Great Britain’s place in the world, 1875 - 1945

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Course code: S8NH

This course will look at the dynamic links between economic/industrial, political, technological, demographic, military and social changes affecting Britain between 1875 and 1945. We will also review how these changes influenced Britain’s foreign policy and its place in the world.

when: From 08 Jan 2027 to 19 Mar 2027
Friday 13:00-15:00 10 weeks
Tutor: Neil Harrison

where

location to be advised

fees

full fee for this course £168.00, concession fee £102.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

This course will look at the dynamic links between economic/industrial, political, technological, demographic, military and social changes affecting Britain between 1875 and 1945. We will also review how these changes influenced Britain’s foreign policy and its place in the world.

What can students expect?

It will give students who study this course a much greater understanding of the dynamics between economic, industrial, commercial, technological, demographic, political, military, and social changes that faced generations of British politicians between 1875 and 1945. In the several decades before the First World War, Great Britain had found itself overtaken industrially by both the United States and Germany and subjected to intense competition in commercial, colonial, and maritime spheres. However, Britain was probably still the number one power in the world. However, the British Officials who ran the empire knew too much about ancient history and could see the start of the decline of the empire was already there. We will also study how the First World War had a dramatic impact on the country and how it was coping throughout the 1920s and 1930s. How was the nation managing its traditional juggling act between Britain’s various interests – imperial versus continental, strategic versus financial as they looked upon an ever-changing world? Finally, we will cover the period leading up to and covering the Second World War when Great Britain faced its gravest test as a nation. This was a period in which Chamberlain strove for appeasement, and Churchill wanted to take on the aggressors. For an overstretched global empire at this late stage in its history – still controlling one-quarter of the globe but with only 10 percent of global manufacturing output – both appeasement and anti-appeasement brought disadvantages, there was merely a choice of evils by this time.

Late starters allowed?

Yes. They could join up to the 3rd lesson of each term.

Previous experience required?

It would be preferable if students had completed the Autumn term, Great Britain’s place in the world, 1800 - 1875

What is the progression route?

Join the 3rd part of this course, Great Britain’s place in the world 1945 -2050, in the summer term.

Are there any extra costs?

No

Work set between sessions?

Yes. Some suggested reading on the topic that we have covered each week.

What should students bring?

Pen and note pad to write down notes.

Teaching method/style?

<ol>
<li>Lecture. I plan to use this style of teaching as one of the primary ways I will communicate with my students</li>
<li>Direct Instruction. I plan to use this as a way of reinforcing some of the key points I have taught</li>
<li>Guided discussion. I will actively ask open questions and allow students to participate and facilitate a very open culture within the class</li>
<li>Case based learning. Occasionally, I plan to ask the students to work in groups and discuss the issues faced by British Politicians in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. </li>
<li>Interactive video/audio learning. Using both video and audio material from the time it really brings a lot of the things that we learn in the classroom to life, rather than abstract concepts. This has proven very popular with the students and helped in reinforcing the learning during my current lessons.</li>
<li>Pictorial and cartographic aides. I plan to print out several pictures, photos and charts to demonstrate to the students in a practical visible form the subjects and topics we have covered off during each lesson.</li>
</ol>

Course Cancellations and Refunds

If we cancel your course

<ul>
<li>You will receive a full refund of course fees.</li>
<li>We are not responsible for any additional costs, such as materials already purchased.</li>
</ul>

If you cancel

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: refund minus a 20% administration fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no refund provided.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
</ul>

Refund processing

<ul>
<li>Refunds for online or telephone enrolments will be made via the original payment method within 14 days of approval. </li>
<li>If you enrolled in the office, you will need to come in with your payment card to arrange a refund.</li>
</ul>

Transfers

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: transfer minus a 10% transfer fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no transfer provided.</li>
<li>All transfers are subject to availability.</li>
<li>Transfers between Language levels may be possible with less than 7 days notice, subject to availability.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
<li>If we cancel your course, and you wish to transfer to another course this will be free of charge.</li>
</ul>

Illness and non-attendance

<ul>
<li>We recognise that illness and unforeseen circumstances may arise. However, please note that we are unable to offer refunds, credits, or transfers for missed sessions due to ill health or non-attendance.</li>
</ul>