Modern Britain, 1750 to the Present

This revised introductory textbook charts a new global history of modern Britain from 1750 to the present.

James Vernon (Author)

9781009379700, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 January 2025

614 pages
25.1 x 17.6 x 3.3 cm, 1.3 kg

This wide-ranging introduction to the history of modern Britain extends from the eighteenth century to the present day. Vernon structures his compelling narrative around the rise, fall and reinvention of liberal ideas of how markets, governments and empires should work. In this new edition, Vernon expands on four important themes: the history of the environment and climate crisis; global pandemics; the history of minoritised people of colour; and shifting ideas of democracy and sovereignty. This textbook offers a new global history of Britain, demonstrating how the world shaped the course of Britain's modern history. Richly illustrated with figures and maps, the book features textboxes, further reading guides, highlighted key terms and a glossary. A supplementary online package includes a study guide with discussion questions and links to additional primary sources. This textbook is an essential resource for introductory courses on the history of modern Britain.

Preface
Part I. 1750–1819: The Ends of the Ancien Regime: 1. The imperial state
2. An englightened civil society?
3. An imperial economy and the great transformation
Part II. 1819–1885: Becoming Liberal and Global: 4. A liberal revolution in government
5. An empire of free trade?
6. Practising democracy
Part III. 1885–1931: The Crises of Liberalism: 7. The British imperium
8. The social problem
9. The rise of the mass
Part IV. 1931–1976: Society Triumphant: 10. Late imperialism and social democracy
11. Social democracy and the cold war
12. The ends of social democracy
Part V. 1976–: A New Liberalism?: 13. The neoliberal revolution
Glossary.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]