History 2405, History of Modern Britain surveys the growth and development of modern Britain from the Restoration Monarchy in1660 up to the end of 1980s and the Margaret Thatcher government. During this roughly three-hundred-year period, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales experienced a number of political, economic and social transformations. For example, in the 17th century when our survey begins, Britain was an agrarian society, ruled by aristocratic landowners. By the 19th century, Britain was the first industrial nation with distinct classes and competing economic and political interests. In response to public pressure for change, the British developed a parliamentary monarchy with rival parties and a representative elected parliament. It was also during this same time span that Britain became a colonial and imperial power, with possessions that encircled the globe. By the twentieth century, however, after two world wars and declining commercial and industrial strength, Britain's empire succumbed to the independence movements among its colonized peoples while increased immigration from the colonies to the United Kingdom profoundly altered the social and political climate in post-war Britain.
This course addresses a number of interrelated questions. What factors enabled an island-nation of sheep farmers and shopkeepers to eventually become a leading world power, in both political and economic terms? Why was Britain the first nation to industrialize? What was the relationship between economic change and the formation of class and gender identity? What was the role of the monarchy, and how did it change and adapt from the 17th to the 20th centuries? How did Britain develop a global commercial and political empire? And why did Britons believe, as they did at the beginning of the twentieth century, that the strength and influence of their nation was diminishing? What has been the impact of two world wars on Britain? What were the achievements of Britain’s welfare state and at what long-term costs?
Finding answers to the above questions provides the organizing concept for this course. Lectures, assigned readings, films and in-class discussions will address major political, economic and social themes. The course material is also intended to develop the skills of critical reading and writing, leading to a better understanding of historical sources and evidence. Written assignments, based on the use of primary and secondary sources, will allow students to apply methods of historical analysis while developing their writing skills.