An Inspector Calls Historical and Social Context

An Inspector Calls – Historical and Social Context

The play was written and first performed in 1945. However, it was set in 1912. This is what creates the dramatic irony; the fact that the audience in 1945 (and beyond) is aware of all the events that have occurred since 1912 and of which the characters on stage are unaware.

Historical Context

“Just because the Kaiser makes a speech or two.” (pg 6)

·  German Empire became established after the downfall of Napoleon III. This led to fears of German domination.

·  France forged an alliance with Russia.

·  Germany linked with the Austrian Empire and partly Italy.

·  Great Britain was gradually forced into close association with the Franco-Russian Group when the German navy became more developed.

·  It was Kaiser Wilhelm who made enemies of Great Britain, Japan and the US for Germany and all countries armed themselves.

·  Germany and Austria struck at France, Russia and Serbia.

“Nobody wants war, except some half-civilised folks in the Balkans” (pg 6)

·  From 1908 the Balkan states were in a bit of turmoil.

·  Austria decided to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Turks and Serbia objected to this and mobilized their troops.

·  Russia backed Serbia.

·  Britain backed Russia.

·  October 1912 – First Balkan War

An audience in 1945 would, of course, have just experienced the horror of the Second World War.

Social Context

J B Priestley was a socialist (left wing), but had trouble settling down to the policies of any one particular political party. His socialism can be said to be based on compassion and caring for others. He came from a working class background and felt compassion and empathy with the factory workers who were exploited by the industrialist such as Arthur Birling.

Although King Edward VII died in 1910, the term ‘Edwardian Era’ is usually used for up to 1914. Many people saw the end of the Edwardian Era and the onset of war as the end to a time of peace and stability. Harking back to this time nostalgically was an escape from an uncertain and unpleasant future. BUT, it was a period of false security and Priestley uses this to emphasise the dramatic force of his play.

Social Class

Social position was far more important in 1912 than it is today. Industrial production expanded massively in the nineteenth century and many industrialists made huge fortunes. Men such as Arthur Birling may have come from humble backgrounds but this new wealth allowed them to climb up the social ladder. Marriages between these nouveaux riches families and aristocratic (but often impoverished) land-owning families helped to secure new social positions.

The Labour Party, which was founded by James Kier Hardie in 1893, was only just beginning to make an impact on the political life in the country and the rights of workers, such as Eva Smith, were still not taken seriously by many employers in 1912.

Industrial Setting

Priestley has set the play in the fictional industrial city of Brumley. Brumley would have been typical of many towns where the factory owners, who provided much needed employment, were able to run their businesses exactly as they wanted to.

At the time, there were many women who were poor and needed help; this is indicated and acknowledged by Priestley by the existence of the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation. Organisations like this were dependent on the support of rich people and were often found in the large, industrial cities. It is interesting that whether someone received help depended on whether the women like Mrs Birling thought that they deserved help or whether they deserved to suffer.