Ida-+20th+century


 * The 20th century – Influenced by politics, wars and depression **

Many of the traditions and attitudes of the nineteenth century clung on into the twentieth century, but the social structures continued to change. The creation of the labor party in 1900, a center-left, socialistic party in the United Kingdom, made a large difference in the political history. The party grew quickly, and in the election in 1922, it was the party with the second most representatives in the House of Commons. During the beginning of the 20th century the politics evolved around building a more “fair” society, and a lot of reforms were made to better the working-class’ conditions. In 1918, women householders were allowed to vote, but equal vote for everybody was not established until ten years later, in 1928. World War 1 changed Britain in other areas, such as the employment and development of the army. Almost three million lives were lost (1), and had a huge impact on post-war society. Like in most other parts of Europe at the time, the end of the war was soon followed by a great depression. Many stores and businesses were shut down, and in the northern parts of England and Wales, where the depression was at its worst, unemployment rates reached almost 70% (2). Though those who were hit hardest by the depression ended up in the slum, those who were not as much affected by it saw an improvement to their lives and households. This was followed by “the Housing Act” in 1919, which was based on building affordable houses to allow people to move out of the slum.

Before the Second World War broke out for real, several thousand children were moved from the cities to the country, because of threats of a war. Food and sweets were rationed during the war and for a period after. The years after the war also lead to a health reform, with a promise of health care for everyone, no matter the income, from birth to death. After this war, as well as after WW1, the economy went down for a while (in the 1950’s).

A time remembered for large changes are the 1960’s, especially around equality and sexuality. People became more liberal and free, they dressed differently, and homosexuality was legalized. Teenagers and young adults were also more liberated from the former social patterns, and became more independent and sought a freer, more equal society. It  became clear that the attitudes we read of in Jane Austen novels, and think that are rigid and extreme, no longer shaped society. Immigration, starting in the 50’s and 60’s, also contributed to changes of attitude, starting to create a more multi-cultural community. The growth continued throughout the century, and has shaped Britain the way we know it.

Bibliography: · “Social structure of the United Kingdom” Wikimedia foundation, last update 07.03.11, viewed 10.03.11, []

· “Britain’s class system ‘alive and well’, claims research, Article in “the telegraph” by Caroline Gammell, published 17.04.09, viewed 10.03.11 [] · (1,2)“social history of England” Wikimedia foundation, last update 15.11.10, viewed 14.03.11, [] · “Labour Party (UK)” Wikimedia foundation, Last update 26.03.11, viewed 28.03.11, [] · “England in the 20th century”, Tim Lambert, Last update 2008, viewed 28.03.11, []