State and Society

It is one of the most respected introductions to the social and political history of modern Britain. Now in its third edition, moving beyond the downfall of Margaret Thatcher, this book guides readers to the point of Labour's watershed victory in the 1997 election by covering those instances of change and continuity which interlink the periods.

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A vigorous interpretation of political and social developments in Britain since the late-Victorian era, 'State and Society' is one of the most respected and widely read introductions to modern British history. In it, Pugh explores, as his central theme, the relationship between the British state and its citizens with characteristic skill and insight. In this new edition, the text is extended to cover the premiership of Tony Blair, from his election in 1997 to his departure a decade later. Pugh examines Blair's legacy, looking at issues such as electoral reform, the idea of a British presidency, enivironmentalism, the Iraq War, civil liberties and national identity. In addition, existing chapters have been fully revised to reflect recent developments in historical thinking and restructured to highlight key themes.Additional material includes increased coverage of the role of female campaigners before the suffragettes, popular attitudes to the welfare state, a re-evalution of the General Strike of 1926, the importance of the British monarchy and the the 1936 Abdication crisis, the build up to the post-1945 Labour electoral success, the rising standard of living, including the growth in holiday travel and car ownership and a new chapter charting the rise and fall of Margaret Thatcher and a detailed analysis of her legacy.
This new, thoroughly updated edition is essential reading for all students of British history.