Britain in the Twentieth Century: The Economic Crisis and its Consequences

This module explores the economic crisis of 1931, detailing how fears of a fiscal deficit led to drastic government actions and the formation of a 'National' Government.

Key points include:

• The challenges faced by MacDonald and Snowdon in garnering support.
• The political landscape during the elections of 1931 and 1935.
• The role of trade unions and their influence on government policy.

Course Lectures

• The Character of Twentieth Century Britain

  Vernon Bogdanor

  Play

  This module explores the character of Britain in the 20th century, highlighting the dramatic transformation from a stateless environment to a society where government influence permeated every aspect of life.

  Key discussion points include:

  • The evolution of state involvement in citizens' lives.
  • The decline of the British Empire and its global impact.
  • Consequences of this shift for British identity and international standing.
• Britain in the 20th Century: Reponses to Decline, 1895-1914

  Vernon Bogdanor

  Play

  This module covers the period from 1895 to 1914, during which British statesmen recognized the threats to Britain's international and economic standing posed by rising powers like Germany and the USA.

  Key topics include:

  • The emergence of economic fragility and the response through imperialism.
  • The introduction of social reforms aiming to address domestic issues.
  • The rise of 'New Liberalism' and its significance in shaping policy.
• Britain in the Twentieth Century: The Great War and its Consequences

  Vernon Bogdanor

  Play

  This module addresses the ramifications of World War I on Britain, examining the political, social, and economic consequences that followed the war.

  Participants will analyze:

  • The immediate effects of the war on British society.
  • Changes in government and public sentiment post-war.
  • The long-term implications for Britain's status in the world.
• Britain in the Twentieth Century: The Economic Crisis and its Consequences

  Vernon Bogdanor

  Playing

  This module explores the economic crisis of 1931, detailing how fears of a fiscal deficit led to drastic government actions and the formation of a 'National' Government.

  Key points include:

  • The challenges faced by MacDonald and Snowdon in garnering support.
  • The political landscape during the elections of 1931 and 1935.
  • The role of trade unions and their influence on government policy.
• Britain in the Twentieth Century:

  Vernon Bogdanor

  Play

  This module examines the failures of the Conservative-dominated National Government to establish a viable foreign policy, particularly in the lead-up to World War II.

  Participants will discuss:

  • The symbolic representation of Neville Chamberlain's policy decisions.
  • Critiques of government preparedness for war.
  • Possibilities for defending the National Government's foreign policy strategies.
• Britain in the 20th Century: The Road to War

  Vernon Bogdanor

  Play

  This module focuses on the road to war, analyzing the events following the Munich Conference of 1938 and the inevitability of conflict in 1939.

  Key discussion points include:

  • The impact of Hitler's territorial ambitions on European stability.
  • The decisions made by Britain and France leading to war.
  • Debates around Chamberlain's culpability and the considerations for peace in 1940.