An Inspector Calls - Context Flashcards
1
Q
Class System - 1912 (2)
A
- Rigid class system with little social mobility - continuation of the Victorian eras fixed social structure.
- Early 1900s, 25% lived in poverty, 10% lived below subsistence (enough to live).
2
Q
Class System - 1945 (2)
A
- Equal Franchise Act 1928 - all men and women over 21 could vote. Lower classes had a voice too.
- Despite enfranchisement (right to vote) still prejudices around working classes.
3
Q
Politics - 1912 (3)
A
- Britain was capitalist and conservative.
- Some acts to support working classes like 1906 giving children free school meals - not enough support though.
- Liberal government supported social reform (change in society) but had a laissez-faire approach with the economy - this meant the government had little intervention in the economy, and businesses could set their own rates.
4
Q
Politics - 1945 (3)
A
- Biggest electoral swings in 20th century. In 1945 Labour party won by a landslide victory.
- Shock to the conservative party who proved popular in the war.
- Committed to Beveridge Report which emphasised the need for National Health Service (NHS) and social security (retirement etc).
5
Q
J.B Priestley (3)
A
- He was surrounded by socialism and socialist ideologies.
- He was scathing about WWl which he fought in.
- In 1945, he was co-founder of the common wealth party (socialist party who favoured equality and helped Labour win in 1945).
6
Q
Women - 1912 (3)
A
- They were disenfranchised (no vote).
- They were inferior to their husbands and fathers in the patriarchal society.
- 1867 the London Society for Women’s Suffrage was created to campaign for women’s rights.
7
Q
Women - 1945 (3)
A
- Women’s effort on Homefront was a pivotal turning point - seen as valuable.
- Before WW2, changes were still made like in 1928 when all women gained equal voting rights to men.
- Women had gained more rights but not equal. Inequality still plagued society.
