Harold Macmillan and Prosperity

Question 1

What was the reputation of Macmillan and what was he nicknamed?

Answer 1

Nicknamed ‘Superman’ success as housing minister

Question 2

What was the message behind the ‘never had it so good’ speech?

Answer 2

Macmillan acknowledged the age of affluence but intended this speech to have a double message.
Pleased with spread of affluence, happy that Conservative government were given credit for it
Speech was: warning about the perils of inflation and ‘nightmare of unemployment’

Question 3

What was the benefit of Macmillan calling the 1959 election?

Answer 3

Oct 1959: Macmillan was able to call for a General Election at his time of his own choosing, when economic situation was favourable: predictable victory + pushed Conservative parliamentary majority up to 100 seats.

Question 4

Evidence of Macmillan favouring Consensus Politics

Answer 4

Expressed unorthodox conservative politics in his book, The Middle Way (1938), which was regarded as early appeal for consensus politics.

Question 5

What did James Margach think?

Answer 5

James Margach thought Macmillan was, with Attlee ‘One of the two most left-wing Prime Ministers ‘

Question 6

Why did Tories win 1959 election?

Answer 6

Age of affluence continuing>POST WAR BOOM CONSUMER PROSPERITY + CONFIDENCE

2. Supermac personalitic and falaiure
3. Ineffection opposition
4. Conservative recovery from Suez

Question 7

What did wages increase to £8.30 in 1951 to £18.35 in 1964

Answer 7

£8.30 in 1951 to £18.35 in 1964

Question 8

What did sales of cars increase by in 1950-65?

Answer 8

1.5 million t 5.5 million

Question 9

How many houses had conservatives built by 1964?

Answer 9

1.7 million homes

Question 10

What did Macmillan want?

Answer 10

A property owning democracy.