This book is the first in-depth study of the debates over devolution in the four nations of the UK in the period up to 1939. It explores divergent trends and attitudes towards the principle of devolution at both local and national (UK) levels, explains the limitations of devolution as a political ideal and the inherent contradictions in the debates over devolution which were unresolvable in the period under study.

The book also demonstrates the enduring potency of an all-British context and of the influence and power of those who wished to defend the status quo. It investigates the role of national - and Imperial - identities in the debates over devolution, highlighting the continuing value and importance of 'Britishness' and British identity as vital factors in moulding popular opinion and support for established systems of governance. In so doing, the book offers fresh perspectives on the development of nationalisms in the 'Celtic fringe' during this period and demonstrates the problems and limitations of such identities as ways of mobilizing political opposition.

Introduction: Devolution, identity and British politics - Duncan Tanner
PART I: IMPERFECT EXAMPLES: IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND DEVOLVED GOVERNANCE
1. Scotland and Devolution, 1880-1945 - Richard J. Finlay
2. A Place Apart? Ulster, Britain and Devolution, 1886-1939 - D. George Boyce
3. Irish Home Rule as devolutionary paradigm, 1914-39 - Deirdre McMahon
PART II: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: DEVOLUTION IN WALES 1885-1945
4. Devolutionist Tendencies in Wales, 1885-1914 - Wil Griffith
5. Some Conceptions of Welsh National Identity and Governance, 1918-39 - Andrew Edwards and Wil Griffith
6. The Dilemmas of Nation and Class in Wales, 1914-45 - Chris Williams
PART III: OPPOSITION AND ALTERNATIVES: BRITAIN, THE EMPIRE AND THE CONSTITUTION
7. Devolution, Federalism and Imperial Circuitry: Ireland, South Africa and India - James McConnel and Matthew Kelly
8. Conservatives, 'Englishness' and 'Civic Nationalism' between the Wars - Matthew Cragoe
9. The Government of London - John Davis
10. How Devolution Died: The British Labour party's constitutional agenda 1900-45 - Duncan Tanner

Editors

The late Duncan Tanner was Professor of History at University of Wales, Bangor, and Director of the Welsh Institute for Social and Cultural Affairs

Chris Williams is Professor of History and Head of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University

Andrew Edwards is Senior Lecturer in History and Dean of Arts and Humanities at Bangor University

W. P. Griffith is Senior Lecturer in Welsh History at University of Wales, Bangor