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.
