8. power- parliament and the people 1914-1980 Flashcards
What was the government’s level of control during the First World War?
The government had a lot of control over the people during the First World War.
What is meant by ‘total war’?
The whole country was geared towards supporting the war effort during the First World War.
What was conscription and when was it used during WWI?
Conscription was used from January 1916 to force men to enlist.
Who were conscientious objectors?
People who refused to fight during the war.
What could happen to conscientious objectors?
They could be put into prison or sent to do other war work.
What industries did the government take control of during WWI?
The government took control of the coal industry and set up its own munitions factories.
How were female workers treated during WWI?
Female workers were employed in factories to help the war effort but were paid less than men.
What lesson did the government learn by the Second World War regarding conscription?
Conscription started in 1938 before the Second World War broke out.
Why were fewer men needed on the ground during WWII?
Fewer men were needed on the ground fighting due to the nature of the conflict.
What percentage of the population was employed by the government in 1941?
Over half the population was employed by the government.
What type of government was formed during WWII?
A coalition government was formed with people from all political parties running the country.
Who was the Labour minister that worked to involve trade unions in governmental decisions?
The Labour minister was Ernest Bevin.
What measures did the government introduce to involve more women in the workforce during WWII?
The government introduced flexible working hours and childcare.
What changes were introduced regarding working hours and childcare?
Flexible working hours and childcare were introduced.
What role did propaganda and censorship play in the world wars?
Propaganda and censorship were used to keep public morale high.
What actions did the government take in 1914 regarding censorship?
The government produced lists of topics that should not be written about, with stiff penalties for violations.
What instructions were given to the press in April 1915?
The government informed the press to publish casualty lists at acceptable levels and not to print the truth.
What was created by David Lloyd George in January 1917?
The Department of Information was created to issue and enforce guidelines for censorship.
What special powers were granted to the government during the Second World War?
The government was given special powers by Parliament to control what people could see and hear, including films, photographs, and written reports.
How were propaganda posters used differently in the Second World War?
Propaganda posters were more subtle and some were removed after causing offense.
When was rationing introduced in the First World War?
Rationing was introduced in 1918.
What methods were used to prevent supplies from reaching their destination during the First World War?
Blockades were used by both sides.
What were public sites used for during the First World War?
Many public sites were used as allotments.
What were householders encouraged to do during the First World War?
Householders were told to use their gardens to grow vegetables and many kept animals for food, such as chickens.
What was introduced at the start of the Second World War?
Rationing was introduced at the start of the conflict.
What did the government set up for clothes during the Second World War?
‘Swap shops’ for clothes were set up by the government.
What was encouraged during the Second World War?
Recycling was encouraged.
What flourished during the Second World War?
The black market (illegal trade of items) flourished.
What was the main threat to the Home Front during the Second World War?
The main threats were the bombing raids and the Blitz.
What did the government encourage people to do regarding war work?
The government encouraged people not to talk about any kind of war work for fear of spies.
What was the Home Guard?
The Home Guard was set up in 1940 as a group of volunteers who acted as a reserve force.
What was the role of Air Raid Precautions (ARP) wardens?
ARP wardens were responsible for checking that no lights could be seen during blackouts.
What did the 1918 Representation of the People Act achieve?
It gave the vote to all men over the age of 21 and some women in recognition of their war work.
The remaining women got the vote in 1928.
What was the public reaction in the 1920s regarding the government and trade unions?
Many people became angry when the relationship broke down, believing the government would not give concessions despite their contributions to the war.
What did the evacuation during the Second World War reveal?
It revealed differences in wealth and living circumstances, putting pressure on the government to provide more welfare.
What significant political change occurred in 1945?
The Labour Party won a landslide election and implemented a welfare state as recommended by the Beveridge Report of 1942.
Why do historians argue the Labour Party won the 1945 election?
They argue it was due to the party’s promises of a new start for people.
