The Thatcher Revolution
Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Tony Blair, and the Transformation of Modern Britain
Published on 10. December 2002
Book
Paperback/Softback
352 pages
978-0-7425-2203-9 (ISBN)
Description
In his 1997 book, Tory Radicalism, prominent historian Earl A. Reitan studied the public policy agendas of Margaret Thatcher and her successor, John Major. Now thoroughly revised and extended, The Thatcher Revolution looks not only at Thatcher and Major, but also at the first ministry of Tony Blair. As Reitan examines the polices adopted by three revolutionary Prime Ministers, he insightfully illuminates the broader implications of the leaders' profound influence on British politics and society. In his analysis, Reitan pays particular attention to the rise of "New Labour," as led and defined by Tony Blair, as well as the extent to which the objectives of the movement were achieved. Designed for use in undergraduate courses on British politics and history, but written at a level accessible to general readers, The Thatcher Revolution is essential reading for anyone interested in the state and future of modern Britain.
Reviews / Votes
A compact and balanced assessment of British political history from 1979 to 2001, historically framed by the breakdown of the post-World War II consensus in the 1970s and the gradual emergence of a novel and quite different consensus in the 90s. 'Thatcherism' destroyed the former and created the latter; thus Margaret Thatcherism is the dominant figure in Reitan's account, crafted particularly for an American audience, but, ironically, Tony Blair-heir to a different political tradition-will shape the adaptation of 'Thatcherism' in the first years of the twenty-first century. -- John Naylor, University at Buffalo, SUNY An accessible and very readable account that is rich in historical detail. It provides relevant background reading for this period at the same time as tracing Thatcherite policies through consecutive governments until 2001. Political Studies Review Written especially for North American readers, Earl Reitan has produced as absorbing an explanation as I have ever seen for the economic transformation of a country from near bankruptcy in the 1970s to the fourth largest economy in the world by 2002. He is notably strong on the governments of John Major and Tony Blair and their key roles in extending the Thatcher legacy. -- James Sack, University of Illinois at ChicagoMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Illustrations
bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 230 mm
Width: 146 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
367 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7425-2203-9 (9780742522039)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Earl A. Reitan is emeritus professor in the history department at Illinois State University. He is the author of numerous books and articles on British history.
Content
Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 The Rise of Margaret Thatcher Chapter 4 The Beginnings of Thatcherism, 1979-1983 Chapter 5 The Heyday of Thatcherism, 1983-1987 Chapter 6 The Fall of Margaret Thatcher, 1987-1990 Chapter 7 Thatcherite Reform Chapter 8 John Major and the Thatcher Legacy, 1990-1993 Chapter 9 John Major: Continuing the Thatcher Revolution Chapter 10 The Triumph of "New Labour," 1994-1997 Chapter 11 Tony Blair: Getting Going, 1997-1998 Chapter 12 Toward a New Mandate, 1999-2001 Chapter 13 Major and Blair: Wrapping Up the Thatcher Revolution Chapter 14 Assessment: What was the Thatcher Revolution? Chapter 15 Bibliographical Note Chapter 16 Index Chapter 17 About the Author