Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Political Science

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The legacy of H. G. Wells’ should not be limited to that of a British fiction writer. Wells advocated universal human rights and supported the engagement of broad public policy debate, and he often commented on the British government. His country had lived through World War I, the supposed “war to end all wars.” The roaring 1920’s arrived next, offering hope after World War I’s devastation. World War II was then thrust upon Britain. Wells was incensed that a thirty-year period had elapsed and, despite numerous promises by the British government, no social reform had emerged. For more than a decade before World War I, he had been calling for social reform. This reform, as he envisioned, would be similar to Socialism. He published a “Declaration of Rights,” defining and calling for universal human rights, and held meetings and correspondence with many important political figures in Britain and other countries. This thesis argues that the restrictive label as H. G. Wells “the fiction writer” limits his success and importance to the contemporary world; further, his philosophies are still relevant and applicable to current society.

Disciplines

Models and Methods | Other Political Science | Political Theory

Download

Share

COinS