5. Affluence & Consensus (1951-1964) Flashcards
Who was the first Conservative Prime Minister in this conservative era (1951-1964)?
Winston Churchill (1951-1955)
Who were the Prime Ministers during the Conservative era from 1951 to 1964?
Churchill (1951-1955), Eden (1955-1957), Macmillan (1957-1963), Douglas-Home (1963-1964)
What was the political consensus in Britain after 1945?
An agreement between parties on welfare, full employment, and economic stability, influenced by the international situation.
Why did Conservatives continue with Labour’s reforms after winning in 1951?
Their narrow election victory made it safer to adopt moderate, popular policies.
What were Churchill’s main policies during his second term as Prime Minister (1951-1955)?
He maintained welfare, full employment, a mixed economy, and followed Keynesian economic policies.
Who was Labour’s left-wing leader who resigned over NHS charges in 1951?
Aneurin Bevan
What major international crisis defined Anthony Eden’s term as Prime Minister?
The Suez Crisis (1956)
Why did Britain and France intervene in the Suez Canal in 1956?
To regain control after Egypt nationalized the canal, a key asset shared by British and French stakeholders.
How did the U.S. respond to Britain and France’s Suez intervention?
The U.S. strongly disapproved and pressured Britain economically to withdraw.
What were the effects of the Suez Crisis on British power and Eden’s career?
Britain’s international influence declined, and Eden resigned, marking the end of his political career.
Who succeeded Eden and led Britain through a period of “affluence”?
Harold Macmillan (1957-1963)
What famous phrase did Macmillan say about Britain’s prosperity in 1957?
“Most of our people never had it so good.”
What internal conflict divided the Labour Party in the late 1950s?
Tensions between the revisionist right (Gaitskell) and socialist left (Bevan).
What event in 1962 showed a crisis in Conservative leadership under Macmillan?
“The Night of the Long Knives” – Macmillan’s dismissal of several ministers.
What scandal weakened public confidence in the Conservative government in the early 1960s?
The Profumo Affair, involving a British minister’s affair with a woman linked to Soviet intelligence.
What foreign policy effort did Macmillan pursue to reduce Cold War tensions?
The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963) promoting nuclear arms limitation.
What wave of change affected Britain’s global role in the early 1960s?
Decolonization, leading to the independence of several former colonies like Kenya and Uganda.
Who briefly replaced Macmillan as Prime Minister in 1963?
Sir Alec Douglas-Home
What significant social shift happened in Britain from 1951 to 1964?
Increasing immigration led to Britain becoming a more multi-racial society.
What immigration legislation was passed in 1962?
The Commonwealth Immigration Act, to control immigration.
What year did Elizabeth II become queen?
1952
What impact did the Suez Crisis have on Britain’s relationship with the U.S.?
It damaged Anglo-American relations, with the U.S. pressuring Britain economically.
What was the significance of the Commonwealth for Britain post-decolonization?
It became a cooperative link with former colonies, helping maintain British influence flexibly.
Which political party dominated between 1951-1964?
The Conservative Party.
Who ended the consensus in British politics?
Margaret Thatcher, starting when she became Conservative leader in 1975 and Prime Minister in 1979.
Name the Conservative Prime Ministers during the period 1951-1964.
Winston Churchill (1951-1955), Anthony Eden (1955-1957), Harold Macmillan (1957-1963), Alec Douglas-Home (1963-1964).
What explains the political consensus between 1945-1975?
The international economic and political situation, stabilizing the economy, and ensuring full employment.
What was Churchill’s political stance during this time?
He was a conciliator, continuing Attlee’s policies: welfare state, full employment, mixed economy, and Keynesian economics.
How did the Conservatives rebrand themselves after their 1945 defeat?
By adopting a moderate and efficient image appealing to middle-class and centrist voters.
What significant progress was achieved under Churchill?
Economic recovery, continued full employment, the end of rationing, and the beginning of affluence.
What internal divisions weakened the Labour Party in 1951?
Faction fighting between the left (Bevanites) and right (Gaitskellites).
Why did Bevan resign as Health Secretary in 1951?
Over the introduction of charges in the NHS.
What major event defined Eden’s tenure as Prime Minister?
The Suez Crisis of 1956.
Why did Britain and France intervene in the Suez Crisis?
Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal, which angered its shareholders, Britain and France.
What was the outcome of the Suez Crisis?
International condemnation, economic pressure from the US, and a humiliating withdrawal by Britain and France.
What was the broader significance of the Suez Crisis?
Decline in British global prestige, damage to Anglo-American relations, and increased focus on US support for future actions.
Why was Harold Macmillan called “Supermac”?
His popularity and ability to restore faith in the Conservatives after the Suez humiliation.
What famous phrase did Macmillan coin in 1957?
“Most of our people never had it so good.”
What was the economic situation during Macmillan’s time?
A period of affluence but with signs of deeper issues like rising inflation and unemployment.
How did Macmillan use media to his advantage?
He skillfully used television to connect with the public.
What did Clause IV of the Labour Constitution signify?
A commitment to nationalization, which became a divisive issue within the party.
What was the key ideological split in the Labour Party?
Revisionists (right) vs. Fundamentalists (left).
What led to the decline of Conservative popularity after 1962?
Economic crises, rising unemployment, strikes, and failure to join the EEC.
What scandals plagued the Macmillan government?
The Profumo affair and Soviet espionage by British intelligence officials.
Who replaced Macmillan, and why was his appointment controversial?
Alec Douglas-Home; his aristocratic status and unelected appointment drew criticism.
Who won the 1964 general election?
The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson.
What major societal transformation occurred during this time?
Rising living standards, consumerism, and “Swinging London” culture.
What law did the government pass to address immigration?
The Commonwealth Immigration Act of 1962.
What demographic changes did Britain experience?
Immigration from the West Indies, Africa, and India, leading to race riots (e.g., Notting Hill, 1958).
What role did Macmillan play in easing Cold War tensions?
Advocating for détente and supporting the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963.
Which countries gained independence during this period?
Zambia, Malawi (1964); Uganda, Tanganyika (1962); Kenya (1963).
What happened to South Africa’s status in the Commonwealth?
It left in 1961 due to its apartheid policies.
Who became queen in 1952?
Queen Elizabeth II.
What was significant about Elizabeth II’s coronation?
It was televised, symbolizing Britain’s transition to a modern era.
