Changing Poltical Enviroment- 1931-1945

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

Born out of econ crisis

From 1931 I till the end of WW2

Dominated by conservatives who held most ministerial positions

Question 2

Policies- Tariffs

Answer 2

Import duties act 1932- 10% import on most tariffs

Attempts to develop Imperial prefrence through trading agreements with countries in British Empire= limited successs

Question 3

Polices- Interest Rates

Answer 3

Bank rates reduced from 6-2% to encourage borrowing and stimulate the economy

Question 4

Policies- unemployment

Answer 4

Unemployment Act 1934 introduces ‘means test’ for those whose unemployment insurance had run out

Most covered by unemployment insurance act- unemployment insurance lasted only 15weeks per year

Question 5

Policies- Depressed areas

Answer 5

Special areas act 1934 - grants to stimulate industrial and economic growth in depressed areas

Question 6

Policies-rearmament

Answer 6

Began policy of rearmament in 1930s following tense international situation - helped ease economic situation

Had some effect on unemployment which fell

Question 7

Growth of extreme views

Answer 7

Growth in communism- calling for a Russian-style revolution

Growth in Fascism:
1932 BUF formed by Oswald Mosley- grew to 50,000 members

Gov passed 1936 Public order act- banning inflammatory political meetings and the wearing of military style uniforms

Question 8

Wartime Government

Answer 8

Coalition led by chamberlain then Churchill

Total war meant that government controlled most aspects of everyday war eg
Conscription, centralised economic planning, rationing etc…..