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British Civilization > 5. Affluence & Consensus (1951-1964) > Flashcards

5. Affluence & Consensus (1951-1964) Flashcards

1
Q

Who was the first Conservative Prime Minister in this conservative era (1951-1964)?

A

Winston Churchill (1951-1955)

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2
Q

Who were the Prime Ministers during the Conservative era from 1951 to 1964?

A

Churchill (1951-1955), Eden (1955-1957), Macmillan (1957-1963), Douglas-Home (1963-1964)

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3
Q

What was the political consensus in Britain after 1945?

A

An agreement between parties on welfare, full employment, and economic stability, influenced by the international situation.

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4
Q

Why did Conservatives continue with Labour’s reforms after winning in 1951?

A

Their narrow election victory made it safer to adopt moderate, popular policies.

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5
Q

What were Churchill’s main policies during his second term as Prime Minister (1951-1955)?

A

He maintained welfare, full employment, a mixed economy, and followed Keynesian economic policies.

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6
Q

Who was Labour’s left-wing leader who resigned over NHS charges in 1951?

A

Aneurin Bevan

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7
Q

What major international crisis defined Anthony Eden’s term as Prime Minister?

A

The Suez Crisis (1956)

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8
Q

Why did Britain and France intervene in the Suez Canal in 1956?

A

To regain control after Egypt nationalized the canal, a key asset shared by British and French stakeholders.

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9
Q

How did the U.S. respond to Britain and France’s Suez intervention?

A

The U.S. strongly disapproved and pressured Britain economically to withdraw.

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10
Q

What were the effects of the Suez Crisis on British power and Eden’s career?

A

Britain’s international influence declined, and Eden resigned, marking the end of his political career.

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11
Q

Who succeeded Eden and led Britain through a period of “affluence”?

A

Harold Macmillan (1957-1963)

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12
Q

What famous phrase did Macmillan say about Britain’s prosperity in 1957?

A

“Most of our people never had it so good.”

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13
Q

What internal conflict divided the Labour Party in the late 1950s?

A

Tensions between the revisionist right (Gaitskell) and socialist left (Bevan).

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14
Q

What event in 1962 showed a crisis in Conservative leadership under Macmillan?

A

“The Night of the Long Knives” – Macmillan’s dismissal of several ministers.

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15
Q

What scandal weakened public confidence in the Conservative government in the early 1960s?

A

The Profumo Affair, involving a British minister’s affair with a woman linked to Soviet intelligence.

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16
Q

What foreign policy effort did Macmillan pursue to reduce Cold War tensions?

A

The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963) promoting nuclear arms limitation.

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17
Q

What wave of change affected Britain’s global role in the early 1960s?

A

Decolonization, leading to the independence of several former colonies like Kenya and Uganda.

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18
Q

Who briefly replaced Macmillan as Prime Minister in 1963?

A

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

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19
Q

What significant social shift happened in Britain from 1951 to 1964?

A

Increasing immigration led to Britain becoming a more multi-racial society.

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20
Q

What immigration legislation was passed in 1962?

A

The Commonwealth Immigration Act, to control immigration.

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21
Q

What year did Elizabeth II become queen?

A

1952

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22
Q

What impact did the Suez Crisis have on Britain’s relationship with the U.S.?

A

It damaged Anglo-American relations, with the U.S. pressuring Britain economically.

23
Q

What was the significance of the Commonwealth for Britain post-decolonization?

A

It became a cooperative link with former colonies, helping maintain British influence flexibly.

24
Q

Which political party dominated between 1951-1964?

A

The Conservative Party.

25
Q

Who ended the consensus in British politics?

A

Margaret Thatcher, starting when she became Conservative leader in 1975 and Prime Minister in 1979.

25
Q

Name the Conservative Prime Ministers during the period 1951-1964.

A

Winston Churchill (1951-1955), Anthony Eden (1955-1957), Harold Macmillan (1957-1963), Alec Douglas-Home (1963-1964).

26
Q

What explains the political consensus between 1945-1975?

A

The international economic and political situation, stabilizing the economy, and ensuring full employment.

27
Q

What was Churchill’s political stance during this time?

A

He was a conciliator, continuing Attlee’s policies: welfare state, full employment, mixed economy, and Keynesian economics.

27
Q

How did the Conservatives rebrand themselves after their 1945 defeat?

A

By adopting a moderate and efficient image appealing to middle-class and centrist voters.

28
Q

What significant progress was achieved under Churchill?

A

Economic recovery, continued full employment, the end of rationing, and the beginning of affluence.

28
Q

What internal divisions weakened the Labour Party in 1951?

A

Faction fighting between the left (Bevanites) and right (Gaitskellites).

29
Q

Why did Bevan resign as Health Secretary in 1951?

A

Over the introduction of charges in the NHS.

29
Q

What major event defined Eden’s tenure as Prime Minister?

A

The Suez Crisis of 1956.

30
Q

Why did Britain and France intervene in the Suez Crisis?

A

Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal, which angered its shareholders, Britain and France.

31
Q

What was the outcome of the Suez Crisis?

A

International condemnation, economic pressure from the US, and a humiliating withdrawal by Britain and France.

32
Q

What was the broader significance of the Suez Crisis?

A

Decline in British global prestige, damage to Anglo-American relations, and increased focus on US support for future actions.

32
Q

Why was Harold Macmillan called “Supermac”?

A

His popularity and ability to restore faith in the Conservatives after the Suez humiliation.

33
Q

What famous phrase did Macmillan coin in 1957?

A

“Most of our people never had it so good.”

34
Q

What was the economic situation during Macmillan’s time?

A

A period of affluence but with signs of deeper issues like rising inflation and unemployment.

35
Q

How did Macmillan use media to his advantage?

A

He skillfully used television to connect with the public.

36
Q

What did Clause IV of the Labour Constitution signify?

A

A commitment to nationalization, which became a divisive issue within the party.

36
Q

What was the key ideological split in the Labour Party?

A

Revisionists (right) vs. Fundamentalists (left).

37
Q

What led to the decline of Conservative popularity after 1962?

A

Economic crises, rising unemployment, strikes, and failure to join the EEC.

38
Q

What scandals plagued the Macmillan government?

A

The Profumo affair and Soviet espionage by British intelligence officials.

39
Q

Who replaced Macmillan, and why was his appointment controversial?

A

Alec Douglas-Home; his aristocratic status and unelected appointment drew criticism.

39
Q

Who won the 1964 general election?

A

The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson.

39
Q

What major societal transformation occurred during this time?

A

Rising living standards, consumerism, and “Swinging London” culture.

40
Q

What law did the government pass to address immigration?

A

The Commonwealth Immigration Act of 1962.

40
Q

What demographic changes did Britain experience?

A

Immigration from the West Indies, Africa, and India, leading to race riots (e.g., Notting Hill, 1958).

41
Q

What role did Macmillan play in easing Cold War tensions?

A

Advocating for détente and supporting the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963.

41
Q

Which countries gained independence during this period?

A

Zambia, Malawi (1964); Uganda, Tanganyika (1962); Kenya (1963).

42
Q

What happened to South Africa’s status in the Commonwealth?

A

It left in 1961 due to its apartheid policies.

42
Q

Who became queen in 1952?

A

Queen Elizabeth II.

42
Q

What was significant about Elizabeth II’s coronation?

A

It was televised, symbolizing Britain’s transition to a modern era.

British Civilization (9 decks)

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