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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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Britain: 1509 -1745
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101
•
13 Dec 2025
•
Lib
@studywithlib75
"An Inspector Calls" explores social inequality, responsibility, and class divisions... Show more
In 1912, Britain had no welfare state and nearly half the population lived in poverty, trapped within a rigid class system with minimal social mobility. The wealthy controlled charities that the poor depended on—much like the Birling family in the play. By 1945, social mobility had improved, partly because all men and women over 21 could vote.
Priestley uses this historical contrast deliberately. By showing his audience the harsh class divisions of 1912, he demonstrates how far Britain had progressed and warns against allowing capitalism to reverse this progress. This timing is crucial—the play was first performed after WWII when quality of life was low and capitalism was gaining power in the western world.
Think about this: The Birling family represents those who enforced and benefited from the fixed social structure, allowing them to remain wealthy and powerful—ironic considering Mr. Birling's desire to advance himself socially through the marriage of his daughter to Gerald Croft "for lower costs and higher prices."
The political landscape had also transformed dramatically. In 1912, Britain was predominantly capitalist and conservative, with only male property owners having voting rights. By 1945, Labour had won a landslide victory with strong commitment to the Beveridge Report, which introduced welfare in 1942—a concept that resonated with a post-war population eager for unity and social change.
Priestley uses the play as explicit political and social commentary rather than subtle criticism. The parsimonious capitalist attitudes of the Birlings directly represent the harmful impacts of laissez-faire economics, particularly through Mr. Birling's exploitation of his workers.
Priestley's own background deeply influenced the play. Growing up surrounded by socialist ideologies and having fought in WWI, he became openly scathing of institutions, once remarking "The British army specialised in throwing men away for nothing." His uncensored political views were unusual for his time, and he even founded the Common Wealth Party which helped secure Labour's 1945 victory.
Important connection: The character development of Eric and Sheila could symbolise the massive political shift that occurred in 1945, showing how younger generations can embrace new social values.
The status of women forms another crucial contrast between the two eras. In 1912, women had no voting rights and were essentially considered property of their fathers and husbands. By 1945, women's efforts on the home front during both wars had proven their capabilities, leading to equal voting rights in 1928—though full equality remained distant. Sheila's character arc from voiceless and oppressed in Act One to increasingly assertive mirrors this progress in women's rights throughout the period.
The generational divide runs throughout the play, captured in lines like "The famous younger generation who know it all" and "You seem to have made a great impression on this child." The older Birlings are portrayed as poor parents—Mrs. Birling is not nurturing and treats her children as assets, while Mr. Birling is described as "not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble."
Priestley criticises the older generation for multiple failings: leading younger generations into two world wars while not fighting themselves, treating young soldiers as disposable, selfishly opposing workers' demands for fair pay, clinging to outdated beliefs, and dismissing socialists as "cranks." This would have resonated powerfully with the original audience, who had either experienced WWII or remembered both wars.
Consider this: The stubborn resistance to change shown by the older Birlings reflects the real-world struggle between established wealth and workers fighting for fair treatment and representation.
The theme of responsibility unfolds through each character's response to the Inspector's revelations. Sheila demonstrates the most dramatic transformation, saying "I'll never never do it again" and insisting that the Inspector being fake "doesn't make any real difference." In contrast, Mr. Birling learns nothing, dismissing community responsibility as "nonsense" and calling the entire story "moonshine," showing he only cares about his reputation and business rather than moral lessons.
Gerald Croft fails to learn his lesson, being the first to suggest the Inspector is a "hoax." He tries to justify his behaviour with Daisy Renton by claiming "she gave me a glance that was nothing less than a cry for help"—proving he doesn't believe he did anything wrong.
Eric shows more potential for genuine change, stating "It's still the same rotten story whether it's been told to a police inspector or somebody else." Unlike the others, he acknowledges his wrongdoing without justification: "The fact remains that I did what I did... and the rest of you did what you did." This marks his rejection of his father's capitalist values, though his habitual drunkenness raises questions about his long-term commitment to change.
Key insight: The characters' reactions to the Inspector's revelations directly reflect their moral values—the younger generation shows capacity for growth while the older generation remains rigidly self-interested.
Mrs. Birling represents perhaps the most entrenched resistance to responsibility. Her charity work merely maintains her social reputation rather than expressing genuine concern for others. She repeatedly deflects blame, famously stating "I blame the young man who was the father of the child she was going to have" without realizing she's condemning her own son. Her insistence that "I had done no more than my duty" parallels Gerald's self-justification, showing her inability to recognize her moral failings.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Lib
@studywithlib75
"An Inspector Calls" explores social inequality, responsibility, and class divisions in early 20th century Britain. This drama contrasts society in 1912 with post-WWII 1945, examining how social attitudes evolved and highlighting J.B. Priestley's socialist critique of capitalism and social injustice.
