The National Movement in Scotland

This book explores the rise of the SNP, focusing on the increase of the National Party vote in Scotland from the 1960s to the 1970s. It draws from interviews with members and ex-members, discussing Scottish society, political developments, economic history, youth culture, and the Church.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1978, but now reissued with a new preface by James Mitchell, this volume traces the rise of the SNP, with special emphasis on explaining the increase in the National Party vote in Scotland from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. The book draws much of its information from interviews with members and ex-members of the SNP, including some who helped to found the party in 1928. In describing the movement and giving an account of its main features, the author begins with a discussion of various aspects of Scottish society that have contributed to the growth of nationalism. These include the political developments of the Labour movement, the economic history of 20th-century Scotland, the development of youth culture, and, in particular, the interest in folk music, as well as developments in the Church, the army, and the press.

The author then goes on to discuss the SNP's early years, from its formation in 1928 to the mid-1930s. He describes the party's early leaders, such as Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, and their role in shaping the party's ideology and policies. The author also discusses the party's struggles during the Second World War, when it was banned and its members were persecuted.

After the war, the SNP began to gain support in Scotland, and it won its first seats in the Scottish Parliament in 1945. The party continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and it won its first Westminster seat in 1964. In the 1970s, the SNP experienced a surge in support, and it won its first Scottish government in 1979.

The book also discusses the SNP's policies and ideologies, including its commitment to independence, its support for social justice, and its opposition to nuclear power and British imperialism. The author also discusses the party's relationship with other political parties and movements, such as the Labour Party and the Scottish Labour Party, and its role in shaping Scottish politics.

Overall, this volume provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the SNP's rise to power and its impact on Scottish politics. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Scottish history, politics, and culture.

Originally published in 1978, but now reissued with a new preface by James Mitchell, this volume traces the rise of the SNP, with special emphasis on explaining the increase in the National Party vote in Scotland from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. The book draws much of its information from interviews with members and ex-members of the SNP, including some who helped to found the party in 1928. In describing the movement and giving an account of its main features, the author begins with a discussion of various aspects of Scottish society that have contributed to the growth of nationalism. These include the political developments of the Labour movement, the economic history of 20th-century Scotland, the development of youth culture, and, in particular, the interest in folk music, as well as developments in the Church, the army, and the press.

The author then goes on to discuss the SNP's early years, from its formation in 1928 to the mid-1930s. He describes the party's early leaders, such as Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, and their role in shaping the party's ideology and policies. The author also discusses the party's struggles during the Second World War, when it was banned and its members were persecuted.

After the war, the SNP began to gain support in Scotland, and it won its first seats in the Scottish Parliament in 1945. The party continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and it won its first Westminster seat in 1964. In the 1970s, the SNP experienced a surge in support, and it won its first Scottish government in 1979.

The book also discusses the SNP's policies and ideologies, including its commitment to independence, its support for social justice, and its opposition to nuclear power and British imperialism. The author also discusses the party's relationship with other political parties and movements, such as the Labour Party and the Scottish Labour Party, and its role in shaping Scottish politics.

Overall, this volume provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the SNP's rise to power and its impact on Scottish politics. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Scottish history, politics, and culture.

Weight: 639g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032069241