This book is the first in-depth study of the debates over devolution in the four nations of the UK in the period up to 1939. It explores divergent trends and attitudes towards the principle of devolution at both local and national (UK) levels, explains the limitations of devolution as a political ideal and the inherent contradictions in the debates over devolution which were unresolvable in the period under study.
The book also demonstrates the enduring potency of an all-British context and of the influence and power of those who wished to defend the status quo. It investigates the role of national - and Imperial - identities in the debates over devolution, highlighting the continuing value and importance of 'Britishness' and British identity as vital factors in moulding popular opinion and support for established systems of governance. In so doing, the book offers fresh perspectives on the development of nationalisms in the 'Celtic fringe' during this period and demonstrates the problems and limitations of such identities as ways of mobilizing political opposition. -- .
Edited by:
Duncan Tanner,
Chris Williams,
Andrew Edwards,
W.P. Griffith
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Spine: 15mm
Weight: 404g
ISBN: 9780719071676
ISBN 10: 0719071674
Series: Devolution
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 18 April 2016
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
A / AS level
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction: Devolution, identity and British politics - Duncan Tanner PART I: IMPERFECT EXAMPLES: IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND DEVOLVED GOVERNANCE 1. Scotland and Devolution, 1880-1945 - Richard J. Finlay 2. A Place Apart? Ulster, Britain and Devolution, 1886-1939 - D. George Boyce 3. Irish Home Rule as devolutionary paradigm, 1914-39 - Deirdre McMahon PART II: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: DEVOLUTION IN WALES 1885-1945 4. Devolutionist Tendencies in Wales, 1885-1914 - Wil Griffith 5. Some Conceptions of Welsh National Identity and Governance, 1918-39 - Andrew Edwards and Wil Griffith 6. The Dilemmas of Nation and Class in Wales, 1914-45 - Chris Williams PART III: OPPOSITION AND ALTERNATIVES: BRITAIN, THE EMPIRE AND THE CONSTITUTION 7. Devolution, Federalism and Imperial Circuitry: Ireland, South Africa and India - James McConnel and Matthew Kelly 8. Conservatives, ‘Englishness’ and ‘Civic Nationalism’ between the Wars - Matthew Cragoe 9. The Government of London - John Davis 10. How Devolution Died: The British Labour party’s constitutional agenda 1900-45 - Duncan Tanner -- .
Duncan Tanner is Professor of History at University of Wales, Bangor, and Director of the Welsh Institute for Social and Cultural Affairs. Chris Williams is Professor of Modern History at University of Wales, Swansea. Andrew Edwards is Lecturer in Modern British History at University of Wales, Bangor and Co-Director of the Welsh Institute for Social and Cultural Affairs. W. P. Griffith is Senior Lecturer in Welsh History at University of Wales, Bangor
