From the Great Depression to VE Day: Britain 1929 to 1945
The course examines the main developments in British politics, economy and society between 1929 and 1945 from the Great Depression to the 1945 Labour landslide.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 22 Apr 2026End Date: 27 May 2026Wed (Evening): 19:30 - 21:00OnlineFull fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00
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What is the course about?
The course will explore developments in government and Parliamentary politics, the formation the 1931 National Government, the impact of the Great Depression, the threat of extremism, the impact of ‘Total War’ on British society, and why there was a Labour landslide election victory in 1945.
What will we cover?
Did Ramsey Macdonald betray the Labour Party?
The Great Depression: decline and boom
Fascism v. Communism: the extremist threat
Coming up for air: changing British society
The impact of WW2 on British society
‘A New Jerusalem’: why was there a Labour landslide in 1945?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Knowledge and understanding of key political developments in Britain 1929-45
Critically reflect on how much political, economic and social change there was between 1929-45
Critically reflect on the people, movements, and events that led to change.
Critically reflect on key historical interpretations for this period.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
..
An outline course; no previous knowledge required.. An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through a mixture of formal tutor input and discussion with student participation encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Pen and paper for any voluntary note taking. Below is an optional reading list:
CG Brown and WH Fraser Britain since 1707
M Pugh Britain since 1789
D Edgerton The Rise and Fall of the British Nation: A Twentieth-Century History
KO Morgan Twentieth-Century Britain: A Very Short Introduction
A Calder The People's War: Britain 1939-1945
C Ponting 1940: Myth and Reality
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HBH119 British history: The Attlee Government
David has over twenty years’ experience in secondary schools and higher education. He holds a degree in Economics and History and a MA in History from Oxford Brookes University and has been an active member of the Historical Association (HA) and was recently a member of the People of 1381 Teacher Fellowship programme. He has also presented at history education conferences in Europe and the USA. His specific area of teaching expertise is post-1945 British political, economic, and social history particularly the 1978-79 Winter of Discontent and the Thatcher governments 1979-1990 but he teaches beyond these topics: British history 1603-1997; Russian history 1881-1990; American history 1865-2008, particularly the struggle for black equality; the use of popular music in history learning; and medicine history, c.1300 to the present day; and migration c. 1700 to the present day. David spends his spare time tending an unruly allotment, purveying homemade jam, and listening to Northern Soul music.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.