History Britain 50s Flashcards
When was food rationing ended
July 1954
By 1955 was full employment achieved
how many unemployed
Full employment was achieved
200,000
less than 1%
In the run up to the 1955 election what did Butler do
Boosted conservative prospects with a give away budget that provided middle classes with 134 Million in tax cuts
resulting in people feeling more affluent and a growth in consumerism
When was the EEC created
1955
what percentage of western Europe’s oil imports passed through the Suez
80%
Why did Colonel Nasser nationalise the Suez canal
To provide finance required for the Aswan dam after the USA and Britain pulled out from planning to invest
What did Eden see Nasser as
An “Evil dictator”
Where did England, France and Israel have a top secret meeting at
Sevres France
When was the plan to invade Suez carried out
29th October
What did the intervention in Suez cause in Britain
Storm of political protest in Britain, public opinion split, Labour party opposed
What happened to Eden following the Suez crisis
Reputation fatally damaged, forced to resign
What was the consequence of the Suez crisis for Britain
Britain’s position in the world had a fundamental reassessment
Inability of the UK to act without at least the tacit support of the USA
The UKs position as a major world power was put under doubt
What was the Mau Mau rebellion
Violent nationalist uprising against British colonial rule, information about brutal treatment about brutal treatment of captives held at the Hola prison camp badly damaged Britain’s reputation
Which country was the first to be granted independence and when
Kenya 1957
When/Where was Macmillans “winds of change” speech
February 1960 in Cape town
What did Macmillans “Winds of change speech” signify
signified change in policy
calling for decolonisation and recognition of independence movements
How many went to Butlins for a holiday each week
60,000
what % of the population went on holiday abroad in the 1950s
less than 2%
When was ITV launched
1955
Why was there a surge in ownership of consumer goods in the 1950s
Hire purchase
Between 1957 and 1959 how much did the percentage of households owning a TV increase
32%
Between 1957 and 1959 how much did car ownership increase by
25%
What did the increase in car ownership lead to
Improved infrastructure(roads) including the novelty of motorways.
works for the Preston bypass began in 1958
Work for the M1 completed soon after
What was the “satire boom”
Large impacts through satire
Private eye established a loyal following
