“Never had it so good”: A World of Change – Post-War Britain 1945-1965

COURSE OVERVIEW

The fabulous ‘Fifties and swinging Sixties! After the drabness and depression of war we see a burst of colour and hope for a brighter future with Dior’;s New Look, The Festival of Britain, modernity in homes, welfare reforms – and Rock ‘N Roll!

We study social and cultural changes that followed the upheavals of World War Two, including the need for housing and improvements in living and working conditions. This was a new post-war era of optimism -; particularly with the wonderful 1951 morale-boosting South Bank Festival of Britain visited by millions. There were changes in fashion and new interest in cosmetics. Interiors became brighter with fun wallpaper, modern furniture and kitchens.

We see the effects of relationships due to how people had altered, which led to quite a few divorces. We also focus on women and the adjustments to their domestic, social and family life following the war.

Amid the social and political changes came the youth revolution; milk & coffee bars, dance halls & Bill Haley and The Comets. This period saw the introduction of new writers, social realism and the ‘angry young man’;, e.g. Joe Lampton in Room at the Top.

“Go around the country and you will see a state of prosperity such as we have never had in the history of this country.” Prime Minister Harold Macmillan 1957

Illustrated with books, slides, film and documentary.

N.B. History courses may contain outdated attitudes, cultural depictions and language which cause offence today. They have to be viewed from an historic perspective. When discussing the content these views are not those of the tutor.

Tutor Sarah Tobias. This course runs on a Monday 1600-1800