Introductory description

This 30 CATS undergraduate first-year option module explores the history of Britain in the twentieth-century from a social history perspective. It pays special attention to the experiences and everyday lives of ‘the people’ rather than focusing on the actions of a powerful elite.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The course introduces students to the rapidly expanding body of historical work on twentieth-century Britain. Its focus is primarily cultural and social rather than political, and it considers the following themes:

• the position of Empire in national life
• the impact of the First World War
• the role of mass forms of popular culture in a democratic age
• changing gender roles
• the impact of the Second World War
• the extent to which the Welfare State changed the relationship between the people and the state
• the changing shape and fortunes of the working class
• the degree to which traditional values declined in the 1960s
• immigration and race in post-war Britain
• nationalism, Europe and the ‘break-up’ of Britain
• the role of the heritage culture

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of historical and theoretical interpretations of Britain in the twentieth century, particularly regarding ideas of nation, gender, race and class.
• Identify key historiographical debates and contributions to interpretations of Britain in the twentieth century
• Identify and engage with key primary sources in British history, having gained experience of reading such documents for the meanings and evidence that they contain
• Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills through the delivery of a presentation
• Devise well-defined essay topics, construct their own bibliographies, collect relevant data from a variety of sources & present results in an effective fashion

Indicative reading list

For a good general account covering the whole of the period (available in paperback): Peter Clarke, Hope and Glory: Britain 1900-1990 (1996). On national identity in modern Britain: Richard Weight, Patriots: National Identity in Britain 1940-2000 (2002); and Paul Ward, Britishness since 1870 (2004). For insight on the Britain at the start of our period: Jose Harris, Private Lives, Public Spirit: A Social History of Britain, 1870-1914 (1993). For a useful collection of introductory thematic essays: P. Johnson (ed.), Twentieth Century Britain: Economic, Social and Cultural Change (1994).

A number of books with a particular interest in the issue of national identity will prove useful across much of the course: R. Samuel, Patriotism: The Making and Unmaking of British National Identity 3 volumes (1989); R. Colls & P. Dodd (eds.), Englishness (1987); R. Samuel, Theatres of Memory; R. Samuel, Island Stories (1998); A. Grant & K. Stringer (eds.), Uniting the Kingdom? The Making of British History (1995); M. Wiener, English Culture and the Decline of the Industrial Spirit, 1850-1980 (1981); P. Mandler, The English National Character: The History of an Idea from Edmund Burke to Tony Blair (2006). Less directly attentive to national identity but still very useful for an understanding of the nation and its divisions in the first half of the century: R. McKibbin, Classes and Cultures: England, 1918-1951 (1998).

Useful survey essays of key themes can be found in: F.M.L. Thompson (ed.), The Cambridge Social History of Britain, 1750-1950, 3 volumes; Judith Brown & W.R. Louis (eds.), The Oxford History of the British Empire Volume iv: The Twentieth Century (1999); M. Daunton, The Cambridge Urban History of Britain Volume iii, 1840-1950 (2000).
Useful information and statistics can be found in reference books such as: B.R. Mitchell & P.M. Deane, Abstract of British Historical Statistics (1962); A.H. Halsey (ed.), British Social Trends since 1900; D. Butler & G. Butler, British Political Facts, 1900-1994 (1994).

For the latest articles on the subject, look at recent issues of journals such as 20th Century British History; the Journal of British Studies, and Contemporary British History.
For a comprehensive list of essays, articles and books on any topic in modern British history, search via the electronic Bibliography of British and Irish History (available as electronic database on the Library website): http://0-apps.brepolis.net.pugwash.lib.warwick.ac.uk/bbih/search.cfm?

The library holds several searchable electronic databases of primary sources that will prove helpful, including copies of The Times and of all published government reports for the period. The Modern Records Centre, which is attached to the library, is one of the main archives in the country for the history of twentieth-century Britain. It holds original material that could provide the basis for important original research relating to the module and welcomes student researchers. The MRC catalogue is readily searchable online. The MRC website has a special page devoted to sources that may be helpful for this module, and you will also find useful material on its pages on related modules.

Research element

The module makes heavy use of collections in the Modern Records Centre and students are supported in using the archive.

International

The module engages with Britain and the decline of its Empire.

Subject specific skills

See learning outcomes.

Transferable skills

See learning outcomes.