Representing the South Slavonic peasantry in British popular discourse, 1900-1918
This study explores the link between perceptions of British identity in the early twentieth century and representations of foreign cultures, focusing on the South Slavonic peasant communities of the Balkan territories which formed the first Yugoslavia in December 1918. Utilising a range of source materials, including archival documents, memoirs, press articles and scientific literature, it presents an original perspective on Anglo-Balkan engagement â in the specific historical context of Yugoslaviaâs creation as opposed to the region in general â from a social, rather than political, dimension. Furthermore, it challenges previous historical interpretations of this period as representing merely the conclusion of a âlong-nineteenthâ or the beginning of a âshort-twentiethâ century process of âotheringâ. In doing so, it contributes to the study of Western engagement with southeastern Europe before the Second World War. Despite Britain entering the twentieth century as the dominant world power, public discourse became imbued with distinct cultural pessimism, stemming from a range of social anxieties surrounding the future of British identity, which increasingly undermined nineteenth-century ideals
Foster, Samuel
Representing the South Slavonic peasantry in British popular discourse, 1900-1918. This study explores the link between perceptions of British identity in the early twentieth century and representations of foreign cultures, focusing on the South Slavonic peasant communities of the Balkan territories which formed the first Yugoslavia in December 1918. Utilising a range of source materials, including archival documents, memoirs, press articles and scientific literature, it presents an original perspective on Anglo-Balkan engagement â in the specific historical context of Yugoslaviaâs creation as opposed to the region in general â from a social, rather than political, dimension. Furthermore, it challenges previous historical interpretations of this period as representing merely the conclusion of a âlong-nineteenthâ or the beginning of a âshort-twentiethâ century process of âotheringâ. In doing so, it contributes to the study of Western engagement with southeastern Europe before the Second World War. Despite Britain entering the twentieth century as the dominant world power, public discourse became imbued with distinct cultural pessimism, stemming from a range of social anxieties surrounding the future of British identity, which increasingly undermined nineteenth-century ideals
representing south peasantry british popular discourse study_explores link perception british identity representation foreign culture focus south peasant community balkan territory form first yugoslavia utilising range_source material_include archival_document memoir press article scientific literature present_original perspective anglo balkan engagement specific historical_context yugoslavia creation oppose region general social rather political_dimension furthermore challenge previous historical interpretation period represent merely conclusion long nineteenth beginning process contribute study western engagement southeastern europe second_world_war despite britain enter dominant world power public_discourse become distinct cultural pessimism stem range social anxiety surround future british identity increasingly undermined nineteenth_century ideal