Britain-Conservative Dominance,51-64 Flashcards
What were the statistics from the 1951 election?
The Conservatives won the general election with a majority of 26 seats.
Labour actually gained 130,000 more votes overall.
What were the Labour weaknesses?
Austerity as it was forced to cut back on imported goods to encourage exports and to maintain high taxation.There was also rationing to ensure that as many goods as possible.
The Korean war,led to defence spending had risen.Leading to more cuts back home.
Cuts to the NHS and there was an introduction to spectacles,prescriptions and dental care.This led to divisions.
What were the strengths of the conservatives?
Had a better organised and financed campaign,in comparison to 1945 election.The party was united unlike Labour.
They promised 300,000 houses a year,which was appealing as there was a house shortage.
Promised freedom from rationing and regulations.Full welfare and full employment policies.
Churchill was still an much admired figure due to the war,he didn’t make controversial speeches.
What were the other factors of the 1951?
The electoral system failed to work in labour favour as the party won more individual votes but that fewer seats than conservatives.
The decline in the popular of the liberal meant more votes for the conservatives.Went from 2.6 million in 1945 to only 750,000 in 1951.
People believed Labour had “run out of steam”.
What changes happened to the standard of living during 50s?
Rise in unemployment,1959 it was 500,000.
The level of real wages rose,wages rose faster then prices meaning could buy more.
More people were able to afford there own houses,25% in 1951 and 44% in 1964.
Even renting increased due to relaxations of controls.
This increased social stability and reduced discontent.
What were the developments to education in during 1951-64?
6,000 more schools built.
Grammar schools created by the butler act of 1944 continued to give a greater chance to children who’s parent couldn’t afford private education.
Education was made compulsory,university was also increased.
What changes happened amongst young people during 1951-64?
Teenage groups emerged like groups called the ‘teddy boys’ and later the ‘mods and rockers’ increased the gap between the generations.
young people became apparent as consumers,to music,clothes and entertainment.
Young people felt like the conservative were very ‘old fashioned’.
What multi-cultural changes happened in Britain during 1951-64?
Influx of immigrants from the west indies and other former parts of the British empire.Was one of the most significant changes to British empire.
Who was the chancellor of the exchequer for conservative party during 1951-55?
R.A Butler and he had similar policies to the Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell which led to the term ‘butskellism’
What was the policy of stop-go?
This meant that if the economy needed boosted,then government would lower interest rates and reduce taxation.This means money to spend would go up and production at home would go up in demand.
If the economy grew too much and prices started to rise(inflation) they would increase interest rates and taxation,especially purchase tax on sales.
What were the successes of the Conservative economy during 1951-64?
There was a high level employment for most of this period.
The economy supported a growth in welfare spending and house building.
Expanding industries like cars and chemicals.
There was more credit available to help people achieve a higher standard living.
Growth of infrastructure as new roads,motorways.
What were the failures of the Conservative economy during 1951-64?
The growth of economy lagged behind other countries.
Didn’t join the EEC.
Rise in unemployment in 1963 to 800,000.
There was also a balance of payments deficit.
Management methods were also quite old fashioned and intensive.
What was Churchill like as a leader during 1951-55?
Had a great reputation as a wartime leader and respected for his knowledge on foreign affairs.His age led him to lack effort of strong leadership.
What was Eden like as a leader during 1951-57?
Was seen as charming and personable figure.He seemed highly experienced and was reassuring in manners.
What was Edens involvement with the Suez canal?
Eden formed a pact with France and Israel which led to an invasion,many people opposed the invasion including Russia and America.He acted recklessly and was forced to resign following his actions.
