State and Society: A Social and Political History of Britain since 1870

by Martin Pugh

Covering the major social and political events of British history from the late Victorian era through to the present day, the 6th edition of this landmark textbook helps students critically examine the relationship between the British state and its citizens. With accessible and engaging prose, the book guides students through a mix of chronological and thematic coverage connecting key political, economic and social changes, helping them examine the main themes and trends in British political history.
Newly featuring definitions of key terms, and with 20 additional illustrations, the 6th edition has also been updated to cover events since the 2015 general election,

- The 2017 and 2019 general elections
- The Brexit vote and negotiations
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- The resignation of David Cameron, the fall of Theresa May, and the rise of Boris Johnson
- The rise of cultural politics, including feminism, Black Lives Matter, the centralisation of government and identity politics

This book is essential for anyone looking to for an introduction to modern British social and political history.

587 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2022

About the author

Martin Pugh is a historian of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Britain, and was formerly professor of modern British history at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His publications include State and Society and The Pankhursts.

Reviews

[Linus · Rating 5 out of 5]

In State and Society: A Social and Political History of Britain since 1870, Martin Pugh—one of Britain’s most important modern historians—points out that the country now faces a long-standing identity crisis and strategic dilemma: Who exactly is Britain, and what role should it play in the world? As early as the late nineteenth century, the British politician Joseph Chamberlain warned that, in the face of the rising power of the United States and Germany, Britain could no longer rely on isolationism and must instead join a large bloc—an “Imperial Federation”—to preserve itself.Yet history shows a different trajectory: the Imperial Federation failed, the “special relationship” has waned, and the European Union became Britain’s final strategic choice. Ironically, Britain ultimately opted to leave the EU, returning once again to a state of isolation. Brexit has turned Britain into a “solitary island nation.”In a world dominated by three major powers—the United States, China, and the European Union—Britain now finds itself a middle power: lacking a large internal market, a coherent strategy, and stable alliances. Today’s Britain faces a situation remarkably similar to that of the 1900s: intensifying great-power competition, uncertainty about where to position itself, deep domestic political divisions, directionless diplomacy, and an economy and population size no longer capable of sustaining its global ambitions.This, precisely, confirms the predicament Joseph Chamberlain foresaw more than a century ago: isolation leads to decline.The analysis reveals the author’s profound historical insight.

[Kieran Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy to read book for someone not big on reading books, detailing the social and political history of Britain over the period outlined. The book covers the societal changes over the period, the successes and failures of each government, living standards, the ever increasing welfare state, foreign affairs, empire, industrializaton, the two world wars, feminism, religion, regional nationalism, and many more subjects of which the list could go on. The book truly encompasses everything but at the same time doesn't rush its way through and gives a good overview of the period. I enjoyed it all from start to finish never feeling bored at any point.