Introduction
Background to British Politics presents a thematic introduction to the past and present of British politics. We begin with where we are today – and a changing Conservative Party that’s over a decade into its current period in office. We then look back over the last century or more, and consider critical moments in the histories of Britain’s political parties, political ideologies and political leaders. The final third of the module considers a further three important themes: race, identity and empire; Britain’s democracy; and referendums and the state of the Union. We conclude with some reflections on interpreting Britain’s history and why that is important for understanding British politics today.
The module is thematic, rather than strictly chronological, and brings our knowledge of British politics right up to the present day. As such, we cover a lot of ground, delving back into the past to understand the present, and examining different interpretive angles on today’s politics. By the end of the module you will have had an introduction to Britain’s political parties, major moments of ideological debate, some of the critical themes and issues of British politics today, and the people who have led parties and governments of the last century.
Background to British Politics presents a thematic introduction to the past and present of British politics. We begin with where we are today – and a changing Conservative Party that’s over a decade into its current period in office. We then look back over the last century or more, and consider critical moments in the histories of Britain’s political parties, political ideologies and political leaders. The final third of the module considers a further three important themes: race, identity and empire; Britain’s democracy; and referendums and the state of the Union. We conclude with some reflections on interpreting Britain’s history and why that is important for understanding British politics today.
The module is thematic, rather than strictly chronological, and brings our knowledge of British politics right up to the present day. As such, we cover a lot of ground, delving back into the past to understand the present, and examining different interpretive angles on today’s politics. By the end of the module you will have had an introduction to Britain’s political parties, major moments of ideological debate, some of the critical themes and issues of British politics today, and the people who have led parties and governments of the last century.
