3. Crisis and Disillusionment (1929-1939) Flashcards
when did the minority government formed in May 1929 end?
in 1931
wall street crash
- october 1929
- share prices failed in the NY stock exchange
May Report
- March 1931
- Mcdonald established the Committee
- investigate the country’s economic problem
What was the primary economic challenge in Britain during the 1920s?
The worst period of unemployment occurred in the 1920s due to a decline in demand for products and subsequent business failures.
What significant event in 1926 highlighted class divisions in British society?
The 1926 general strike exposed deep class divisions, leading to a shift towards a more pragmatic relationship between workers and employers.
How did the economic landscape change between the 1920s and 1930s in Britain?
The 1930s saw a significant increase in unemployment, particularly in older industrial areas, while the midlands developed new industries.
What was the outcome of the May 1929 general election?
Ramsay Macdonald formed a minority government, marking the first election with full adult suffrage.
What triggered the global economic recession in October 1929?
The Wall Street Crash led to a worldwide recession as countries, including the UK, were reliant on American loans and markets.
What did John Maynard Keynes propose to combat the Depression?
Keynes advocated for government investment to stimulate the economy, a strategy only applied after WWII.
What was the conclusion of the May report in 1931?
The report indicated that Britain was on the verge of economic disaster, recommending austerity measures that ultimately led to Macdonald’s fall from power.
Who succeeded Ramsay Macdonald as Prime Minister in the national government formed in 1931?
Stanley Baldwin succeeded Macdonald in June 1935 and led the national government until 1937.
What significant protests occurred in Britain during the 1930s?
The Jarrow Crusade in 1936 was a notable protest march aimed at raising awareness of unemployment and seeking state assistance.
How did colonial nationalism affect Britain’s imperial policy in the 1930s?
Increased demands for independence from colonies, particularly in India and the Irish Free State, pressured Britain to provide self-governance.
What was the abdication crisis of 1936?
King Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, creating a scandal and leading to the ascension of George VI.
What were the main failures of the League of Nations during the 1930s?
he League was ineffective due to lack of enforcement power, membership issues, and the inability to prevent aggressive actions by Germany and Japan.
What was Britain’s response to the rise of Adolf Hitler in the 1930s?
Britain began rearmament and pursued a policy of appeasement, notably through the Munich Agreement in 1938.
What led to Britain declaring war on Germany in September 1939?
Hitler’s invasion of Poland prompted Britain to declare war, marking the beginning of World War II.
What was the initial aim of the British government at the start of WWII?
The aim was to seek a peaceful resolution, delaying the war declaration for 2 days in hopes of finding a solution.
Who replaced Chamberlain as Prime Minister in May 1940?
Winston Churchill.
What significant military event occurred at Dunkirk in May 1940?
Around 200,000 British and 140,000 French troops were evacuated by sea to Britain.
What was the period known as “Phoney War”?
The time between the start of WWII and the fall of France, characterized by inaction from Britain and France.
What was Churchill’s stance on fighting Germany?
Churchill believed in fighting on for democracy and freedom, famously stating, “Victory at all costs, victory.”
What was the Blitz?
A German bombing campaign against Britain, targeting airfields, factories, and civilian areas, particularly London.
What was the significance of the Battle of Britain?
It was a crucial air battle where the Royal Air Force defended the UK against the German Luftwaffe.
Who authored the Beveridge Report, and what were its main focuses?
William Beveridge; it addressed five “giant evils”: want, squalor, disease, idleness, and ignorance.
What was the lend-lease policy?
A U.S. policy during WWII to provide military aid to Britain and other allied nations, with payment to be made after the war.
What event prompted the U.S. to join WWII?
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
What was the Great Alliance?
The coalition formed by Britain, the Soviet Union, and the U.S. during WWII.
What were the significant victories for the Allies in 1942-1943?
The victory at El Alamein, the battle of Stalingrad, and the defeat of Axis powers in North Africa.
What was D-Day, and when did it occur?
The Allied invasion of France on June 6, 1944
What were the outcomes of the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences?
They addressed post-war plans for Germany, reparations, and the creation of the United Nations, but failed to resolve issues regarding Poland.
What was the impact of the Labour Party’s victory in the 1945 general election?
It led to significant social reforms based on the Beveridge Report, establishing a welfare state in Britain.
How did WWII officially end?
apan surrendered after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9), leading to VJ Day on August 14, 1945.
What was the role of commonwealth countries during WWII?
They fought alongside Britain, contributing significantly to the war effort, but sought greater recognition post-war.
What characterized the British home front during the war?
Rationing, evacuation of children, and a sense of social solidarity amid the hardships of the Blitz.
What distinguished the 1920s from the 1930s in terms of unemployment in Great Britain?
The 1920s experienced worse unemployment than the 1930s due to a post-war decline in demand and failing staple industries like coal, steel, and cotton.
What did the 1926 General Strike reveal about British society?
It exposed deep class divisions and led to a more pragmatic relationship between workers and employers.
Which industries thrived in the Midlands during the 1930s?
New industries like motor vehicles and electrical goods manufacturing flourished
What were the regional unemployment disparities in the 1930s?
Shipbuilding areas faced 8/10 unemployment, London had 1/12 unemployed, and Birmingham had 1/20.
How did the middle class benefit during the 1930s?
They enjoyed new leisure opportunities like radios, cars, and dance halls, marking a stark contrast with industrial regions.
Why was the 1929 general election significant?
