The Challenge of Democracy: Britain 1832-1918
The Challenge of Democracy: Britain 1832-1918Britain's nineteenth century was a period of unprecedented and rapid change: the modernisation of a world power.  `The Challenge of Democracy' is the freshest and most authoritative history of this time.   Britain is set firmly in the context of world power and the possession of empire.  The overarching theme is the challenge presented by democracy in a period framed by the First and the Fourth Reform Acts. ` Democracy'  itself had no stable meaning.  Contrary to popular memory, its opponents were quite as vocal as its advocates. The book explores its implications for the role of the state, for the governance of the world's largest Empire, and for the relationship between the different nations within the United Kingdom. `The Challenge of Democracy' is unique in presenting a true history of Britain, not just England plus.  Democracy, too, had its impact on the diverse identities which the British forged for themselves in an increasingly city based society where established gender and age relationships were under challenge.  The book will interest those coming new to this field as it assumes no prior knowledge.  Covering society and economics as well as politics, this thought-provoking and clear work will prove the definitive history of the period. Hugh Cunningham is Professor of Social History, University of Kent.  He is the author of many books, including the best selling, `Children and Childhood in Western Society since 1500' (1995).