The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007: An Introduction

The second half of the 20th century saw Britain undergo dramatic political, social and economic transformations. From the height of Conservative dominance in the 1950s to the challenges of Thatcherism and the rise of New Labour, this period reshaped Britain into the society we recognise today.

For GCSE and A-Level history students, the Making of Modern Britain (1951–2007) is one of the most fascinating and important depth studies. It offers insight into how governments coped with changing economic realities, how ordinary people experienced cultural and social shifts and how Britain navigated its position on the world stage after empire.

In this introduction, we will explore:

• Why this period is important for students
• The key themes across 1951–2007
• A timeline of the period
• How to approach exam questions on this topic

Throughout, you will see links to our Comprehensive Revision Guide, which provides detailed case studies, essay plans and practice questions designed to help you achieve top marks.

Why Study the Making of Modern Britain?

For historians, this period is significant due to:

1. Political transformation – Governments had to respond to post-war consensus politics, economic challenges and the rise of Thatcherism.
2. Economic change – From post-war affluence to deindustrialisation, Britain’s economy experienced radical shifts.
3. Social and cultural change – From the “affluent society” and emergence of youth culture to feminism, multiculturalism and social liberalism.
4. Britain in the world – Decolonisation, Europe, the Cold War and later the “special relationship” with the USA and the War on Terror.

For exam preparation, it provides plenty of opportunities to analyse cause and consequence, change and continuity and historical interpretations.

Key Themes Across 1951–2007

Across the specification, four major themes are common:

• Government and opposition: How leaders from Churchill to Blair managed policies and elections.
• Economic change: From “stop-go” economics in the 1950s to monetarism in the 1980s.
• Society and culture: Affluence, permissiveness, feminism, immigration, race relations and youth.
• Foreign affairs: From Suez to Europe, the Falklands and the War on Terror.

These themes overlap across decades, making it important to track continuities as well as turning points.

Timeline of Key Periods (1951–2007)

• 1951–1964: Conservative dominance, post-war affluence, consumerism, and Suez.

• 1964–1970: Wilson’s Labour government, liberal reforms, Vietnam, permissive society.

• 1970–1979: Heath, Wilson, and Callaghan; economic crisis, miners’ strikes, end of consensus.

• 1979–1987: Thatcher’s rise, monetarism, privatisation, Falklands, miners’ strike.

• 1987–1997: Fall of Thatcher, John Major, Black Wednesday, New Labour’s rise.

• 1997–2007: Blair and New Labour, Good Friday Agreement, social liberalism, War on Terror.