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Having dominated the Thirst globalisation, through its empire, its world economy and its belief in liberal capitalism, the United Kingdom tried, between 1919 and 1939, to follow again its historical goals : peace and power. Unable to restore their global order, the British opted then, after 1931-1932, for a limited form of globalisation, based on the Empire and the sterling area. Supported by a corporatist power structure and the Tory party, this policy had a major aim : the defence of the ruling elites. In this way the « gentlemanly capitalism » allowed the survival of an imperialist type of Establishment up to the Second World War which opened a new era of change.