English 1061 Postwar England

World War II (1939-45) Deadliest conflict in human history About 85 million deaths Involves 30 countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia “Allies”: England, USSR, USA, China “Axis”: Germany, Japan, Italy Technological innovations of radar, computing; but also atomic bomb

World War II (1939-45) Because of mass conscripted and volunteer armies, and because of civilian attacks and the economic burden of industrial war, everyone is affected. To this day there are economic, political, and demographic consequences of World War II.

England at 1945: Rebuilding Although the war is won in April 1945, England sustained heavy damage and deaths from German bombings. J.K. Rowling lost her mother and disliked her father; it’s not surprising that being orphaned is a theme in postwar British literature.

England at 1945: Cynicism and Change WWII is not as heavy a blow to Europe as WWI, but English cities are badly damaged. As soldiers return, social and economic problems mount, and rationing continues. Winston Churchill, after leading the country during the war, is defeated in election. The ideologies of the war (Fascism; Communism; Holocaust; propaganda) and the bomb remain difficult legacies and issues.

English culture, 1950 Technologically and culturally, by 1950 England is “modern.” The country has cars, television, movies, and early computers. The beginnings of a modern culture of consumer consumption, fashion, and music are forming.

The Rise of Popular Culture in England (1950s)

Teddy Boys – Anti-austerity

The Beatles Rolling Stones English culture, 1960s Despite its actual ‘empire’ shrinking, England recovered by the 1960s to become an affluent nation and a fashion, music, and cultural trendsetter.

English culture, 1970s The Sex Pistols England was increasingly hurt by energy crises, labor strikes, violent conflicts with Ireland, and declining standards of living in the 1970s. One reaction was the ugly street-level subculture of punk, a reaction to the economic troubles of the younger generation.

English culture, 1980s Economic recovery was slow, and England was increasingly split by a cultural conflict between conservative, traditional England (pro-Thatcher) and a new vibrant subculture of new wave and metal. Immigration was also making the country more ethnically diverse. Human League Judas Priest Culture Club

English culture, 1990s Although England had a revival of culture in the “Cool Brittania” movement of the late 90’s with bands like Oasis, The Spice Girls, and Robbie Williams, the decade was less eventful, although the country continued to become more multicultural through immigration.