Conservative Governments and reasons for political authority Flashcards
Info that is on the specification
Who is Winston Churchill?
a conservative prime minister
What is interesting about Churchill’s previous roles within government?
he served as both a conservative and liberal cabinet minister (1906-1940)
When did Churchill first become prime minister?
May 1940
What did Churchill achieve during his first term?
leading Britain to victory in WW2
What happened to Churchill’s position after WW2 in 1945?
he became world statesman
When was Churchill reinstated as prime minister?
1951
How did opinion on Churchill as prime minister differ during his second term?
he was viewed as not a good post-war prime minister
What were the reasons for this switch in opinion?
- he personally viewed himself as a better statesman than PM
- he believed he was above party politics
- due to his old age he was constantly absent
What was Churchill’s main aim for post-war Britain?
to avoid any new conflict
Why was this his main aim?
the dangers of a nuclear war
When did Churchill officially resign as prime minister?
1955
Who was Churchill’s successor?
Anthony Eden
Who was Anthony Eden whilst Churchill was prime minister?
Foreign secretary & often acted as PM in Churchill’s many absences
When did Eden become prime minister?
1955
When did Eden resign?
1957
Why was Eden viewed as not a good candidate for PM?
- anxious about making decisions
- lack of knowledge outside foreign policy
- major area of lacking = economic issues
What caused Eden to resign?
the Suez crisis - ruined reputation
Who was Anthony Eden’s successor?
Harold Macmillan
What was the period that Macmillan remained PM for?
1957-1963
How can Macmillan be described in regards to political standing?
one-nation conservative
What is a one-nation conservative?
a conservative who believes that all classes in society have obligations to one and other and those in the upper classes have the responsibility to help the less fortunate
How is Macmillan better prepared for a life of politics than previous prime ministers?
his life has been shaped by many life-altering events such as: 2 world wars, great depression
What was Macmillan’s nickname?
Supermac
Why did Macmillan have this nickname?
- restored unity within the conservative party after the Suez crisis
- economic prosperity (post-war economic boom)
- had media in the palm of his hand
Why did the conservative party become unified after Suez?
- 40 conservative MPs rebelled
- Edward Heath (Chief Whip) strongly opposed Eden at this time
Who succeeded Macmillan?
Sir Alec Douglas Home
What previous experience did Home have?
- Foreign secretary under Macmillan