This book examines European history and politics between two very well-known but flawed treaties: The Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Maastricht. Taking the Treaty of Versailles, signed following World War I, as a starting point, the volume argues that while it was well-intentioned to the point of being utopian, it was also totally impractical, rearranging the map of Europe in a way which led to the tragic descent into conflict and barbarism in World War II. The volume then moves through the post war period, the outcome of the war producing the uneasy stability of a Cold War divided continent, and with the establishment of NATO in 1949, the process of European integration ushered in the era of cooperation. Under the influence of Charles de Gaulle, the newly created European Community acted as an association of sovereign states led by France and Germany, spurring economic growth and encouraging other countries to apply to join. After de Gaulle's retirement in 1969, this approach was progressively abandoned in favour of a federal model of integration in which member states transferred their sovereignty to the institutions of what became the European Union. Europe was to be transformed from a continent to a country. The book concludes by analysing the Maastricht treaty, which enshrined this process, as being as fatally flawed as the Versailles Treaty and charts the post-Maastricht slow decline of the European Union giving way to widespread Euroscepticism. From the Treaty of Versailles to the Treaty of Maastricht will appeal to researchers and students alike interested in European history, politics and World War I and II.

This book examines European history and politics between two very well-known but flawed treaties: The Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Maastricht. Taking the Treaty of Versailles, signed following World War I, as a starting point, the volume argues that while it was well-intentioned to the point of being utopian, it was also totally impractical, rearranging the map of Europe in a way which led to the tragic descent into conflict and barbarism in World War II. The volume then moves through the post war period, the outcome of the war producing the uneasy stability of a Cold War divided continent, and with the establishment of NATO in 1949, the process of European integration ushered in the era of cooperation. Under the influence of Charles de Gaulle, the newly created European Community acted as an association of sovereign states led by France and Germany, spurring economic growth and encouraging other countries to apply to join. After de Gaulle's retirement in 1969, this approach was progressively abandoned in favour of a federal model of integration in which member states transferred their sovereignty to the institutions of what became the European Union. Europe was to be transformed from a continent to a country. The book concludes by analysing the Maastricht treaty, which enshrined this process, as being as fatally flawed as the Versailles Treaty and charts the post-Maastricht slow decline of the European Union giving way to widespread Euroscepticism. From the Treaty of Versailles to the Treaty of Maastricht will appeal to researchers and students alike interested in European history, politics and World War I and II.

Originally published in 1985. This book has two aims: first, to analyse the change in economic policy formation between 1979 and 1983 and the way in which policy sources were translated into reality, and second, to analyse how the first Thatcher government has changed the nature of contemporary Conservatism. These two themes overlap so consistently

Originally published in 1985. This book has two aims: first, to analyse the change in economic policy formation between 1979 and 1983 and the way in which policy sources were translated into reality, and second, to analyse how the first Thatcher government has changed the nature of contemporary Conservatism. These two themes overlap so consistently

Dr Holmes describes the second phase of the Thatcherite revolution during the 1983-7 government. He argues that Thatcherism is a recognizable political phenomenon which has sought a radical change in economic and social policy but that the pace of change has been uneven. In some areas, such as trade union reform and privatization, reform was seen to be swift and effectively executed. But more subtle opposition within the Conservative party itself, local government, the BBC and among intellectual opinion witnessed the government's philosophy and policy prescriptions wholly or partially blocked. The author concludes that while the nature of Thatcherism is now established the full extent of its effects on British politics and society depends on a variety of variable going beyond the government's arithmetical prliamentary majority. The author has written "Political Pressure and Economic Policy: British Government, 1970-74", "The Labour Government, 1974-79: Political Aims and Economic Reality" and "The First Thatcher Government, 1979-83: Contemporary Conservatism and Economic Change".

'... in this clear and informed history of the 1974-79 government, Holmes shows how Labour's aspirations constantly encountered the practical limits of economic management.' Times Higher Education Supplement '... lucid and well-documented account.' British Book News '... Dr Holmes is perceptive and fair in his assessment of the leading personalities.' Samuel Brittan, Financial Times

Anne Clifford died in 1676, full of years and honours. This is the impressive portrait of a powerful personality. She lives on, in Martin Holmes' remarkable biography, in Craven, where she was born; in Kent, where she was mistress of Knole; in Wiltshire, where M498she saw the rebuilding of Wilton under Inigo Jones; and, most of all, in Westmorland where, in her several ancestral castles, she spent her indomitable old age.