Never Had It So Good

Synopsis

'Alternately delightful and enlightening...a treat to read' Observer

'A rich treasure-chest of a book' Sunday Telegraph

In 1956 the Suez Crisis finally shattered the old myths of the British Empire and paved the way for the tumultuous changes of the decades to come. Dominic Sandbrook looks at the dramatic story of affluence and decline between 1956 and 1963.

Arguing that historians have until now been besotted by the supposed cultural revolution of the Sixties, Sandbrook re-examines the myths of this controversial period and paints a more complicated picture of a society caught between conservatism and change. He explores the growth of a modern consumer society, the impact of immigration, the invention of modern pop music and the British retreat from empire. And he tells the story of the colourful characters of the period, like Harold Macmillan, Kingsley Amis and Paul McCartney, bringing to life the experience of the first post-imperial generation, from the Notting Hill riots to the first Beatles hits, from the Profumo scandal to the cult of James Bond.

In this strikingly impressive book, he combines academic verve and insight with colourful, dramatic writing to produce a classic, ground-breaking work that has changed forever how we think about the Sixties.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Post-War Boom

* Britain's economy flourished in the years following World War II.
* The government's Keynesian policies, focusing on increased spending and demand, fueled growth.
* Living standards improved significantly, with increased access to consumer goods and appliances.

Example: By 1959, the average Briton owned a washing machine, refrigerator, and television.

Chapter 2: The Consumer Revolution

* The boom led to a surge in consumer spending.
* Advertising and mass media promoted the purchase of new products, creating a demand for goods such as cars, TVs, and household items.
* Installment plans allowed consumers to spread the cost of purchases over time.

Example: Sales of televisions skyrocketed from 100,000 in 1949 to 1.7 million in 1957.

Chapter 3: The Welfare State

* The Labor government introduced the National Health Service (NHS), providing universal healthcare to all citizens.
* Social security benefits were expanded, offering financial assistance to the unemployed, sick, and disabled.
* These reforms created a sense of social security and well-being.

Example: The NHS treated over 30 million patients in 1953, revolutionizing access to healthcare.

Chapter 4: The Changing Social Landscape

* The post-war boom transformed British society.
* Educational opportunities expanded, with more young people attending grammar schools and universities.
* A new middle class emerged, fueled by increased access to education and consumer goods.

Example: The number of university students increased from 50,000 in 1945 to 120,000 in 1960.

Chapter 5: The Cultural Revolution

* The era witnessed significant cultural and social changes.
* Rock 'n' roll and rockabilly music gained popularity, challenging traditional values.
* New forms of entertainment, such as cinema and television, became widely accessible.
* The media played a significant role in shaping youth culture.

Example: The release of "Rock Around the Clock" in 1955 sparked a craze among British teenagers.

Chapter 6: Challenges and Contradictions

* Despite the prosperity and progress of the post-war boom, challenges remained.
* Inflation and balance of payments issues plagued the economy.
* The Cold War cast a shadow over international relations and British society.
* Social inequalities and regional disparities persisted.

Example: The Suez Crisis in 1956 highlighted Britain's declining military and economic power.