Britain 1960 CE

What is happening in Britain in 1960CE

Immediately after World War 1 (1914-18), Ireland successfully broke free from British rule (1920) and a little later women received the vote (1918).  High unemployment blighted the industrial scene in the post-war years, made worse in Great Depression of the 1930’s. World War 2 (1939-45) saw the inspirational leadership of prime minister Winston Churchill, the mass bombing of all Britain’s major cities and the total mobilization of her economy and society for war.

The post-war years saw the government nationalize many major industries, and set up a comprehensive welfare state. With the assistance of the USA, Britain’s economy slowly recovered. However, exhausted by two great wars, dwarfed by the two new superpowers – the USA and the Soviet Union – and unable to hold on to its empire (India became independent in 1947 and other countries would soon follow), Britain had by now lost its leading place on the international scene. This was underlined by the Suez affair in 1956, when, attempting to defend its interests in the Suez Canal, Britain was firmly told to leave well alone by the American government.

Next map, Britain in 2005