Sara Martín Alegre P08/04540/02135

Recommended Readings
Cook,�C.;�Stevenson,
J.
(1996). 
The Longman
Companion to Britain since
1945.
London: Longman.
Sked,�A.;�Cook,�C.
(1984).
Post-War Britain:
A Political History
(1st edition, 1979).
Harmondsworth: Penguin.
Thomson,�D.;�Warner,�G.
(1981). 
The Pelican History
of England: England in the
Twentieth Century
(1st edition, 1965).
Harmondsworth: Penguin.

---

© FUOC
• P08/04540/02135
6
Post-War English Literature 1945-1990
After 1963 a constant state of economic unrest brought the fall of one
government after another. Britain was faced with the loss of its Empire,
France's reluctance to grant it membership of the European Economic
Community, and also major conflicts at home, especially those caused by
strained industrial relations and the situation in Northern Ireland.
Thatcher
's successful lightning war in the Falklands (1982) elevated Britain's
morale for a while. This victory helped her to stay in power for two more terms
of office, during which her liberal politics brought about the illusion of the
recovery of a lost economic splendour. In fact, the gap between rich and poor
grew, while Thatcher's alliance with Reagan's America jeopardised Britain's
position in Europe. After forcing Thatcher's resignation in 1990 over the issue
of Europe, the Conservatives led by 
John� Major
continued her economic
policies while strengthening the Government's pro-European stance.
More information
In the web site related to this
subject you will find a detailed
chronology of the events,
works and authors of this
period.

---

© FUOC
• P08/04540/02135
7
Post-War English Literature 1945-1990