Building a new Britain - The affluent society Flashcards
What is meant by an ‘affluent society?
- A society in which people live in comparative prosperity, with economic stability and high demand for consumer goods (luxuries).
Why is 1951-1964 described as ‘a period of tory dominance’ at Westminster. WHat is meant by this?
The Conservatives were in power for 13 straight years.
How many elections did the Conservatives win 1951-1964 and in which years + majorities?
1951 - Churchill - 17 seat majority
1955 - Eden - 60 seat majority
1959 - Macmillan - 100 seat majority
To what extent did the Labour Party split and political miscalculation help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
- Internal division between Bevanite (Nye Bevan) left-wing and the more central Gaitskellite faction, over issues such as defence spending and nationalisation.
- Created sense of disunity and eroded is electoral appeal.
What did Bevanites and Gaitskelittes disagree on? AKA the Bevanite quarrel.
The split in the Labour Party when Aneurin Bevan resigned as Minister of Labour in 1951 because of prescription charges for opticians and dentistry to fund a nuclear program.
To what extent did public weariness with Labour help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
- After 6 years of Labour rule, many voters were becoming weary of the party’s policy and leadership.
- e.g. perceptions of mismanagement as discontent with certain policies such as rationing, austerity and nationalisation.
To what extent did media support help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
- The Conservatives were portrayed favourably by the media, especially influential newspapers e.g The Times
- Shifted public opinion in their favour as they were portrayed as a competent and trustworthy alternative.
To what extent did the electoral system including boundary changes advantage help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
- First-past-the-post electoral system benefited the conservancy ad it rewarded winning constituencies rather than votes.
- Allowed tories to win majority despite gaining similar number of votes to Labour.
- Seats were redistributed in a way which favoured the Conservatives.
To what extent did a promise of economic recovery help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
- Conservatives promised to put an end to the austerity and rationing seen unset the Attlee Government.
- This resonated with voters wishing to return to a normal life after WW2.
To what extent did the Korean War help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
- The outbreak of the Korean War 1950 heightened concerns over national security.
- Churchill’s status as a war hero meant the Conservatives were seen as more suited to handle an international crisis.
To what extent did their campaign strategy help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
- Emphasised strong leadership and British patriotism in a time of austerity.
- The campaign slogan ‘set the peace free’ highlighted their commitment to reduced govt intervention in the economy.
- Reassured they wouldn’t undo any of Labour’s popular policies e.g Welfare State, NHS e.t.c
To what extent did the collapse of the Liberal Party help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
The majority of liberal voters voted tory over Labour.
To what extent did Churchill’s personal popularity help the Conservatives win the 1951 General Election?
Churchill’s personal popularity was built on patriotism and his status as a war hero and he was especially popular among older voters. This was utilised in the Tory electoral campaign.
To what extent did Attlee’s political miscalculation cause Labour to lose the 1951 election.
Attlee probably shouldn’t have called an election so soon after the close-call (5 seat majority) of the 1950 election.
Why did Eden call an election in 1955?
For legitimacy and to gain a mandate, allowing him to create policies seperate to Churchill’s.
