This book brings into focus the major figures of the political scene - Churchill, Eden, Wilson, Heath, Callaghan, Thatcher and Major - and the aims and achievements of the post-war governments, as well as the changing fortunes of Britain in relation to the rest of the world. Until 1963, the authors argue, Britain was still considered a world power. As a result, foreign policy was often given high priority by British leaders, and Britain's world role affected many aspects of its domestic policy and had important consequences for other states.