Democratising History: Modern British History Inside and Out

Democratising History inspects how democracy has reshaped modern Britain and how its history is taught, providing a new perspective on the evolving relationship between historical scholarship and education. Collectively, this volume responds to the scholarly and professional contributions of Peter Mandler, whose sensitive readings of cultural discourses and their social reach have inspired a generation of modern British historians. Through nine research-led chapters, the book explores the development of democratic ideals from the early nineteenth century to the present, addressing themes such as empire and culture. These historical investigations are interwoven with six stimulating interludes that critically assess the state of UK higher education and the professional field of modern British history, elucidating the shifting forces shaping historical research and policy today.

The authors examine in detail how democratic ideals have shaped British society in both expected and surprising ways--whether through museum collections, the art world, mass observation, or the study of race relations. Integrating historical analysis with reflections on contemporary academic practice, this work subverts traditional narratives and opens new avenues for understanding Britain's past and its implications for the present.