3. Crisis and Disillusionment (1929-1939) Flashcards

1
Q

when did the minority government formed in May 1929 end?

A

in 1931

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2
Q

wall street crash

A
  • october 1929
  • share prices failed in the NY stock exchange
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3
Q

May Report

A
  • March 1931
  • Mcdonald established the Committee
  • investigate the country’s economic problem
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4
Q

What was the primary economic challenge in Britain during the 1920s?

A

The worst period of unemployment occurred in the 1920s due to a decline in demand for products and subsequent business failures.

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5
Q

What significant event in 1926 highlighted class divisions in British society?

A

The 1926 general strike exposed deep class divisions, leading to a shift towards a more pragmatic relationship between workers and employers.

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6
Q

How did the economic landscape change between the 1920s and 1930s in Britain?

A

The 1930s saw a significant increase in unemployment, particularly in older industrial areas, while the midlands developed new industries.

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7
Q

What was the outcome of the May 1929 general election?

A

Ramsay Macdonald formed a minority government, marking the first election with full adult suffrage.

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8
Q

What triggered the global economic recession in October 1929?

A

The Wall Street Crash led to a worldwide recession as countries, including the UK, were reliant on American loans and markets.

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9
Q

What did John Maynard Keynes propose to combat the Depression?

A

Keynes advocated for government investment to stimulate the economy, a strategy only applied after WWII.

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9
Q

What was the conclusion of the May report in 1931?

A

The report indicated that Britain was on the verge of economic disaster, recommending austerity measures that ultimately led to Macdonald’s fall from power.

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9
Q

Who succeeded Ramsay Macdonald as Prime Minister in the national government formed in 1931?

A

Stanley Baldwin succeeded Macdonald in June 1935 and led the national government until 1937.

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10
Q

What significant protests occurred in Britain during the 1930s?

A

The Jarrow Crusade in 1936 was a notable protest march aimed at raising awareness of unemployment and seeking state assistance.

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11
Q

How did colonial nationalism affect Britain’s imperial policy in the 1930s?

A

Increased demands for independence from colonies, particularly in India and the Irish Free State, pressured Britain to provide self-governance.

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12
Q

What was the abdication crisis of 1936?

A

King Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, creating a scandal and leading to the ascension of George VI.

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13
Q

What were the main failures of the League of Nations during the 1930s?

A

he League was ineffective due to lack of enforcement power, membership issues, and the inability to prevent aggressive actions by Germany and Japan.

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14
Q

What was Britain’s response to the rise of Adolf Hitler in the 1930s?

A

Britain began rearmament and pursued a policy of appeasement, notably through the Munich Agreement in 1938.

15
Q

What led to Britain declaring war on Germany in September 1939?

A

Hitler’s invasion of Poland prompted Britain to declare war, marking the beginning of World War II.

16
Q

What was the initial aim of the British government at the start of WWII?

A

The aim was to seek a peaceful resolution, delaying the war declaration for 2 days in hopes of finding a solution.

17
Q

Who replaced Chamberlain as Prime Minister in May 1940?

A

Winston Churchill.

18
Q

What significant military event occurred at Dunkirk in May 1940?

A

Around 200,000 British and 140,000 French troops were evacuated by sea to Britain.

19
Q

What was the period known as “Phoney War”?

A

The time between the start of WWII and the fall of France, characterized by inaction from Britain and France.

20
Q

What was Churchill’s stance on fighting Germany?

A

Churchill believed in fighting on for democracy and freedom, famously stating, “Victory at all costs, victory.”

21
Q

What was the Blitz?

A

A German bombing campaign against Britain, targeting airfields, factories, and civilian areas, particularly London.

22
Q

What was the significance of the Battle of Britain?

A

It was a crucial air battle where the Royal Air Force defended the UK against the German Luftwaffe.

23
Q

Who authored the Beveridge Report, and what were its main focuses?

A

William Beveridge; it addressed five “giant evils”: want, squalor, disease, idleness, and ignorance.

24
Q

What was the lend-lease policy?

A

A U.S. policy during WWII to provide military aid to Britain and other allied nations, with payment to be made after the war.

25
Q

What event prompted the U.S. to join WWII?

A

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

26
Q

What was the Great Alliance?

A

The coalition formed by Britain, the Soviet Union, and the U.S. during WWII.

27
Q

What were the significant victories for the Allies in 1942-1943?

A

The victory at El Alamein, the battle of Stalingrad, and the defeat of Axis powers in North Africa.

28
Q

What was D-Day, and when did it occur?

A

The Allied invasion of France on June 6, 1944

29
Q

What were the outcomes of the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences?

A

They addressed post-war plans for Germany, reparations, and the creation of the United Nations, but failed to resolve issues regarding Poland.

30
Q

What was the impact of the Labour Party’s victory in the 1945 general election?

A

It led to significant social reforms based on the Beveridge Report, establishing a welfare state in Britain.

31
Q

How did WWII officially end?

A

apan surrendered after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9), leading to VJ Day on August 14, 1945.

32
Q

What was the role of commonwealth countries during WWII?

A

They fought alongside Britain, contributing significantly to the war effort, but sought greater recognition post-war.

33
Q

What characterized the British home front during the war?

A

Rationing, evacuation of children, and a sense of social solidarity amid the hardships of the Blitz.