Britain since 1945 Flashcards
Who was Clement Attlee?
Prime minister from 1945 to 1951. His government undertook the nationalisation of major industries (coal and steel) and created the National Health Service and implemented many of the Beveridge’s plan for a stronger welfare state. He also introduced measure to improve conditions of workers.
Who was William Beveridge?
He was a British economist and social reformer. He is best known for the 942 report Social Insurance and Allied Services (the Beveridge report) comissioned by the wartime government in 1941.
Who was Richard Austen Butler?
He oversaw the introduction of the Education Act 1944 (Called the Butler Act). It introduced FSM and the division between primary and secondary.
Who was Dylan Thomas?
Welsh poet and writer. He often read and performed is work in public. He died in NY at the age of 39. His most famous work include the radio play Under Milk Wood was first performed after his death in 1954.
What was immigration like after WWII ?
In 1948 people from the West indies were invited to live and Work in the UK.
During the 1950s due to shortage of workers further migration were encouraged.
In the 1960s migration fell because the government introduced laws to restict migration.
What were the issues in the economy in the 70s?
End of post war economic boom - sharp rise in prices of goods and raw materials. Exchange rate between the pound and other currencies was unstable.
Many industries and Services were affected by strikes, caused issues between the government and the trade unions.
What happened in Nothern Ireland during the 1970s?
Unrest - in 1972 the Northern Ireland Parliament was suspended and Northern Ireland was directly ruled by the UK government. Around 3,000 people lost their lives between 1969 and 1979.
Who is Mary Peters?
Talented athelete who won the penthatlon in the 1972 Olympic. After that she raised money for local athetics in Northern Ireland and became the team manager for the women’s British Olympic team.
Europe and Britain
West Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxemburg and the Netherland formed the EEC in 1957. The UK joined the European Union when it was formed in 1993, and left on 31 December 2020.
Who was Margaret Thatcher?
First worman prime minister- from 1979 to 1990. Longest serving PM of the 20th century. During her premiership, there were a number of important economic reforms wihin the UK. She worked closely with Reagan and was one of the first European Leaders to welcome the change in leadership of the Soviet Union which eventually led to the end of the cold war.
Who was Roald Dahl?
Borned in Wales to Norwegian parents. Served in the RAF during WWII
What happened during the Blair Government?
Elected in 1997 - introduced the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. Good Friday Agreements were signed in 1998.
Brexit
23 June 2016 voted leave
