Neville Chamberlain's Premiership 1937-40

Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for Stanley Baldwin's resignation as prime minister in 1937?

Ill health

What was the economic climate like during Chamberlain's premiership?

Economic recovery, falling unemployment, and stable prices

What was the main challenge faced by the National Government under Chamberlain and Baldwin?

The breakdown of international order, making war increasingly likely

What drove the National Government to make concessions to Nazi Germany?

A desire for peace among the electorate Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the end of the 'Phoney War' in April 1940?

A bungled British attempt to save Norway from German invasion Signup and view all the answers

What was the central theme of Churchill's first speech as prime minister to the House of Commons on 13 May 1940?

offering 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Norway debate in Parliament on 7 May 1940?

Chamberlain narrowly won a vote of no confidence but recognised it as a defeat Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lord Halifax step aside to allow Churchill to become prime minister?

He realised he could not run the war from the House of Lords Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the German Army's sweep through France in May 1940?

The British Expeditionary Force withdrew to Dunkirk, trapped on the beaches and awaiting evacuation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the proposal made by Halifax on 25 May 1940?

a negotiated settlement with Germany Signup and view all the answers

What was the composition of Churchill's wartime cabinet?

A mix of Conservative, Labour, and Liberal politicians Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Churchill's meeting with the whole cabinet on 25 May 1940?

Churchill argued that Britain would be a 'slave state' if it agreed to German terms. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Ministry of Aircraft Production during World War II?

controlling war production Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of World War II on British society?

social, cultural and political changes were accelerated Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the managed economy after World War II?

it was maintained by the post-war Labour government Signup and view all the answers

How did the wartime economy differ from the peacetime economy in Britain?

production levels were decided by the government rather than prices for goods and profits Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chamberlain's Premiership (1937-1940)

Neville Chamberlain became prime minister in 1937 after Stanley Baldwin's resignation due to ill health.
Chamberlain's premiership was marked by economic recovery, falling unemployment, and stable prices.
The National Government faced a significant challenge due to the breakdown of international order, making war increasingly likely, but the anti-war movement in Britain made rearmament difficult.

Concessions to Nazi Germany

The National Government made concessions to Nazi Germany, partly due to the desire for peace among the electorate.
Hitler continued to violate the Treaty of Versailles.

The 'Phoney War' and Norway Debate

The British Expeditionary Force was mobilized to France in September 1939, followed by a seven-month stand-off with little action.
The 'Phoney War' ended in April 1940 with a failed British attempt to save Norway from German invasion.
The Norway debate in Parliament on May 7 led to a vote of no confidence, which Chamberlain narrowly won but recognized as a defeat in real terms.

Resignation and Churchill's Premiership

Chamberlain attempted to form a new coalition government but was refused by the Labour Party, leading to Winston Churchill's appointment as prime minister.
Churchill's wartime cabinet consisted of a mix of Conservative, Labour, and Liberal politicians.
Churchill included Labour politicians who prioritized national interest over party politics.

Churchill's Premiership (1940-1945)

Churchill delivered his first speech as prime minister on May 13, offering 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' as the situation deteriorated in France.
The German Army's sweep through France led to a political crisis, with some ministers considering a negotiated settlement with Germany.
Churchill argued that Britain would become a 'slave state' if it agreed to German terms, solidifying his reputation for stoicism in the face of adversity.

Wartime Economy and Government

The government took control of war production and developed specific ministries for controlling the wartime economy.
The managed economy was maintained by the post-war Labour government, with production levels determined by the government rather than market forces.

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Description

Learn about Neville Chamberlain's time as prime minister, his achievements, and the challenges he faced during a period of economic recovery and growing international tensions.