The years immediately after World War II were a turbulent and crucial period which shaped the Britain of today but was dominated by the shadow of war. This book offers a picture of life in Britain which embraces both high politics and everyday experience, and provides an account of the Labour Government's achievements, notably the establishment of the National Health Service and the construction of the Welfare State. Tracing Britain's ambivalence towards Europe, the dramatic transfer of power in India and the overstretching of the economy at the time of the Korean War, the author contrasts these with social developments at home. Winner of the 1992 Duff Cooper Prize and shortlisted for the 1993 NCR Book Award, this is the first volume of a history of Britain from 1945 to the beginning of the 21st century.