Popular Conservatism and the Culture of National Government in Inter-War Britain

Geraint Thomas' book explores how the British Conservatives adapted to mass democracy after 1918, re-casting inter-war Conservatism as concerned with the everyday material interests of the electorate. Key Conservative figures in the National Government, such as Neville Chamberlain, Walter Elliot, Oliver Stanley, and Kingsley Wood, pursued the politics of recovery to foster a culture of programmatic, activist government that would become prevalent in Britain after the Second World War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive reinterpretation of British Conservative fortunes between the wars delves into the party's remarkable adaptation to the challenges of mass democracy after 1918. Geraint Thomas provides a fresh perspective on the intricate relationship between local and national Conservative political strategies, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the party's electoral survival. Despite initial reservations about coalitions, Conservative activists emerged as champions of the cross-party National Government from 1931 to 1940. By examining the role of local campaigning in the age of mass broadcasting, Thomas reimagines inter-war Conservatism, revealing it as less a didactic product of Stanley Baldwin's consensual public image and more concerned with the material interests of the electorate.

Through an in-depth analysis of the contributions of key Conservative figures in the National Government, including Neville Chamberlain, Walter Elliot, Oliver Stanley, and Kingsley Wood, this study unveils how their pursuit of the politics of recovery facilitated the cultivation of a culture of programmatic, activist government that would become prevalent in Britain after the Second World War. This transformative period marked a significant shift in the party's fortunes, as it adapted to the changing political landscape and embraced a more inclusive and responsive approach to governance.

The study's findings shed light on the complex dynamics that shaped British politics during this era, highlighting the importance of local campaigning, cross-party cooperation, and a commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the electorate. It provides valuable insights into the evolution of Conservatism and its role in shaping the political landscape of post-war Britain.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108483124