Churchill Flashcards
What years was Churchill PM?
1951-1955
What was the election system in the 1951 election?
First past the post
Why was the 1951 election significant?
Labour received 200,000 more votes meaning that with a different system, Labour would’ve won the election so the system had a huge impact on the result
What did the Conservatives do to help them win the 1951 election?
- they accepted many of Labour’s reforms and promised to develop Labour’s housing programme
- they had bright, young politicians
- the party was reorganised and better positioned to fight for seats
How many houses did the Conservatives promise to build?
300,000 and they exceeded it
Why was the collapse of Liberal support crucial for the Conservatives win?
The Conservatives were able to appeal to former Liberal voters so they were able to increases their vote share
Butskellism
When political parties agree on most policies
What term is used to describe consensus in the 1950s?
Butskellism
Describe Churchill’s health in 1951
- He was 77
- He wasn’t in good health and had already had 2 strokes
Who did Churchill appoint and why was this relevant?
He appointed: Sir Walter Moncton and Earl Alexander
They were mainly upper class and posh
What was Churchill’s political outlook?
Cautious and conciliatory (make less angry) so there was general continuation of Labour’s policies to not cause issues
What was now Churchill’s attitudes towards Trade Unions?
His opinions had changed and he was open to co-operate with them and avoid confrontation
Who was Rab Butler?
He was the Chancellor of the Exchequer during 1951-55 and many knew him as “the best PM the Conservatives never had”
Describe left vs right wing opinions on reforms
Left - see reform as essential in creating a fairer and better society
Right - feel the current system works and reforms might make things worse
Describe left vs right wing opinions on the economy
Left - aim to improve society by redistributing wealth and ensure financial equality by increasing tax, providing benefits and nationalise key industries
Right - view financial inequality as good because it provides an incentive to work hard. Lower tax, reduce benefits and privatise industries
Describe left vs right wing attitudes to society
Left - see the positives of society and believe people will achieve their best if given the chance and support rehabilitation programmes more
Right - have a cynical view of society and believe human nature is flawed and strong punishments are needed to maintain a civilised society
Describe some key developments made when Churchill was PM
- rationing was ended
- accession of Queen Elizabeth II
- Britain detonated its first atomic bomb
- Korean War ended
What was Butler’s main job?
Domestic policies - He tried to curb the inflation from the economic expansion boom 1952-54 by applying monetary restraint with a savage programme of cuts. He turned debts of £700million into a surplus of £259million
What were Labour’s weaknesses at 1951 election?
- worn down by heavy economic and financial difficulties
- resentment from trade unions at dealing with worker demands
- serious divisions between left and right
- Labour has ‘failed the people’
