Britain in the World Economy since 1880

Bernard Alford reviews the changing role, and diminishing influence, of Britain within the international economy across the century that saw the apogee and loss of Britain's empire, and her transformation from globe-straddling superpower to off-shore and indecisive member of the European Community. He explores the relationship between empire and economy; looks at economic performance against economic policy; and compares Britain - through and beyond the Thatcher years - with her European partners, America and Japan. In assessing whether Britain's economic decline has been absolute or merely relative, he also illuminates the broader history of the world economy itself.

Bernard W.E. Alford

Introduction. 1.The Challenge to Late Victorian Apogee,. 2. British Industry and World Trade 1880-1914. 3. Finance and Empire 1880-1914. 4. The First World War and the Return to Gold. 5. Britain and the World Depression. 6. Britain and the New Post-War World Economic Order. 7. Comparative Performance and Competitiveness 1945-1961. 8. Britain and the Climax of the Long Boom. 9. International Crisis and the North Sea El Dorado. 10. Britain in the World Economy. Falling Down and Catching Up? Appendix