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In 1912, Britain had no welfare state and nearly half the population lived in poverty, trapped within a rigid class system with minimal social mobility. The wealthy controlled charities that the poor depended on—much like the Birling family in the play. By 1945, social mobility had improved, partly because all men and women over 21 could vote.
Priestley uses this historical contrast deliberately. By showing his audience the harsh class divisions of 1912, he demonstrates how far Britain had progressed and warns against allowing capitalism to reverse this progress. This timing is crucial—the play was first performed after WWII when quality of life was low and capitalism was gaining power in the western world.
Think about this: The Birling family represents those who enforced and benefited from the fixed social structure, allowing them to remain wealthy and powerful—ironic considering Mr. Birling's desire to advance himself socially through the marriage of his daughter to Gerald Croft "for lower costs and higher prices."
The political landscape had also transformed dramatically. In 1912, Britain was predominantly capitalist and conservative, with only male property owners having voting rights. By 1945, Labour had won a landslide victory with strong commitment to the Beveridge Report, which introduced welfare in 1942—a concept that resonated with a post-war population eager for unity and social change.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Priestley uses the play as explicit political and social commentary rather than subtle criticism. The parsimonious capitalist attitudes of the Birlings directly represent the harmful impacts of laissez-faire economics, particularly through Mr. Birling's exploitation of his workers.
Priestley's own background deeply influenced the play. Growing up surrounded by socialist ideologies and having fought in WWI, he became openly scathing of institutions, once remarking "The British army specialised in throwing men away for nothing." His uncensored political views were unusual for his time, and he even founded the Common Wealth Party which helped secure Labour's 1945 victory.
Important connection: The character development of Eric and Sheila could symbolise the massive political shift that occurred in 1945, showing how younger generations can embrace new social values.
The status of women forms another crucial contrast between the two eras. In 1912, women had no voting rights and were essentially considered property of their fathers and husbands. By 1945, women's efforts on the home front during both wars had proven their capabilities, leading to equal voting rights in 1928—though full equality remained distant. Sheila's character arc from voiceless and oppressed in Act One to increasingly assertive mirrors this progress in women's rights throughout the period.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The generational divide runs throughout the play, captured in lines like "The famous younger generation who know it all" and "You seem to have made a great impression on this child." The older Birlings are portrayed as poor parents—Mrs. Birling is not nurturing and treats her children as assets, while Mr. Birling is described as "not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble."
Priestley criticises the older generation for multiple failings: leading younger generations into two world wars while not fighting themselves, treating young soldiers as disposable, selfishly opposing workers' demands for fair pay, clinging to outdated beliefs, and dismissing socialists as "cranks." This would have resonated powerfully with the original audience, who had either experienced WWII or remembered both wars.
Consider this: The stubborn resistance to change shown by the older Birlings reflects the real-world struggle between established wealth and workers fighting for fair treatment and representation.
The theme of responsibility unfolds through each character's response to the Inspector's revelations. Sheila demonstrates the most dramatic transformation, saying "I'll never never do it again" and insisting that the Inspector being fake "doesn't make any real difference." In contrast, Mr. Birling learns nothing, dismissing community responsibility as "nonsense" and calling the entire story "moonshine," showing he only cares about his reputation and business rather than moral lessons.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Gerald Croft fails to learn his lesson, being the first to suggest the Inspector is a "hoax." He tries to justify his behaviour with Daisy Renton by claiming "she gave me a glance that was nothing less than a cry for help"—proving he doesn't believe he did anything wrong.
Eric shows more potential for genuine change, stating "It's still the same rotten story whether it's been told to a police inspector or somebody else." Unlike the others, he acknowledges his wrongdoing without justification: "The fact remains that I did what I did... and the rest of you did what you did." This marks his rejection of his father's capitalist values, though his habitual drunkenness raises questions about his long-term commitment to change.
Key insight: The characters' reactions to the Inspector's revelations directly reflect their moral values—the younger generation shows capacity for growth while the older generation remains rigidly self-interested.
Mrs. Birling represents perhaps the most entrenched resistance to responsibility. Her charity work merely maintains her social reputation rather than expressing genuine concern for others. She repeatedly deflects blame, famously stating "I blame the young man who was the father of the child she was going to have" without realizing she's condemning her own son. Her insistence that "I had done no more than my duty" parallels Gerald's self-justification, showing her inability to recognize her moral failings.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology