This book provides an accessible and engaging introduction to British political history, by exploring 12 key crises from the early 20th century to the modern day. Taking each crisis in turn, chapters investigate the following crucial questions:
Whats at stake in the crisis?
Who was able to frame and shape the debates and narratives around the crisis?
How was the crisis eventually resolved?
Developing a nuanced account of crisis, the book shows how narrations of events as crises can be used to promote particular political changes. Taken together the crises will familiarise readers with key themes in British politics and the events that have shaped the current shape of politics within the UK.
Introduction
2. The Constitutional Crisis of 190912
3. The Irish Home Rule Crisis of 1912-14
4. Britain in the First World War
5. The General Strike of 1926
6. The Great Slump of 1931
7. Britain in the Second World War
8. Suez Crisis of 1956
9. Winter of Discontent of 19789
10. Miners Strike of 19845
11. Terrorist Attacks in London on 7th July 2005
12. 2007/8 Global Financial Crisis
13. COVID-19
Conclusion
Christopher Kirkland is Senior Lecturer in Politics at York St John University, UK.
