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Andrew Marr's The Making of Modern Britain

Andrew Marr's The Making of Modern Britain is a six-part BBC documentary series presented by Andrew Marr, covering the period of British history from the end of the death of Queen Victoria to the end of the Second World War. The series begins with the death of Queen Victoria and the Boer War at the beginning of the 20th century. It takes a look at events from the beginning of the 20th century - women are attacked while campaigning for the vote, Ireland is divided over liberation from the British Empire, and dockers and miners strike for improved conditions and wages. In the third episode, the series shows how the Great War transformed the lives of the British people. After the Great War, the 1920s saw a housing boom, the creation of the BBC and the Wall Street Crash. The Wall Street crash and the rise of Fascism in Europe cause chaos in 1930s Britain. And finally the series takes a look at how Britain was affected and the role it took in the Second World War.

Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4

Episode 5 Episode 6

Episode 1 - A New Dawn
This episode begins with the death of Queen Victoria and the Boer War. The population was "enjoying the bawdy pleasures of music hall", leading to concerns over the "physical and moral strength" of the working class.

Episode 2 - Road to War
Women are attacked while campaigning for the vote, Ireland is divided over liberation from the British Empire, and dockers and miners strike for improved conditions and wages.

Episode 3 - The Great War
The Great War transformed the lives of the British people - most dramatically the millions who fought on the frontline but also those at home who were bereaved, bombed, uprooted and bankrupted.

Episode 4 - Having a Ball
With rare archive and vivid anecdotes, Andrew Marr tells the story of the post-war housing boom; the birth of radio broadcasting and the creation of the BBC; and revolutionary union activities on 'Red' Clydeside.

Episode 5 - Little Britain
The Wall Street Crash had repercussions for Britain and a national financial crisis ensued. Solutions were offered by the Greenshirts and Blackshirts, the latter led by Oswald Mosley. The rise of fascism in Europe was largely ignored.

Episode 6 - Britannia at Bay
Marr tells the story of Second World War, beginning with the defeat at Dunkirk that would become the model for the "national spirit". In 1940, only Britain, led by Churchill, stood against the German forces.