War and Austerity: politics, culture and society in Britain and Ireland, 1939-1955

What is the course about?

The course is an outline political, social and cultural history of Britain, Northern Ireland and Eire (also known as the Republic of Ireland from 1949). It explores the home preparations for and political, social and economic impact and consequences of the Second World War for all three territorial entities as well as the latter’s inter-relationships during the period as a whole.

Preparations for post war society began in the early 1940s and took shape following the Labour victory in the 1945 general election. The course explores in particular the Attlee governments’ welfare, economic and foreign/imperial policies, the Conservative Party’s response and Churchill’s peacetime administration. Also considered are the post war social and economic policies together with aspects of daily lives in both Northern Ireland and the newly established Republic of Ireland. Featured too are aspects of religious developments, education reforms, the Arts, Science and popular culture during all the whole period.
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What will we cover?

Britain and Ireland’s response to the prospect of war 1933-1939

Anglo-Irish relations in the 1930s and during the Second World War

Life in Britain and Ireland, 1939-1945

Preparing for post war society; the 1945 general election

The post war settlement and society, 1945-1955

‘in their own worlds’: the two Irelands, 1945-1955

The Arts, Science and popular culture, 1939-1955.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Anglo-Irish relations over the whole period under study; Britain and Ireland’s response to the prospect of war 1933-1939 and life in Britain and Ireland, 1939-1945; preparing for post war society and the 1945 general election; government economic, social security and overseas policies, 1945-1955; education, the Arts, Science and popular culture 1939-1955.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

An outline course; no previous knowledge is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be delivered through a mixture of formal presentation and discussion with student input greatly encouraged. There will be no set work to be done outside the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other costs; requisites for any optional note taking.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other courses in British, London or European history. Please see the website.