ABSTRACT

In this, the second part of his history of the Industrial Revolution, Richard Brown examines the political and religious developments which took place in Britain between the 1780s and 1840s in terms of the aristocratic elite and through the expression of alternative radical ideologies. Opening with a discussion of the nature of history, and of Britain in 1700, it goes on to consider Britain's foreign policy, the emergence of the modern state and the mid-century 'crisis' of the 1840s. Unlike many previous works, it emphasises British not just English history. It is this diversity of experience and the focus on continuity as well as change, women as well as men, that makes this a distinctive text. Students will also find the theoretical foundations of historical narrative and analysis clearly explained.

chapter 1|9 pages

The nature of history

chapter 2|20 pages

Britain in the early eighteenth century

chapter 3|30 pages

Politics in the eighteenth century I

chapter 4|32 pages

Politics in the eighteenth century II

chapter 6|40 pages

William Pitt and his legacy 1783–1812

chapter 8|27 pages

The constitutional revolution 1827–32

chapter 9|35 pages

The Whig reforms 1832–41

chapter 10|28 pages

The Peel Administration 1841–6

chapter 12|58 pages

The radical response 1790–1835

chapter 15|19 pages

The changing role of the state

chapter 16|33 pages

Policy abroad 1815–51

chapter 17|14 pages

1845–51 — A mid-century crisis?