Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1940
Having failed to avert war with Nazi Germany, Neville Chamberlain
resigns as prime minister. He is replaced by Sir Winston Churchill, whose
resolve and charismatic speeches rally Britain during its darkest hour.
1940-1941
The Blitz. Preparing to invade the Isle, Nazi Germany air-bombs Britain,
particularly London. Despite enormous devastation, Britain holds firm.
1945
Postwar recovery begins, aided by the United States. Many cheap, con-
crete (ugly) buildings rise from the rubble. Britain begins granting inde-
pendence to many foreign colonies.
1950s
Oxford professors and friends C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien each pub-
lish fantasy stories (
The Chronicles of Narnia
and
The Lord of the Rings,
respectively).
1964
The Beatles bring counterculture ideas to the middle class, tour America,
and spread “Swinging London” hipness to the world.
1970s
Labor strikes, unemployment, and recession. Meanwhile, British musi-
cians—Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Elton John, David
Bowie, and so on—dominate American airwaves, and James Bond rules
the box office.
1973
Britain joins what is now called the European Union, but maintains her
distance.
1980s
The Conservative administration of Margaret Thatcher—the “Iron
Lady”—rules.
1981
Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer in St. Paul's Cathedral.
1982
Britain battles Argentina over the Falkland Islands. Britain claims victory.
1994
The Channel Tunnel (“Chunnel”) opens, linking London with Paris and
Brussels.
1997
Tony Blair of the Labour Party becomes prime minister, signaling a shift
toward moderate liberalism. Princess Diana dies in a car crash in Paris.
The nation—and the world—mourn.
Related Sights
• Cabinet War Rooms
• Cenotaph
• Imperial War Museum
• Blitz photos at St. Paul's
