Churchill 1945 election

Question 1

what was the significance of wartime reports (e.g beverage report)

Answer 1

they offered a better prospect for the working class

• it was seen that labour would be best at implementing said policies

Question 2

the beverage report

Answer 2

(1942)
aimed to deal with poverty, ill-health and education

• outlined 5 giants of poverty

Question 3

give 3 domestic reforms made during the war

Answer 3

1. Barlow report (1940) - land purchasing for post-war housing
2. Ministry of national insurance (1944) - Health and unemployment insurance under one industry
3. 1944 education act (1944) - reformed education, “varied and comprehensive education system”

Question 4

what was the significance of the hungry decade

Answer 4

The Conservatives were blamed for the hungry decade (1930s)
- Labour contrasted this with a progressive manifesto that was seen to propose collective security

Question 5

why were voters sceptical of the conservatives going into 1945

Answer 5

• the hungry decade (1930s)
• tories were indifferent to unemployment in the 30s

Question 6

what percentage of the 1945 vote did Labour win

Answer 6

47% - (61% of seats)

• election system exaggerated Labour victory

Question 7

3 examples of reconstruction under Churchills government

Answer 7

1. committee for the homeless (a million homes were made habitable)
2. Nationalised railways (1942)
3. reduced infant mortality: Diphtheria immunisation + free milk, free school meals etc

Question 8

when + what was the long telegram

Answer 8

1946 - George Kennan

• outlines how the USSR was a threat to the west + was more powerful than the US army - “we must contain soviet influence” (Churchill supports the message)