This study charts the development of Britain in the first half of the 20th century, from a nation which was a world power dominated by the ruling classes, to the country in the 1950s which had a Labour government and fledgling public services. It also follows the political and social changes that occurred during this period, including the beginnings of the Welfare State, the emergence of the Labour Party, the impact of World War I, the General Strike and the Depression. The narrative also includes an in-depth look at the changing role of women - their struggle to gain the vote, the position they held in society during the 1920s and 1930s, and their work in two world wars. The author assesses the Welfare State which emerged after the war, asking whether it really did represent a new Jerusalem. This text is geared to the requirements of GCSE syllabuses, and features research and examinations of different historical interpretations.

 

This book is part of a book series called Hodder Twentieth Century History .

This book is aimed at children in secondary school.

There are 64 pages in this book. This book was published 1997 by Hodder Arnold .

Richard Radway is a history teacher at Chesham High School and a well known author of History textbooks.

This book has the following chapters: Life in Britain in 1900; the changing political scene; the beginnings of the Welfare State; the impact of World War I; the new women?; Britain after World War I - "a fit land for heroes"?; the general strike - nine days' wonder; the depression; the impact of World War II; the new Jerusalem.