Britain Transformed- Exam Questions Flashcards
How far do you agree that Britain experienced economic progress in the years 1918-39?
What are agree points?
There was partial recovery after the depression(Wall Street Crash. Between 1932-37 real incomes rose by 19%. Unemployment fell from 17% to 8.5%. Exports up by 28%. Economic growth of 4% due to the decrease of IR and encouraged spending, they also decreased tariffs which lead to more international trade contributing to the rise in exports.
+The introduction of new industries. Industries such as the car industry lead to the demand for road buildings, the widespread demand lead to more employment and also stimulated the car industry and companies such as Ford started to mass produce into the UK
How far do you agree that Britain experienced economic progress in the years 1918-1939?
Disagree points
The reintroduction of the gold standard. It hurt the British economy as exports were made more expensive due to the determination to get the value of the pound back to pre war levels. It hurt UK businesses due to there products now being more expensive and of a similar quality to other nations. For example the decision to use US steel due to its affordability and good quality, Britain were no longer a trade superpower. Lead to the decline of traditional industries such as ship building and depressed places such as South Wales. Due to the gold standard it increased inflation by 25% and lead to the government increasing IR by 25%.
-High levels of unemployment, specifically in areas dominated by traditional industries. The Jarrow Match 1936 was a good example as hundreds of men marched to London to re-establish the industry in their town yet it was denied by the House of Commons.
- The general Strike 1926. The general strike was a complete failure for the miners and showed the industrial uprest that was present in Britain. A million miners went on strike yet the government was prepared and lead to the miners having to take lower pay. Lead to introduction of Trade Disputes Act 1927, making it illegal to sympathy strikes. Left the economy in a depressed state.
