British Conservatism and Trade Unionism, 1945-1964

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The book explores the unique period from the end of World War II to 1964, highlighting the Conservative Party's conciliatory approach toward trade unions, known as 'voluntarism.' It details the leadership's efforts to minimize conflict with unions, despite pushback from party members. Through extensive primary and archival research, the author analyzes why this era marked a departure from traditional confrontational tactics and the subsequent return to these methods after Harold Wilson's Labour government took office.