National Gov 1931-45 Flashcards
What was the short-term outcome of MacDonald’s leadership?
Remained prime minister until November 1922, but failed to create a longer-lasting ‘Centre Party’.
What was the long-term outcome of MacDonald’s leadership?
Regained overall leadership of the Liberals but failed to prevent the rise of the Labour Party.
What were the reasons for MacDonald’s political fall?
- Ill health
- Retirement
- Resigned having failed to form coalition
- Lost general election
Why was a National government formed in 1931?
Due to the Wall Street stock exchange collapse in October 1929, leading to a global decline in trade and production.
What did MacDonald and Philip Snowden believe was necessary in 1931?
They believed they had no option but to press ahead with spending cuts, including a proposed cut of ten percent on unemployment benefits.
What significant event occurred on 28-29 October 1929?
The American stock market saw $30 billion wiped off the value of stocks and shares.
What factors led to the Wall Street Crash?
- Fears that shares were overpriced
- Slowdown in sales in important industries
- Concern about the extent of borrowing to pay for shares
What was the impact of the Wall Street Crash on banks?
Many borrowers could not repay loans, leading banks to recall international loans.
Who became the new leader of the Labour Party after MacDonald?
George Lansbury.
What did MacDonald announce on 24 August?
He would continue to serve as the prime minister of a ‘National government’ to face the emergency.
Why did the Conservatives support MacDonald in forming a National government?
They saw MacDonald would bear the blame for unpopular economic measures, allowing for a Conservative triumph later.
What was the outcome of the October 1931 election?
- Conservative: 473 seats (55.2%)
- Liberal: 33 seats (6.5%)
- Labour: 13 seats (1.6%)
- Total: 554 seats (67.0%)
Who effectively served as prime minister as MacDonald’s health failed?
Baldwin.
What controversial plan did Baldwin propose regarding Abyssinia?
To appease fascist Italy by giving them two-thirds of Abyssinia.
What was Baldwin’s approach to rearmament in 1935?
He offered to increase spending on rearmament to fulfil military requests from the League of Nations.
What was the public perception of Baldwin in the 1940s and 1950s?
He was attacked as one of the ‘Guilty Men’ who had appeased Hitler.
What advice did Baldwin give to King Edward VII?
To abdicate the throne rather than attempt to marry Mrs. Wallace Simpson.
What was the role of the monarch in Britain during 1918-97?
The monarch was the head of the Church of England, which frowned upon divorce, and divorce was a source of social stigma into the 1960s.
Who succeeded Baldwin as Prime Minister?
Neville Chamberlain succeeded Baldwin at an exceptionally difficult time.
What was Chamberlain well-liked for?
Chamberlain was well-liked for his successful creation of new homes and his assured performances on cinema newsreels as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
What was Chamberlain’s policy towards Hitler?
Chamberlain attempted to find ‘peace in our time’ and flew three times to meet Hitler to resolve a crisis.
How did Churchill view Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement?
Churchill was critical of Chamberlain’s appeasement of Hitler from the start.
What led to Chamberlain’s removal from office?
Chamberlain was forced from office after a vote of no confidence once the war began in earnest.
Who replaced Chamberlain as Prime Minister?
Winston Churchill replaced Chamberlain as Prime Minister.