It was the first election with full adult suffrage, allowing women over 21 to vote.
Who formed the second Labour government in May 1929?
Ramsay MacDonald, leading a minority government.
What was the impact of the 1929 Wall Street Crash on Britain?
The crash caused a global recession, increasing unemployment in Britain from over 1 million to 2 million by 1930.
What approach did the British government adopt in the 1930s to manage the economy?
Classical economic theory dominated, viewing the economy as self-regulating, though limited intervention occurred in critical regions.
What economic theory did John Maynard Keynes advocate during the Depression?
Keynes argued for public investment to revive the economy, a policy ignored until after WWII.
What was the May Report of July 1931?
It warned of economic disaster and recommended cutting £97 million from the budget, including unemployment benefits.
How did the May Report contribute to the fall of Ramsay MacDonald’s government?
Labour ministers opposed cuts to unemployment benefits, leading to the government’s resignation.
What did MacDonald do after the fall of his Labour government?
He formed a National Government with Conservative and Liberal support, leading to his expulsion from the Labour Party.
Who dominated the National Government of the 1930s?
The Conservative Party, with Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain as key figures.
What moderate reforms did the National Government implement?
The Slum Clearance Act (1933) and the Factory Act (1937) improved housing and working conditions.
What was the Jarrow Crusade of 1936?
A protest march by unemployed shipbuilders to demand state assistance, which drew public sympathy but achieved little policy change.
How did the economy recover in the mid-1930s?
Recovery was driven by new industries, a housing boom, and rearmament after 1938.
What did the Statute of Westminster (1931) achieve?
It allowed dominions like Canada, Australia, and South Africa to self-govern.
What caused the abdication crisis of 1936?
King Edward VIII’s intent to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American, which was opposed by the government.
Who succeeded Edward VIII after his abdication?
His younger brother, George VI, in December 1936.
Why did Adolf Hitler rise to power in 1933?
The Great Depression destabilized Germany, and Hitler’s policies appealed to nationalist and revanchist sentiments.
What actions by Hitler violated the Treaty of Versailles?
Re-militarization, annexing Austria (1938), and territorial expansion.
Why did the League of Nations fail to prevent aggression in the 1930s?
It lacked enforcement power, and key nations like the US, Germany, and Japan were not members or left.
What was Britain’s policy of appeasement?
Led by Neville Chamberlain, it sought to avoid war by conceding to some of Hitler’s demands, culminating in the 1938 Munich Agreement.
What event finally pushed Britain into WWII?
Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, leading Britain to declare war.
Who led Britain’s rearmament program in the 1930s?
The National Government, motivated by rising concerns over Hitler and global instability.
Which politicians opposed appeasement?
Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden, with support from sections of the British public.
How did the 1930s housing boom affect the economy?
It reduced unemployment and stimulated growth in construction and related industries.
What were the political implications of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939)?
It raised awareness of fascism’s threat and influenced public opinion on Britain’s foreign policy.
What was the Munich Agreement?
A 1938 treaty giving Sudetenland to Germany in an effort to avoid war, criticized as appeasement.
What triggered WWII?
Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939
What was Neville Chamberlain’s initial approach to WWII?
Chamberlain hoped for a peaceful resolution and delayed war declarations for two days after Germany invaded Poland.
Who were the “Men of Munich”?
Politicians, including Chamberlain, who supported appeasement policies toward Hitler.
Who became the First Lord of the Admiralty in 1939?
Winston Churchill.
Why was Chamberlain forced to resign?
Failure of the Norwegian Campaign in 1940 and growing dissatisfaction with his leadership.
What was the “Phoney War”?
A period from 1939 to early 1940 where Britain and France took no major military action against Germany after declaring war.
Who succeeded Chamberlain as Prime Minister?
Winston Churchill on May 10, 1940.
What was the Battle of Britain?
An air battle in 1940 where the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended Britain from the German Luftwaffe.
What was the Dunkirk evacuation?
The rescue of over 340,000 Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, in 1940.
What technological advantage helped Britain in the Battle of Britain?
Radar systems that tracked German planes.
What was “The Blitz”?
German bombing campaigns targeting British cities, including London, from 1940 to 1941.
What were the “Five Giant Evils” identified in the Beveridge Report?
- Want (poverty)
- Squalor (poor housing)
- Disease (health issues)
- Idleness (unemployment)
- Ignorance (lack of education)
What was the Beveridge Report’s significance?
It laid the foundation for Britain’s post-war welfare state.
What policy did the US introduce to support Britain economically?
The Lend-Lease policy, providing military aid during WWII.
What brought the US into WWII?
Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
What was the Great Alliance?
A wartime coalition between Britain, the Soviet Union, and the US.
What were key Allied victories in 1942-1943?
- El Alamein (North Africa)
- Stalingrad (Soviet Union)
- North African Campaign ending in June 1943.
When did D-Day occur?
June 6, 1944.
What were the outcomes of the Yalta and Potsdam conferences?
Agreements on Germany’s future, the defeat of Japan, reparations, and the formation of the United Nations.
What marked the end of WWII in Europe?
Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945 (V-E Day).
What led to Japan’s surrender?
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945).
What was V-J Day?
Victory over Japan Day on August 14, 1945.
Who became Prime Minister in 1945?
Clement Attlee of the Labour Party.
What was Britain’s welfare state based on?
The Beveridge Report’s recommendations, including healthcare, education, and social security.
When did India gain independence from Britain?
1947
