The Conservative Nation (Routledge Revivals)

Since the 1880s, the Conservative Party has been an important political force in Britain. In this study of Conservative ideology since the end of Second World War, first published in 1974, Andrew Gamble considers the nature of Conservative party opinion, and the factors that have accounted for its success. The adaptation of the party post-1945 is discussed, as well as the ascendancy of the Right progressives in the leadership, and the challenge of the Whigs and Imperialists. Finally, the book includes a discussion of the fluctuations within the Conservative Government between 1970 and 1974, with an account of what Gamble believes to have been ultimately a failure. A rigorous and comprehensive analysis of Conservative thought and policy, this study will be of particular value to those with an interest in the history of British Conservative politics and government.

Preface; Abbreviations; 1. Introduction. The Conservative Universe: The Political Market and the State 2. The Changing Tories: The Road to the Political Settlement 3. Reorganization and Recovery: Opposition 1945-51 4. The Stalemate State: Power 1951-64 5. The Challenge to the Consensus: Opposition 1964-70 6. The Roots of Inflation 7. The Search for Security: Nation and State in the World Market 8. Conclusion and Postscript: The Trade Union of the Nation and the Crisis of the State; Biographies; Notes; Select Bibliography; Index

Andrew Gamble