1 1918-1939: The National Government Flashcards
Why did a National Government have to be formed?
Ramsay MacDonald was losing votes, the conservatives won a majority in the national government, but MacDonald continued as PM as the figurehead for the national government. The public believed he was putting union interest over national interest.
What was the National Government’s Economic Policy, and what were the effects of it?
National Government cut public sector pay cuts by 10%: mutiny in the Royal Navy Base in Invergordon
Tariffs introduced
1933, the Gold Standard had been reached and low interest rates stimulated the economy.
What was the National Government’s stance on disarmament
With Hitler’s appointment in 1933, organisations such as the Peace Pledge Union by Father Dick Sheppard and the League of Nations gained attraction
the government negotiated with powers to disarm at the World Disarmament conference which ran between 1932-1934, but Germany withdrew in 1933 and it broke down
Baldwin then argued for not complete disarmament, but agreeing to some limits on arms
From 1934, Britain started to Rearm and the RAF increased to 40 squadrons, the munitions industry was also developed
When did Baldwin become PM, why?
Ramsay MacDonald was sick from 1935 and had to step down, Baldwin became PM and called a general election in October 1935, he pledged for welfare reform and defence strengthening
What was Labour’s stance on collective security?
continuously divided
the left argued rearmament increased chances of war,
the centre believed collective security would make war impossible.
When Hitler broke the terms of the ToV in 1936, labour opposed economic sanctions, and the national government was divided over whether to take action or not.
What happened in the years following Baldwin’s resignation?
he resigned in 1937 due to ill health. There was a period of falling unemployment and stable prices.
The National Government allowed a series of concessions to Nazi Germany, but the anti-war movement in Britain was increasingly strong.
What was the munich agreement?
Neville Chamberlain met with Hitler in 1938 and granted him all his demands, Chamberlain promised ‘peace in our time’
When did Chamberlain die?
1941 following a failed military expedition to Norway in April 1940
What happened after the declaration of War in 1939
There was a 7 month standoff during which little action ensued, ‘the phoney war’ but it ended with a failed british attempt to save Norway from German invasion.
7th May 1940 Chamberlain narrowly won a vote of no confidence, but accepted the defeat. On the 9th May he attempted to form a new coalition, but the Labour party refused to serve under him.
challenges to the national government: UK extremism
Oswald Mosely formed the British Union of Fascists in 1932.
He soon turned violent, naming his own group the ‘biff boys’ given the task of attacking opponents.
The Battle of Cable Street took place in 1936 and Mosely was imprisoned for 3 years.
1936: Public Orders Act, banning uniforms and requiring permission for marches and demonstrations
Decline of the BUF followed.
Indian independence
Government of India Act passed in 1935.
UK government aided their independence just enough to buy their cooperation for the future.
Fascism in Europe
Hitler appointed Chancellor in 1933.
Stresa Front collapsed 1935.
Anschluss 1938.
Czechoslovakia occupied May 1939.
Labour party in turmoil
the Economy
£££ fell by 20% (although this made british exports cheaper and more competitive)
mass unemployment + national crisis: Unemployment Act 1934 assisted unemployed to work:)
Abdication Crisis 1936
Edward VIII wanted to marry American divorcee, but Canadians said as a British Dominion they would cut ties if he did so.
Baldwin talked him out of it, and was credited for this heavily.
