A Companion to Contemporary Britain covers the key themes and debates of 20th-century history from the outbreak of the Second World War to the end of the century. The book assesses the impact of the Second World War; looks at Britain’s role in the wider world, including the legacy of Empire, Britain’s ‘special relationship’ with the United States, and integration with continental Europe; explores cultural issues, such as class consciousness, immigration and race relations, changing gender roles, and the impact of the mass media; covers domestic politics and the economy; introduces the varied perspectives dominating historical writing on this period; and identifies the key issues which are likely to fuel future debate.