British Politics, 1910-1935 : The Crisis of the Party System

This accessible new study provides a much-needed guide to the pivotal period of British history between 1910 and 1935, against the background of upheavals such as the First World War and the transition to full democracy as a consequence of the Reform Acts of 1918 and 1928. Combining an up-to-date synthesis of previous work with a reappraisal of the main personalities, themes and events of the period, David Powell brings clarity to this crucial yet complex period.Examining British politics on the eve of war, David Powell assesses the impact of war on the parties and the political system and the process of realignment that followed in the interwar period. In particular he analyzes to what extent these events as a whole constituted a crisis of the party system. From the structure of the Edwardian political system and the party politics of pre-war Britain, through to the economic and political crisis of 1931 and the subsequent rebuilding of the party system, this comprehensive analysis offers an indispensable survey to all students of British history or politics. This accessible new study provides a much-needed guide to the pivotal period of British history between 1910 and 1935, against the background of upheavals such as the First World War and the transition to full democracy as a consequence of the Reform Acts of 1918 and 1928. Combining an up-to-date synthesis of previous work with a reappraisal of the main personalities, themes and events of the period, David Powell brings clarity to this crucial yet complex period. Examining British politics on the eve of war, David Powell assesses the impact of war on the parties and the political system and the process of realignment that followed in the interwar period. In particular he analyzes to what extent these events as a whole constituted a crisis of the party system. From the structure of the Edwardian political system and the party politics of pre-war Britain, through to the economic and political crisis of 1931 and the subsequent rebuilding of the party system, this comprehensive analysis offers an indispensable survey to all students of British history or politics. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 Preface and Acknowledgements......Page 7 Abbreviations......Page 8 Introduction......Page 10 Parties and politics in Edwardian Britain......Page 19 The crisis of partisanship, 1910 14......Page 43 The crisis of war, 1914 18......Page 67 Coalitionism and party politics, 1918 22......Page 99 Three-party politics, 1922 4......Page 126 Politicians and the slump, 1924 31......Page 151 Crisis resolved: the 1930s and after......Page 180 Conclusion......Page 199 Notes......Page 208 Further reading......Page 221 Index......Page 224 "This new study provides a much-needed guide to the pivotal period of British history between 1910 and 1935, against the background of upheavals such as the First World War and the transition to full democracy as a consequence of the Reform Acts of 1918 and 1928. Combining an up-to-date synthesis of previous work with a re-appraisal of the main personalities, themes and events of the period, David Powell brings clarity to this crucial yet complex period."--Jacket Introduction -- Parties And Politics In Edwardian Britain -- The Crisis Of Partisanship, 1910-1914 -- The Crisis Of War, 1914-1918 -- Coalitionism And Party Politics, 1918-1922 -- Three-party Politics, 1922-1924 -- Politicians And The Slump, 1924-1931 -- Crisis Resolved : The 1930s And After -- Conclusion. David Powell. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.