Britain Transformed, 1918-1979
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Questions and Answers

What major shift in British politics occurred with the election of Margaret Thatcher in 1979?

  • A return to conservative policies focused on inflation control
  • The end of the post-war consensus and its rejection by much of the population (correct)
  • The continuity of welfare state policies from the previous Labour government
  • The beginning of a new socialist era under Labour leadership

    • What was one of the main objectives of the Labour party when it was formed in 1900?

  • To represent the interests of trade unions (correct)
  • To support the Conservative party's policies
  • To eliminate trade unions altogether
  • To promote industrialization without workers' rights

    • Which government policy was primarily focused on after World War II under Clement Attlee?

  • Creating a welfare state with free healthcare (correct)
  • Reviving the conservative policies of Winston Churchill
  • Increasing military expenditures
  • Reducing the role of government in the economy

    • What characterized the political consensus between Labour and Conservative parties between 1945 and 1979?

    <p>A broad agreement on economic policy focusing on full employment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did trade unions play in the political landscape prior to 1979?

    <p>They aimed to achieve common goals for workers' rights and benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major factor contributed to the decline of the Liberal Party's influence after the war?

    <p>Loss of moral authority due to government measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event marked the first time Labour gained more votes than the Liberals?

    <p>1923 election</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the party structure of Labour assist its growth post-war?

    <p>By maintaining unity after the war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significant role of trade unions in Labour’s rise?

    <p>They helped to field candidates through financial support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mistake did Asquith make regarding the Labour government after the 1923 election?

    <p>He underestimated Labour's unity and strength</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the Sinn Fein boycott in 1918 for the Liberal Party?

    <p>Loss of Irish Nationalist support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What electoral system contributed to the political landscape shaping in the context of the Liberal and Labour parties?

    <p>First past the post</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Ramsay MacDonald's leadership contribute to Labour's perception as a government?

    <p>He ruled with economic caution and strong foreign policy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main goal of creating a ‘mixed economy’ during the post-war period?

    <p>To prevent the failures and excesses of capitalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Conservative leader was characterized as a ‘one nation’ Tory?

    <p>Anthony Eden</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significant action taken by Richard A. Butler as Chancellor of the Exchequer?

    <p>He was the driving force behind the 1944 Education Act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Harold Macmillan's experiences in the 1930s influence his political views?

    <p>He wrote a book expressing sympathy for more radical solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term ‘one nation’ Tory imply?

    <p>A focus on national greatness and foreign relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following industries was NOT nationalized under Attlee's post-war government?

    <p>Agriculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivated several leading Conservatives to adopt progressive reforms during the post-war era?

    <p>Their genuine desire to improve life for the average person</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following events occurred last in the timeline of nationalization efforts mentioned?

    <p>Nationalisation of gas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one major reason for Chamberlain's policy of appeasement towards Hitler?

    <p>Fear of modern weapons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event led to Chamberlain being forced from office?

    <p>Vote of no confidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which political figure consistently urged for a more aggressive stance against Hitler?

    <p>Winston Churchill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Oswald Mosley do after his disillusionment with democracy?

    <p>Started a new political party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the National Government manage to stay in power for 14 years?

    <p>It held the center ground politically</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Chamberlain believe he was successful in his diplomatic efforts with Hitler?

    <p>He received assurances of peace</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the 'Phoney War' period?

    <p>Loss of confidence in Chamberlain's leadership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized Oswald Mosley's early political career before forming the BUF?

    <p>He was a promising Labour MP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary impact of cutting interest rates from 6% to 2%?

    <p>Reduced government debt repayment costs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the introduction of cheaper mortgages affect the housing market?

    <p>It fueled a boom in house construction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sector experienced the most job growth due to the rearmament expansion in 1935?

    <p>Old industries such as steel and shipbuilding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant economic theory gained acceptance due to the events during and after the Second World War?

    <p>Keynesian economic theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the National government of 1939 differ from the Liberal government in 1914 regarding personal freedoms?

    <p>It had no reservations about intervening in personal lives for war efforts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions was mandated by the government in 1941?

    <p>Compulsory registration for employment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the effect of the government issuing Essential Work Orders during the war?

    <p>It forced individuals into specific jobs as needed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the position of the government regarding employment after 1944?

    <p>It declared a long-term responsibility for maintaining high employment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one reason for the decline of the Liberal Party before World War I?

    <p>Failure to address trade union strikes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event is described as a pivotal moment that significantly weakened the Liberal Party?

    <p>The Maurice debate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes David Lloyd George's approach to the Liberal Party during his leadership?

    <p>He embraced direct state intervention, contrary to Liberal ideology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the 'Maurice debate' affect Lloyd George's leadership?

    <p>It intensified opposition from Asquith and split the party.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the 'Coupon Election' of 1918?

    <p>A coalition election that relied on Conservative backing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did working-class men begin to reject the Liberal Party's support?

    <p>Failure to adapt to class-based voting habits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historian described the Liberal Party as 'doomed even before WW1'?

    <p>George Dangerfield</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a characteristic of 'New Liberalism' as it emerged during this period?

    <p>Direct state intervention to support vulnerable populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Britain Transformed, 1918-1979

    • From 1918, millions of working-class men and women over 30 gained the right to vote.
    • By 1928, all women over 21 had the right to vote.
    • Britain became a mass democracy.
    • The Labour Party formed its first government in 1924.
    • The Liberal Party declined after 1922.
    • The interwar years were characterized by minority governments or coalitions.
    • Economic problems after WWI dominated politics.
    • A national coalition government formed in 1939 to fight WWII.
    • A consensus emerged after WWII on the role of the state, the economy, and industry-government relations.
    • Consensus about economic and social policy lasted through the 1950s and 1960s.
    • Full employment and the participation of trade unions in pay negotiations were broadly accepted by all parties.
    • The consensus began to break down during the 1970s due to declining economic performance and increased industrial conflict involving strikes and protests.
    • The election of Margaret Thatcher in 1979 marked the end of the post-war consensus.

    Economic Environment, 1918-1979

    • Economic challenges included balancing budgets, dealing with payment imbalances (exports vs imports), and fluctuating inflation and unemployment.
    • Britain faced difficulties in managing the economy, including managing rising debts, maintaining the value of the pound, controlling inflation, and ensuring the competitiveness of British industry.
    • The global economic crisis of the 1930s and WWII had a major impact on the UK, which led to economic instability and shifts in power relations.
    • Post-WWII consensus saw increased government intervention, and the goal of full employment.
    • Increased industrial conflict became evident in the 1970s as a result of economic woes and political instability.

    Workplace Changes, 1918-1979

    • The role of trade unions increased in importance.
    • The trade union movement became a critical aspect of political and economic life.
    • The relationship between the government, industry, and trade unions underwent adjustments reflecting the changing political and economic landscape of the era.
    • Increasing industrial disputes developed as trade unions sought to protect their workers' rights and interests in the face of economic changes.
    • Women entered the workforce in greater numbers.
    • The entry of women into the workforce was related to increased industrialisation and the need to fill gaps in the workforce.
    • Changing industrial conditions reflected changes in trade, technology, and international competition.
    • There were major changes in working opportunities and conditions between 1939 and 1979.
    • The general trend was a greater shift away from heavy industrial work to more varied and specialised jobs.
    • Changing government policies during this period attempted to address economic challenges, labor unrest, and social issues.

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    Description

    Explore the significant political changes in Britain from 1918 to 1979. The quiz covers the expansion of voting rights, the emergence of mass democracy, the impact of WWII, and the shifting political landscape through the decades. Additionally, examine the consensus around economic policies and the challenges faced during the 1970s.

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