The Edwardians, by Roy Hattersley, is an extremely detailed journey through the Edwardian era, a period marked by significant social, political, and cultural changes. Named after King Edward VII, who succeeded Queen Victoria, this period was characterised by changes that had lasting impacts on the 20th century. Although brief, this period was a pivotal chapter in British history. Hattersley takes the reader deep into the lives and times of key figures and the general populace during the reign of King Edward VII, from 1901 to 1910.

This ‘deep dive’ brings alive the dichotomy between the traditional aristocratic values of the time and the burgeoning modern social and political ideas. Hattersley superbly uses his expertise in British political history to connect the political landscape with these cultural and social developments. His colourful, and expansive, descriptions of the era’s art, literature, and burgeoning technologies, paint a vividly real portrait of the time.

The book takes us through:

Social Reforms: The Edwardian era is often celebrated for its progressive social reforms. The Liberal government, under leaders like David Lloyd George and H. H. Asquith, introduced groundbreaking policies like the Old Age Pensions Act (1908) and the National Insurance Act (1911). These initiatives laid the foundation for the modern welfare state, offering support to the elderly and provisions for health and unemployment insurance.

 

Technological and Industrial Advancements: The period witnessed remarkable technological and industrial growth. Innovations in engineering and science, like the spread of electricity and the development of cars and aeroplanes, revolutionised daily life and industry. The launch of the RMS Titanic, despite its tragic end, was a testament to Edwardian engineering prowess. These advancements not only improved living standards but also laid the groundwork for future technological progress.

Cultural: The Edwardian era was a golden age for literature and the arts. It saw the works of authors like H.G. Wells, who explored futuristic themes, and E.M. Forster, who critiqued class divisions. In theatre, the period was marked by the plays of George Bernard Shaw and the innovations of the stage director Harley Granville-Barker. The richness of British cultural heritage owes much to this period.

Social Inequality: Despite progressive reforms, the Edwardian era was still marked by stark social inequalities. The class system was rigid, with the aristocracy enjoying privileges and a lifestyle vastly different from the working classes. Women, too, were fighting for basic rights, with the suffragette movement intensifying during this period. These inequalities highlighted the limitations of Edwardian reforms and the need for more radical societal changes.

 

Imperialism and International Tensions: The period was also marked by an unyielding belief in imperialism. The continuation of imperial policies, not just by the United KIngdom, failed to effectively address burgeoning international tensions, particularly in Europe. The focus on domestic reforms and imperial expansion overshadowed the need for diplomatic interventions in Europe leading, eventually, to World War One, a conflict that many Edwardian policies and attitudes had failed to anticipate or mitigate.

 

At 481 pages long, if you are looking for a more general overview of the period, this is not the book for you. But, if like me, you adore the study of history because it can raise our perspective above the fad’s of the moment and the noise of everyone with a grievance, this book is a window into a transformative period marked by elegance, opulence, and the seeds of modernity.