What is the major influence on 20th century British literature? What is the major influence on 20th century British literature?

Another
historical/social influence on the themes in English literature would be the change in England's
role in the world.  During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, England is THE dominating
world power with its strong sense of imperialism and its establishment of colonies and political
influence all across the world.  After the First and even more-so after the Second World War,
England's global reach was weakened.  This change in world veiw changed the
literature.

As the world view became more focussed on England itself, you can
see the rise in the interests of the people of England.  There are labor organizations rising in
power.  Women are asserting their equal rights.   There is much more attention to social
legislation and welfare concerns.  The country moved towards its more modern socialist state. 
These concerns become the themes of their literature.

The romantic
sentiments of the 19th century give way to the more serious concerns about social matters,
political...