Changing political and economic environment Britain 1931-45

Question 1

What were the key threats to the National Government

Answer 1

• Economic threats
• Rise of fascism
• Labour opposition
• Foreign policy threats

Question 2

How did the government try to deal with these economic threats

Answer 2

• Broke with the gold standard
• 1934 Special Areas Act: Designated areas that were particularly depressed as areas for increased funding
• Cut interest rates from 6 to 2% to encourage borrowing

Question 3

How did they deal with opposition from the labour party

Answer 3

Effectively operated as an elected dictatorship with the nat gov getting 554 seats (473 cons, rest labour) with independent labour only getting 52 seats

Question 4

How did they deal with the rise of fascism

Answer 4

• Had to deal with more powerful Communist and fascist threats - BUF had 50,000 at its height
• 9136 Public Order Act which banned inflammatory group meetings and military-style uniforms

Question 5

How did they deal with the rise of Hitler

Answer 5

• British Government did not want a war so soon after WW1 and the depression
• However rearmament would’ve been a great help to the economy and later on in the 30’s when it became clear of Hitler’s intent, appeasement was still wanted by some politicians