Conservative Dominance (1951-1964)

Question 1

The Post-War Consensus &
Butskellism

Answer 1

• Agreement between all political parties on nationalisation, heavy regulations, strong trade unions, high taxes and a generous welfare state
• Main ideas were too ensure full employment due to fear of the ‘Great Depression’
• Included Keynesian Economics which lasted for 30 years
• ‘Butskellism’: satirical term used in British politics when referring to the Post-War Consensus
• Merging of the names of Rab Butler (Tory) and Hugh Gaitskell (Labour) together
• Both decided to meet in the middle on topics that were agreed on by both political parties

Question 2

The First-Past-the-Post
Electoral System

Answer 2

• UK’s electoral system
• Candidate who wins the most votes in each constituency is elected
• Conservative Party won the 1951 General Election but not by a huge majority

Question 3

The Conservative acceptance of
the Welfare State

Answer 3

• Churchill did not like the idea of the Welfare State
• Butler convinced him to embrace not only this but the entire Post-War Consensus to gain public opinion
• By doing this, they were committing to greater social equality and social security

Question 4

Internal divisions within the
Labour Party

Answer 4

• Labour was split between left-wing Bevanites and right-wing Gaitskellites
• Bevanite Rebellion (1951) where ‘Nye’ Bevan led protests with other Labour minister due to Atlee imposing charges on optical/dental fees and prescriptions due to financial difficulties
• Bevan argued that it defeated the purpose of the welfare state which was to provide free healthcare

Question 5

The Conservative Party Modernisation
(Role of Rab Butler)

Answer 5

• Butler was the Chancellor of the Exchequer between 1951-1955
• He was influential in helping develop a new, modern Conservatism
  Responsible for the 1944 Education Act which indicated concern for social issues
• Butler was part of a group that considered how to modernise their party’s attitudes to various issues
• Wanted to prevent Labour claiming a monopoly on progressive ideas
• Wrote ‘The Industrial Charter’ (1947) where he and other Tories accepted that Britain should operate with a mixed economy
• Wanted to continue Labour’s main aims but also managed to improve the country’s economic situation

Question 6

Conservatives success at overcoming the Suez Crisis with Supermac’s replacement of Eden

Answer 6

• 1956: Egyptian government seized the control of the Suez Canal from the British and French owned company that managed it
• British, French and Israeli forces invaded Egypt in an attempt to get it back
• Led to PM Eden’s downfall: after the nationalisation of the Suez Canal by Egypt, Eden (in fear of Arab alliance) cut off oil supplies to Europe conspired with France and Israel in order to retake the canal
• Followed by a badly performed invasion, widespread international condemnation from the UN, USSR, the Commonwealth and the threat of sanctions from the USA, Eden was forced into a humiliating retreat
• Eden resigned, event was quickly forgotten after Macmillan came into power

Question 7

The Conservative Party’s Reorganisation
(Role of Woolton)

Answer 7

• Conservative Party chairman reorganised party’s finances and constituencies ready for the 1951 General Election
• Organised a campaign to bolster the Conservative Party’s grassroots support and to raise party funds
• Used the money to revamp the Conservative Party’s Central office and regional associations

Question 8

The Conservative’s New
Housing Building Pledge

Answer 8

• 1950 conference: Conservatives pledge to build 300,000 houses per year
• 1952-1953: Ministry of Housing not only achieved this but succeeded their goal
• Built numerous but smaller houses
• Labour failed to commit to this

Question 9

Post-War Boom &
end of austerity

Answer 9

• Conservatives pledged to end rationing in their manifesto and achieved this by 1954
• New consumerism and era of prosperity
• Macmillan: ‘ You’ve never had it so good.’
• ‘Supermac’: Macmillan known for his charismatic personality and flair, popular with the British public

Question 10

The Age of Affluence
(Rising Living Standards & Consumerism)

Answer 10

• A period of rising real wages, TV, car and home ownership
• 1951-1964
• Time period was characterised by a rapid increase in the production and availability of consumer goods, increase in average family income, decrease in poverty