Britain Transformed, 1918-1979

Broad agreement between Labour and Conservative parties on economic policy (1945-1979).

Organizations of workers aiming for better working conditions, higher pay, and benefits.

Political party formed in 1900 to represent workers' interests and trade unions.

Prime Minister elected in 1979, marking a departure from the post-war consensus.

The recovery and management of the British economy following World War II.

The decline in popularity and influence of the Liberal Party in the interwar period.

The increase in popularity and strength of the Labour Party in the interwar period.

Internal disagreements within the Labour Party concerning the war.

The significant role of trade unions in funding and supporting the Labour Party.

Labour's vote surplus over Liberals in the 1923 election, a turning point.

The first Labour Prime Minister (1924 election).

The competition between Liberal and Labour parties with Asquith and Lloyd George contributing different perspectives.

The role of the 'first past the post' voting system in shaping political outcomes.

World War One forced the Liberal Party to adopt policies like economic control, conscription, and rationing, which conflicted with their traditional values.

A power struggle between David Lloyd George and Henry Asquith, leading to a divided Liberal Party and further weakening.

Lloyd George's election strategy, relying heavily on Conservative support to win the 1918 election.

A 1918 public argument about British troop numbers on the Western Front, involving accusations of deceit against Lloyd George.

A shift towards more interventionist policies within the Liberal Party, aiming to support vulnerable groups in society.

Changes in voting patterns, where working-class voters increasingly chose other parties compared to the Liberal Party.

The Liberal party's struggles to adapt to changing economic and social circumstances, including working-class voters' preferences.

A policy of making concessions to a hostile power to avoid conflict. In the context of the 1930s, this refers to Chamberlain's policy of giving in to Hitler's demands in an attempt to prevent war.

Chamberlain believed peace could be achieved by giving in to Hitler's demands, hoping it would prevent further aggression. This policy is known as appeasement.

Chamberlain underestimated Hitler's ruthless ambition. His desire for power led him to continue expanding regardless of concessions made. Appeasement ultimately failed to prevent war.

Churchill strongly opposed appeasement. From the start, he believed Hitler was a threat and urged for strength and resistance instead of concessions, believing a war was inevitable.

The early stage of World War II, marked by minimal military action in Western Europe, lasting from September 1939 to April 1940.

A coalition government formed in 1931 in response to the economic crisis. It lasted for 14 years, navigating both the Great Depression and World War II.

The National Government remained in power due to the lack of support for extreme political parties like Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists.

Mosley, a former Labour MP, became disillusioned with the political establishment's response to the economic crisis. He formed the British Union of Fascists, heavily inspired by Mussolini's Italy.

A policy where interest rates are lowered to encourage borrowing and investment, stimulating the economy.

Lower interest rates in the 1930s led to increased borrowing by businesses and individuals, boosting house construction and creating jobs.

The British government significantly increased its control over the economy during WWII, using measures like rationing, conscription, and directing workers to specific industries.

Government-issued directives during WWII that forced individuals to work in specific jobs deemed essential for the war effort.

An economic theory suggesting that governments should use spending and borrowing to stimulate economic recovery during times of hardship.

A traditional economic theory in the 1930s that opposed government intervention and emphasized balancing budgets.

WWII significantly changed British economic thinking, leading to a shift away from balanced budgets and toward government intervention, influenced by Keynesian economics.

A compromise economic system combining elements of capitalism and socialism; aimed at preventing the extremes of either system.

A type of Conservative who believes in social responsibility and caring for the poorer sections of society.

Conservatives adopted more progressive policies after WWII due to factors like the desire to avoid another depression, the influence of wartime experiences, and the increasing popularity of Labour's social welfare programs.

The process of government taking control of industries like coal, electricity, and transport to ensure their efficiency and public benefit.

The Labour government under Clement Attlee (1945-51) implemented social reforms and policies to improve the standard of living for ordinary people.

A moderate approach to economic policy that sought to balance capitalism and socialism.

This influential Conservative leader played a key role in shaping post-war social policy, particularly in education.

The broad agreement among major political parties on social welfare and a mixed economy, leading to a period of stability and economic growth.