Churchill 1951-55 Flashcards
Who were the main players in Churchill’s gov?
- Anthony Eden: Foreign Secretary
- R.A. Butler: Chancellor
- Harold Macmillan: Minister for Housing
When and what were the election results of ‘51? i.e in terms of seats and majority?
26th October 1951, Churchill’s Conservatives won 321 seats, Labour won 295 seats and the Liberals won 6 seats. Churchill had a majority of 17.
What did Butler do to end era of ‘cheap money’ overseen by Labour?
Butler cut imports by £600 million and raised the bank rate from 2% to 4%.
Who did Churchill meet with to try and maintain Britain’s role as a ‘big power’ and when?
Truman in Jan 1952, he wanted a summit of great powers including Russia and France, however Truman rejected his proposals.
What date did Churchill meet newly elected president Eisenhower?
November, 1952.
What was ‘RAB Butler’ confronted with when he became chancellor?
Large balance of payment deficit.
What did Butler raise interest rates from and to?
2%-2.5% as well as cut imports.
What was Operation ‘ROBOT’?
Plan to restore convertibility from non-resident sterling as had been agreed at Bretton Woods - convertibility could not be a pegged rate. (Floating pound on foreign exchange rates).
What year did Churchill have his stroke?
1953
What was the Bermuda conference of ‘53?
Britain and US meeting, however Eisenhower refused to meet with Russia. Churchill tried again in 1954.
What did Churchill decide for Britain in 1954 in regards to defence?
In June 1954, Churchill’s Cabinet decided that the UK should build the H-Bomb as a nuclear deterrent against the USSR.
When did Churchill resign?
5th April 1955.
Who took over the July 1955 Geneva summit Churchill had desired between the ‘big four powers’ France, UK, USSR and USA?
Anthony Eden.
