HISTORY

Transition work for A Level History (Examination Board = Edexcel)

In Year 12 we study ‘Democracies in change: Britain and the USA in the 20th Century’. This is separated into two papers.

Paper 1: Option 1H- Britain 1918-1997

This option comprises a study of British history from the end of the First World War in 1918 to the election of Tony Blair as prime minister in 1997. During this time Britain was challenged by war, fluctuations in the economy, technological advancement and the desire for greater social equality. The response to these challenges has in many ways created the political, social and economic climate of the twenty-first century today. In 1918, Britain emerged from the First World War a victorious power, having survived four years of one of the most destructive wars in history. However, the end of the war did not bring peace or prosperity or social stability. Britain was fighting against the communists in Russia, in massive debt to the USA and facing the social consequences of fighting a total war. Not only that but domestic problems which had been put on hold from 1914 were about to re-emerge: Irish independence, working-class protest and votes for women. Indeed, some commentators have gone as far as to suggest (jokingly) that with America becoming ‘top nation’ British history actually came to a ‘full stop’ in 1918.

Option 1H will show that, far from coming to an end, the British response to the challenges of the twentieth century created a history which is dynamic, interesting and, at times, controversial. Britain experienced the General Strike (1926), the abdication crisis (1936), the Blitz (1940), the birth of the National Health Service (1948), the Suez Crisis (1956), the ‘Swinging Sixties’ and the election of the first woman Prime Minister (1979) to name just a few events.

The broad history of this period is one in which the male-dominated, class-based political and social system of 1918 was challenged both by those who felt excluded from the system and by the technological advances of the twentieth century. Historians differ in their opinions as to the extent to which this situation had been transformed by 1979 but clear trends can be identified. Many people became less deferent to the class system and more secular (less religious). More people gained the right to vote and political representation became more diverse. The rights of women along with social and ethnic minorities became increasingly recognised. A national welfare system was created to provide social security, health and education. A consensus emerged over the necessity of a mixed economy: part capitalist, part socialist. While technological developments modernised communications and saw the spread of mass popular culture.

In the 1980s, the ability of Britain to adapt to these trends and challenges further came into question. The conservatism of Margaret Thatcher suggested that social and cultural changes had, in fact, undermined social stability, and that the mixed economy had undermined Britain’s economic strength by becoming imbalanced towards socialism. Her attempts to ‘roll back’ some of the trends of the previous decades were more successful in some areas than others and often very controversial. Historians still debate the impact of her time in office (1979–90). However, by 1997, at the end of 18 years of conservative government, most agree that politics and economics had become more conservative while social and cultural challenges continued apace.

Indeed, the arguments surrounding the role of public services, banking practices, moral values and national identity today can all be found in the controversy of the 1980s and the challenges brought about by the events of the twentieth century.

Overview:

1. A changing political and economic environment, 1918 - 1979

An in depth look at the political and economic landscape in the UK throughout the 20th Century.

2. Creating a welfare state, 1918 - 1979

Students will learn about the extent and changing nature of social welfare provision throughout the 20th Century.

3. Society in transition, 1918 - 1979

A focussed study of the changes to class and social values, leading to the emergence of the ‘liberal society’.

4. The changing quality of life, 1918 - 1979

Students will investigate how standards of living have changed throughout the 20th Century, as a result of the First and Second World Wars.

5. Historical Interpretation

What impact did Thatcher’s governments (1979–1990) have on Britain?

Students will investigate the effect of Thatcher’s economic policies and the extent to which state intervention and the public sector were ‘rolled-back’.  As well as the extent of political and social division within Britain and the effect of Thatcherism on politics and party development.

What you can watch:

1.     Films

Made in Dagenham (2010)

Iron Lady (2011)

The Deal (2003)

Pride (2014)

Spirit of ’45 (2013)

Left, Right and Centre (1959)

A United Kingdom (2016)

Youtube documentaries:

• Andrew Marr: Making of Modern Britain (2009) -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx3-uVwAVo4

• Britain in 1940 -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgnGprRwIY8

• The Thatcher Years:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6L6kelnvwg

• Britain after WW2 and the creation of the Welfare State:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r30XDrcIqOY

• Andrew Neil, Class Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF7OJhG7J84&t=62s

•  Christopher Hitchens, What did Thatcher do for Britain?:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8W5Zy-gagU