This study charts the development of Britain in the first half of the 20th century, from a nation which was a world power dominated by the ruling classes, to the country in the 1950s which had a Labour government and fledgling public services. It also follows the political and social changes that occurred during this period, including the beginnings of the Welfare State, the emergence of the Labour Party, the impact of World War I, the General Strike and the Depression. The narrative also includes an in-depth look at the changing role of women - their struggle to gain the vote, the position they held in society during the 1920s and 1930s, and their work in two world wars. The author assesses the Welfare State which emerged after the war, asking whether it really did represent a new Jerusalem. This text is geared to the requirements of GCSE syllabuses, and features research and examinations of different historical interpretations.