History of the UK 1945-1979

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'unionist' refer to in Northern Ireland?

An economic policy

A type of government

Catholic affiliations

Protestant affiliations (correct)

Which political party in Northern Ireland is known for supporting violence through Loyalists?

The Labour Party

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)

The Conservative Party

The Democratic and Unionist Party (DUP) (correct)

What major commitment did the Labour government led by Attlee undertake?

Privatisation of all businesses

Higher taxation on individuals

Nationalisation of strategic sectors (correct)

Reduction of government interference

Until what year did the British governments generally support manufacturing industries?

1979 Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the development agencies set up in Scotland and Wales in the mid-70s?

To encourage companies to establish operations Signup and view all the answers

Which sectors were generally considered strategic for nationalisation by the Labour government?

Transport and raw materials Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of foreign competition on the manufacturing industries after WW2?

A decline in many manufacturing sectors Signup and view all the answers

How did private owners and the Conservatives generally view nationalisation during the Labour government's reign?

Initially disagreed but later tolerated it Signup and view all the answers

What did the Congress want India to become?

A republic Signup and view all the answers

What major change did the government decide regarding the monarchy and the Commonwealth?

The monarch would only be head of the Commonwealth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries gained independence first after World War II?

Ceylon Signup and view all the answers

What nickname was given to the local people during the independence struggle in Kenya?

Mau Mau Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Ian Smith's leadership in South Rhodesia during the 1960s?

White majority governance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions gained independence in 1963?

Kenya Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of the 'New Commonwealth'?

It was multiracial Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary method through which the British government granted independence to colonies?

Encouraging federations Signup and view all the answers

What type of healthcare system was the NHS?

A public system providing quality healthcare Signup and view all the answers

What was the basis for access to the NHS?

Clinical needs only Signup and view all the answers

Before WW2, who primarily benefited from the introduced welfare measures?

Individuals working in certain industries Signup and view all the answers

What was a major change in benefits after WW2?

Benefits became universal for all individuals Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the Labour government in the early 1950s regarding NHS charges?

They introduced charges specifically for eye and dental treatments Signup and view all the answers

What did the Labour government do regarding secondary schools after the war?

Removed the hierarchy and created Comprehensive Schools Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of Labour's economic support to Scotland and Wales?

To minimize nationalist demands for independence Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of charges for NHS services affect public perception?

It led to shame among the poorest individuals using the system Signup and view all the answers

What major discovery in the 1970s prompted additional taxation on corporations?

Oil and gas discoveries Signup and view all the answers

What economic policy was expected by Beveridge to maintain full employment?

Encouraging companies to settle in the North Signup and view all the answers

What was the inflation rate in Britain in 1975?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key reform in the education system after Labour came to power?

Free universal primary education Signup and view all the answers

What were the '5 giants of Evil' that Labour sought to tackle?

War, disease, poverty, ignorance, and unemployment Signup and view all the answers

What was a major contribution of the Labour government to housing policy?

Extension of Council Houses provision Signup and view all the answers

Which institution was established as a result of Labour's commitment to tackle disease?

National Health Service (NHS) Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the decline of economic growth in the 1960s and 1970s?

Devaluation of the Pound Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the establishment of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the EEC?

To support European farmers to ensure food self-sufficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What concern did British politicians have regarding the support of European farmers?

Food prices for consumers would potentially increase. Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was established by Britain as an alternative to the EEC?

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event in 1966 influenced British perceptions of their relationship with the EEC?

The nationalization of the Suez Canal. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons for the decline in British reliance on Commonwealth trade?

Trade with the Commonwealth accounted for only 1/3 of British trade. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the EFTA in contrast to the EEC?

There were no customs duties imposed. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the British initially hesitate to join the EEC?

They feared economic harm to their established trade relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What economic shift occurred as nations within the EEC began to prosper?

British policymakers recognized the need for new economic partnerships. Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did the nationalisation trigger from France and Britain?

They planned to use their military power. Signup and view all the answers

How did Britain acquire its nuclear weapons?

By purchasing them from the USA. Signup and view all the answers

What was Charles de Gaulle's reason for vetoing Britain's first application to join the EEC?

He considered Britain's geographic isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Britain's third application to join the EEC?

It was approved and a Treaty of Accession was signed. Signup and view all the answers

What significant decision did Wilson make after coming to power in 1974 concerning the EEC?

He held a referendum for the population to decide. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was primarily against Britain's membership in the EEC during the referendum campaign?

Trade unions and some Labour politicians. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the economic conditions during Wilson's referendum in June 1975?

Inflation was exceptionally high. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the political landscape of the Labour party regarding the EEC application?

The Labour party was divided on the issue. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CM History of the UK from 1945 to 1979

Political Institutions:
- Post-War Consensus: Social and economic policies on which both major parties agreed.
- House of Lords Reform: Reduced power of hereditary peers, increased life peers, and a smaller number of spiritual lords.
- House of Commons Reform: Eliminated university seats and the business vote, lowered voting age to 18.
- Representation of the People Act (1948): Removed university seats and the business vote.
- Voting age lowered (1969): To 18.
Regional Institutions (Scotland and Wales):
- Creation of Scottish Secretary and Welsh Secretary: Creation of these positions within the British government.
- Preservation of Scottish and Welsh systems: Scotland and Wales retained their own education and judicial systems.
- Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru: Emergence as significant parties in these regions, with support for Scottish independence.
Northern Ireland:
- 1921 Parliament: Established, designed to protect the Catholic minority.
- Discrimination and Violence (1960s-70s): Discrimination against Catholics, resulting in increased violence and the intervention of British Troops
- 1972 Bloody Sunday: Protests for civil rights where British Troops opened fire, killing 14 individuals.
- 1972 Abolition of Northern Ireland Parliament (and) Troubles: British government abolished Northern Ireland Parliament for 30 years.

Keynesian Economic Policies

Nationalization Programs: Labour governments nationalized many industries (rail, coal, steel, electricity), though some were later denationalized.
Regional Policies: Enhanced support for areas in the North, Scotland, and Wales by the government (in terms of grants).
Taxation: Increased taxes on individual incomes and corporate profits.
Economic Recovery (1950s): Increased consumer spending and rise in new product availability.
Economic Challenges (1960s-70s): High inflation and low economic growth, unable to control currency devaluation.

The Welfare State

Education Reforms (1944): Primary and secondary education became compulsory and free until 15. Different secondary school types emerged, reflecting social class background.
Postwar Housing: Extended provision of council housing for working-class and some middle-class people.
National Health Service (NHS): Free healthcare, funded by the state and integrating doctors, nurses, and hospitals, becoming a notable feature.
Benefits and Welfare Programs: Universal benefits for many situations (sickness, unemployment) and for individuals across all job sectors.
Later Reforms: Modifications to free healthcare (Eye/Dental costs/prescriptions) and removal of specific parts of the hierarchy in the education system.

Loss of the Empire and the EEC

India's Independence: India's partition into India and Pakistan, widespread violence, and significant displacement.
Decolonization: Spread of independence movements across the world, with various degrees of conflict.
The EEC: Britain's involvement in European organizations like the Council of Europe, leading to a growing desire to join the European Economic Community. Various factors influenced the decision to rejoin, including economic relationships with the US and Commonwealth, and a shift in political strategies.
Initial Failure and Subsequent Success: Britain's initial applications for membership were eventually successful.

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Description

Explore the significant political changes in the UK from 1945 to 1979, including the Post-War Consensus and reforms in the House of Lords and Commons. Learn about the emergence of regional institutions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This quiz covers key legislative acts and the rise of regional parties during this transformative period.