United Kingdom

Polity Histories

by Adrian Bingham

The United Kingdom has been at the heart of global history for centuries - as a conqueror, an engine of international trade, and a symbol of modernity. It was the first industrial nation, the centre of the world's biggest empire, and the home of an enduring and influential parliamentary democracy. Since 1945, the UK has faced unprecedented challenges as it has come to terms with the loss of great power status, the surrender of its colonial territories, the decline of its staple industries, and growing pressures threatening to tear apart the union holding together England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

In this book, Adrian Bingham guides readers through the key developments in British post-war history to reveal how the nation was shaped by the legacies and lessons of the past. The UK has become a more diverse, pluralistic, and mobile society, but it remains one struggling to come to terms with its changed position in the world, and unable to reach consensus around a vision for the future.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2022

About the author

Adrian Bingham is Professor of Modern British History at the University of Sheffield.

Reviews

[Gwen Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this book at uni, very helpful as it talks about everything that's happened in British politics since 1945 in themed chapters, and up to date too.