and Refugees: Minority Groups in Britain, 1900–1939 137
Anne J. Kershen
10 British Foreign Policy, 1900–1939 152
G. H. Bennett
11 The British Armed Forces, 1900–1939 167
David French
12 The Empire, 1900–1939 182
Martin Kitchen
13 The British Economy and the Empire, 1900–1939 198
B. R. Tomlinson
14 Britain in the International Economy, 1900–1939 212
Tim Rooth
15 The State and the Economy, 1900–1939 229
M. W. Kirby
Part III Social and Economic Developments
16 The City of London and British Banking, 1900–1939 249
R. C. Michie
17 Agriculture, Agrarian Society and the Countryside 270
Peter Dewey
18 Transport, 1900–1939 286
Colin Divall
19 Industry and Services: Employment and Unemployment 302
K. D. Brown
20 Industrial Relations in Britain, 1900–1939 319
Arthur J. McIvor
21 Social Structure, 1900–1939 337
Andrew Miles
22 Consumption and Consumer Behaviour 353
Sue Bowden
23 Social Welfare: Public and Private, 1900–1939 373
Keith Laybourn
24 Housing and Town Planning, 1900–1939 388
Helen Meller
25 Medicine and Public Health, 1900–1939 405
Steven Cherry
26 Education, 1900–1939 424
Roy Lowe
27 Crime, Police and Penal Policy 438
Clive Emsley
28 Leisure and Sport in Britain, 1900–1939 453
Peter J. Beck
29 Religion, 1900–1939 470
Stuart Mews
30 Culture in the Sceptr'd Isle 485
Anthony Sutcliffe
31 The Impact of the First World War 502
Chris Wrigley
32 Britishness 517
John K. Walton
Bibliography of Secondary Sources 532
Index 568
