Reasons for the Conservative domination (1951-1964) Flashcards
What was the growth rate of the UK economy after the Second World War?
The UK economy was growing at 2.3% per year after the Second World War.
How did the number of strikes in the UK compare to other countries in 1955?
In 1955, 500,000 workers were involved in approximately 1,700 strikes in the UK, which was fewer than in many other European countries.
What was the priority of the UK government regarding the sterling area?
The government prioritised maintaining the sterling area, a group of countries that used the British pound sterling as their currency.
Why did the UK fight a Communist insurgency in Malaya?
The UK fought a Communist insurgency in Malaya to keep Malaya and its rubber supplies in the sterling area. This conflict continued until 1960.
How did the Korean War impact the value of the British pound?
The Korean War raised world rubber prices, which were traded in pounds, thereby increasing the value of the British pound.
Who was Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1951 to 1955, and what term was used to describe his policies?
Rab Butler was Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1951 to 1955. His policies were so similar to those of Labour Shadow Chancellor Hugh Gaitskell that they were referred to as “Butskellism.”
What did Butskellism advocate regarding government borrowing and the welfare state?
Butskellism advocated increased government borrowing to fund the welfare state. Spending on welfare increased from 16.1% in 1951 to 19.3% in 1964.
How much did the average weekly wage rise from 1951 to 1964?
The average weekly wage rose from £8.30 in 1951 to £18.35 in 1964.
How were taxes changed before the elections?
Taxes were cut before elections: 2.5p was cut from income tax in 1955 and 3.75p in 1959.
What was the change in car ownership in the UK from 1951 to 1964?
Car ownership in the UK increased by 500% from 1951 to 1964.
How did the number of households with televisions change between 1951 and 1964?
The percentage of households with televisions increased from 4% in 1951 to 91% in 1964.
What change was made to restrictions on consumer credit in 1957?
Restrictions on consumer credit were relaxed with the 1957 Hire-Purchase Act, making it easier to access credit and boosting consumer spending.
How many houses were built by the government from 1951 to 1964?
The government built 1.7 million houses between 1951 and 1964.
How many houses did the government build in 1954 alone?
In 1954, the government built 354,000 houses.
How did house ownership change from 1951 to 1964?
House ownership increased from 25% in 1951 to 44% in 1964.
What did the Rent Act of 1957 do?
The Rent Act of 1957 abolished rent controls, resulting in more rental homes being available.
What education policy did the Conservative government implement instead of the tripartite system?
The Conservative government embraced comprehensive schools, setting up the first such schools, where all students went to the same schools instead of being divided into grammar schools, secondary moderns, or technical schools.
How many new schools were built by the Conservative government, and how many new universities were established?
The Conservative government built 6,000 new schools and established 11 new universities.
What was the purpose of the 1957 Homicide Act?
The 1957 Homicide Act reduced the use of the death penalty and restricted it to certain crimes of murder only.
