1929-1939 (The Hungry 30s)- Challenges to Stability Flashcards
when does George V die?
January 1936
who succeeds George V?
Edward VIII
overview the ‘abdication crisis’?
- Edward VIII (a playboy) wanted to marry Wallis Simpson
- Simpson was American, divorced and soon to be again divorced; this meant she was unsuitable to be a queen
- Baldwin (PM) declared it unconstitutional for Edward VIII to marry Simpson as it contradicted his position as head of CofE; parliament agreed with Baldwin
when did Edward VIII abdicate?
11th Dec 1936
who succeeds Edward VIII?
George VI
why was Baldwin praised for his handling of the ‘abdication crisis’?
calm and didn’t let it impact GB in any aspect
who founded the BUF?
Sir Oswald Mosley
which famous newspaper owner supported BUF?
Lord Rothermere (daily mail)
how many members did the BUF have by 1934?
50k
what 4 cities was BUF support the greatest, and who were their typical supporters?
London, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester
- young workers disillusioned with traditional party policies
- Labour supporters who had become more radical-left
give 2 reasons why the BUF quickly lost support?
- Battle of Cable Street demonstrated violence
- Alignment with Hitler and his racist policies
why did Communist Party membership grow?
- capitalism seemed to be collapsing
- Labour was broken
- looked good as it was Comms who were fighting fascism in Spain
give 6 factors limiting political extremism in GB?
- Nat Gov took a stand (e.g. public order act 1936; forbid of wearing of political uniforms)
- Labour movement
- International events (e.g. brutality of Stalin and Hitler made extremism look bad)
- Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia made BUF look daft
- Recovering economy restored faith in traditional parties/policies
- BUF were too violent, CPGB too disorganised