This accessible new study provides a much-needed guide to the pivotal period of British history between 1910 and 1935, against the background of upheavals such as the First World War and the transition to full democracy as a consequence of the Reform Acts of 1918 and 1928. Combining an up-to-date synthesis of previous work with a re-appraisal of the main personalities, themes and events of the period, David Powell brings clarity to this crucial yet complex period.

Examining British politics on the eve of war, the author assesses the impact of war on the parties and the political system and the process of realignment that followed in the interwar period. In particular he analyses to what extent these events as a whole constituted a crisis of the party system.

From the structure of the Edwardian political system and the party politics of pre-war Britain, through to the economic and political crisis of 1931 and the subsequent rebuilding of the party system, this comprehensive analysis offers an indispensable survey to all students of British history or politics.