Conservative leadership 1951-64 Flashcards
Who became Prime Minister of the UK in 1951 after the Conservative victory?
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in 1951 after the Conservative victory.
How old was Winston Churchill when he was elected Prime Minister in 1951?
Winston Churchill was 77 years old when he was elected Prime Minister in 1951.
What health event did Winston Churchill suffer from during his second term as Prime Minister?
Winston Churchill suffered a stroke in 1953, which was successfully covered up, revealing his relative lack of influence.
What role did Rab Butler play in Churchill’s government?
Rab Butler was the Chancellor of the Exchequer and considered the driving force of the Conservative party during Churchill’s time. He devised ‘Butskellism’.
What was ‘Butskellism’?
‘Butskellism’ referred to the policies shared by Rab Butler (Conservative Chancellor) and Hugh Gaitskell (Labour Shadow Chancellor), focused on increased government borrowing to fund the welfare state.
What was the key event that marked Anthony Eden’s time as Prime Minister?
The Suez Crisis in 1956 was the key event during Anthony Eden’s tenure as Prime Minister.
How did the Suez Crisis unfold in 1956?
In 1956, Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal. Britain and France conspired with Israel to take the canal by force, but the US condemned the invasion and demanded Britain withdraw, or face economic consequences.
Why did Anthony Eden resign as Prime Minister in 1957?
Anthony Eden resigned as Prime Minister in 1957, officially due to ill-health, following the Suez Crisis and the US economic pressure on Britain.
How much did Harold Macmillan increase the Conservative majority in 1959?
Harold Macmillan increased the Conservative majority by 100 seats in the 1959 general election.
What nickname did Harold Macmillan earn, and why?
Harold Macmillan earned the nickname ‘Super Mac’ due to rising living conditions from 1957 to 1961 and his popular image.
What was the “Night of the Long Knives”?
The “Night of the Long Knives” occurred in July 1962 when Harold Macmillan sacked seven cabinet ministers and nine junior ministers in an attempt to rejuvenate his cabinet. This caused a loss of support in the opinion polls and and the Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe accused Macmillan in the House of Commons of sacrificing his colleagues to save his own political career.
What speech did Harold Macmillan give in 1960, and what was its significance?
Harold Macmillan gave the ‘Wind of Change’ speech in 1960 in Cape Town, South Africa, acknowledging the end of British rule in Africa and focusing on Europe’s growing economies.
What was Harold Macmillan’s attempt regarding Europe in 1963?
Harold Macmillan attempted to join the European Economic Community in 1963, but the French vetoed Britain’s application.
Who replaced Harold Macmillan as Prime Minister in 1963?
Alec Douglas-Home replaced Harold Macmillan as Prime Minister in 1963.
How was Alec Douglas-Home selected as Prime Minister?
Alec Douglas-Home was selected by the elites of the Conservative party, many of whom were fellow alumni of Eton College, rather than by party members, which was seen as undemocratic.
What did Alec Douglas-Home have to do in order to become Prime Minister?
Alec Douglas-Home had to resign from the House of Lords and become elected as an MP to become Prime Minister.
What happened to the Conservative Party under Alec Douglas-Home’s leadership?
Under Alec Douglas-Home’s leadership, the Conservative Party lost the 1964 general election.
