National Crisis and National Government: British Politics, the Economy and Empire, 1926-1932

Description

This book is the first to examine all aspects of the crisis together and in depth using an extensive range of official, institutional and personal papers. It demonstrates that a proper understanding of economic and imperial policies requires a sophisticated grasp of political processes. It shows how explanation of British political change must proceed by placing the power elites in their specific contexts, by exposing their beliefs, fears, objectives and strategies, and by displaying their interactions. The Treasury, the Bank of England, big business, the TUC and Keynes, as well as MacDonald, Baldwin, Lloyd George, Churchill, Mosley and Chamberlain are seen tackling some of the most fundamental problems of the modern British state.

'It is a comprehensive study which will no doubt establish Williamson's reputation as a major authority on the high politics of this tense and dramatic period ... The book is a mine of information. New material has been unearthed, often from obscure archives. From such research comes a real understanding of the actors in the drama ... a valuable and highly rewarding contribution to the analysis of a highly significant historical event.' The Durham University Journal