A Concise History of Britain, 1707–1975

A concise, illustrated history of Great Britain over the past three centuries which explains the political and social trends that have shaped modern Britain.

W. A. Speck (Author)

9780521364003, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 April 1993

228 pages, 37 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.46 kg

'An excellent work that offers both a clear political narrative and more general reflections on particular features of socio-economic development … Authoritative as well as concise.' Archives

This book provides a concise, illustrated history of Great Britain over the past three centuries, from its formation as a sovereign state between the Union of England and Scotland in 1707 to its partial loss of sovereignty in the accession to the European Community, confirmed in the referendum result of 1975. Professor Speck emphasises political and social trends. In particular he argues that conservative politics prevailed largely in a deeply conservative society, and that reactionary causes generally obtained more support than radical campaigns. The book is highly illustrated with pictures and photographs and contains a bibliography and other features of use to students and general readers.

List of illustrations
Preface
Introduction
1. Eighteenth-century Britain
2. From the Anglo-Scottish Union to the union with Ireland
3. Nineteenth-Century Britain
4. From Pitt to Palmerston
5. From the Second Reform Act to the Boer War
6. Twentieth-century Britain
7. From the Boer War to the first Labour government
8. From Baldwin to Attlee
9. From the accession of Queen Elizabeth to the entry into the European Economic Community
Epilogue
Appendix: monarchs and ministries, 1707–1976
Guide to further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]