Questions and Answers
Who replaced Stanley Baldwin as prime minister in 1937?
Chamberlain's premiership was marked by a period of economic downturn and rising unemployment.
False
What was the name given to the seven-month stand-off between the British Expeditionary Force and Germany during World War II?
The Phoney War
Who did Churchill include in his wartime cabinet?
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Why did the Labour Party refuse to serve under Chamberlain in May 1940?
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Match the following individuals with their roles:
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Chamberlain won the vote of no confidence in Parliament with a large majority.
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What percentage of the civilian population was involved in war work by 1944?
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The Essential Work Order in 1941 allowed employers to dismiss workers easily.
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Who was the Minister of Labour during World War II?
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The _______ Act was used to allow semi-skilled workers to undertake formerly skilled jobs.
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What was the purpose of the 'Worker's Playtime' radio programme?
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Wages decreased during World War II.
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What was the result of the 1942 miners' strike in Kent?
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Match the following individuals with their roles:
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The Defence Regulation 58AA banned _______ and lockouts in 1940.
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There were no strikes during World War II.
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What was the main theme of Winston Churchill's first speech as prime minister to the House of Commons?
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The British government took control of war production during the Second World War.
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What was the significance of the Lend-Lease Agreement?
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What was the main difference between the British wartime and peacetime economies?
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The British government maintained a managed economy after the war.
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What was the impact of the Second World War on employment in Britain?
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Match the following ministries with their responsibilities:
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Between 1940 and 1944, Britain produced _______________ aircraft.
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The USA was neutral during the Second World War.
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Study Notes
Chamberlain's Premiership, 1937-40
- Stanley Baldwin resigned in 1937 due to ill health, and Neville Chamberlain became prime minister.
- Chamberlain's premiership was marked by economic recovery, falling unemployment, and stable prices.
- The National Government faced the challenge of rearmament amidst growing anti-war sentiment in Britain.
- Chamberlain allowed concessions to Nazi Germany, leading to the 'Phoney War' in 1939.
- The British Expeditionary Force was mobilized to France, but the war effort was marked by inaction until April 1940.
- The Norway debate in Parliament led to Chamberlain's resignation, and Winston Churchill became prime minister.
Churchill's Premiership, 1940-45
- Churchill formed a coalition government with Labour and Liberal politicians.
- He made his famous "blood, toil, tears and sweat" speech to the House of Commons in May 1940.
- The German Army's sweep through France led to the British Expeditionary Force's withdrawal to Dunkirk.
- Churchill's cabinet debated whether to make peace with Germany, but Churchill argued against it.
- The government took control of war production, creating ministries for aircraft production, supply, war production, food, and labor.
- The managed economy was maintained by the post-war Labour government, which nationalized key industries.
Military Expenditure and Economic Aid
- Britain had significant military equipment shortages in 1939, but rearmament efforts increased production.
- The USA provided economic aid to Britain, despite being neutral, through the Lend-Lease Agreement and 'Liberty Ships'.
- The agreement allowed Britain to receive resources without immediate payment, with the bill to be paid after the war.
Changing Work Opportunities and Conditions, 1939-51
- The Second World War brought full employment and the deployment of women into factories and male-dominated jobs.
- By 1944, 33% of the civilian population was involved in war work, including 7 million women.
- Wages, benefits, and working conditions improved, and unions negotiated better deals.
- The Essential Work Order and Control of Employment Act were used to regulate employment and tie people to essential jobs.
Industrial Relations, 1939-45
- The relationship between trade unions and the government underwent a period of transition during the war.
- Unions and the government worked closely together, with the government recognizing the importance of unions in the war effort.
- Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour, had almost complete control over the workforce and fostered cooperation between workers and management.
- Skilled workers and union shop stewards became powerful during the war due to labor shortages and high demand for quality work.
Wartime Strikes
- Despite the popular view of social peace during the war, numerous strikes and protests occurred over wages and working conditions.
- The government introduced Defence Regulation 58AA banning strikes and lockouts in 1940.
- Miners went on strike in 1942, leading to the government taking over the coal industry and improving wages.
- Strikes continued throughout the war, with 514 strikes occurring in the south Wales coal fields between 1939 and 1944.
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Description
Learn about Neville Chamberlain's premiership, from economic recovery to the looming threat of war during a period of international instability.