Federal Britain: A History / Edition 1

by John Kendle

Overview

The United Kingdom faces with two major federal constitutional debates. The first is about the nations which comprise the British state and hence the division of power between Westminster and regional parliaments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The second surrounds the United Kingdom and the European Union. This text explores the British engagement with the federal idea from the early 1600s onwards, and sets contemporary discussions in context. In the past four centuries, the British have often looked to the federal idea as a possible solution to problems of the unity of the United Kingdom and of the British Empire. This period has also seen successful adoption of federalism by many countries, including Britain's former colonial possessions. John Kendle examines the break-up of the first British empire and the development of modern federalism. As well as discussing the Anglo-Irish relationship and the United Kingdom's relationship to Europe, the author focuses on other contemporary issues such as the world order, imperial federation and decolonization.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415158626
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/24/1997
Edition description:	ANN
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1560L (what's this?)

About the Author

John Kendle is Professor of History and Chair of History, University of Manitoba, Canada.

Table of Contents

Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Indivisible Sovereignty 2. Nineteenth Century Practice and Theory 3. 'Federation' of the Empire 4. 'Federation' of the United Kingdom 5. The Round Table Movement, The Empire and World Order 6. 'Federal Union' 7. Federalism and Decolonization 8. 'The Federal Solution Is Not For Us' 9. Conclusion Notes.

Editorial Reviews

'...richly repays the attentive reader.' – History Review

'Here is a book which impresses whether judged on the presentation of argument, depth of research or quality of proofing.' – Sean McDougall, Institute of Contemporary British History, London

From the Publisher