Lesson 2 - What Was Britian Like In 1951?

Question 1

What were the strengths of Britain by 1951?

Answer 1

• Commitment to full employment
• built 807,000 new council houses
• NHS - access to healthcare, Bevan won support of the doctors, infant mortality and TB fell.

Question 2

What were the weaknesses of Britain by 1951?

Answer 2

• rationing continued and was extended - the feeling of austerity.
• in debt and reliant on US loans.
• Divisions in the Labour Party over the ending of free prescriptions.

Question 3

What was the festival of Britain and when did it open?

Answer 3

In 1951, 6 years after World War Two, Britain towns and cities still showed the scars of war and remained a constant reminder of the turmoil of previous years. The festival of Britain opened on the 4th of May 1951, celebrating the British industry, science and arts inspiring the thought of a better Britain.