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1913: The Year Before

Michael Portillo explores the cultural, political and economic upheaval forgotten in the familiar images of Edwardian and Georgian calm before the brutal shock of the Great War

Radio 4,10 episodes

Episodes

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The Long Summer
Michael Portillo samples the atmosphere of June 1913.
10 Jun 2013,15 mins
Women's Rebellion
Michael Portillo explores the depth and urgency of the pre-war campaign for women's votes.
11 Jun 2013,15 mins
The Irish Question
Michael challenges the idea that Irish rebellion started with the Easter Rising of 1916.
12 Jun 2013,15 mins
The Tides of War
Michael tackles the abiding image of Britain's lack of preparedness for the Great War.
13 Jun 2013,15 mins
Cultural Upheaval
Michael challenges the idea that modernism was a reaction to the shock and savagery of WWI
14 Jun 2013,15 mins
Labour Relations & the Triple Alliance
Michael challenges the notion that industrial unrest began with the General Strike of 1926
17 Jun 2013,15 mins
Poverty
Michael Portillo explores the pre-war attitudes to poverty, both in town and country.
18 Jun 2013,15 mins
Politics and the Tory Gamble
Michael examines the Tories of the day, who appeared to be dicing with political death.
19 Jun 2013,15 mins
The Empire
Michael explores the tensions that existed before 1914 between the Empire and its colonies
20 Jun 2013,15 mins
The Great Change
Michael Portillo talks to a number of historians about the turmoil of the pre-war years.
21 Jun 2013,15 mins