British history from 1945 to 1990 divides into two distinct sub-periods. From 1945 to the mid-1970s there was a degree of policy consensus between the two principal political parties, though we will discuss whether this has at times been over-stated. From the mid-1970s there was a clear policy choice for the electorate with significant continuing implications for our world today. Our approach will be thematic. For each of the sub-periods we will examine in turn the principal political, diplomatic, economic and social events and changes. Our approach will be empirical, we will neither eulogise nor condemn .. despite the temptations!
Course aim
The course will explore British history from 1945 to 1990 to explain what happened, why it happened and how Britain changed over the period.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explain the basis of the so called post war consensus.
- Describe how and why that consensus ended and the policy options which emerged from it.
- Explain how and why Britain's place in the world changed fundamentally during the period.
- Describe the main social changes which took place and why they occurred.
What else do I need to know?
No prior knowledge is required though many of us will be walking primary sources .. certainly for the latter part of the period. Suggestions for further reading will be found in Canvas.
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