section 5 chapter 17 Flashcards
Who led the coalition government from May 1940 to 1945?
Winston Churchill
What was significant about Churchill’s coalition government?
It united leaders from all political parties.
What made the 1945 Labour victory under Clement Attlee surprising?
The coalition’s success in managing military strategy and domestic affairs during WWII
What criticisms did Chamberlain face when war broke out in 1939?
Criticism for his policy of appeasement, failure to secure an alliance with Soviet Russia, and underestimating Hitler’s aggressive intentions.
What did Chamberlain boast about in May 1940, and what happened shortly after?
He boasted that Hitler had “missed the bus” due to no immediate attack, but days later, Hitler invaded Denmark and Norway, damaging his leadership.
Why was Chamberlain criticized regarding Britain’s war preparedness?
He was criticized for failing to prepare the economy and military with enough urgency.
What event led to Chamberlain’s resignation?
After facing sharp criticism during a debate on the failed Norwegian campaign, Labour and former PM (DLG) demanded his resignation, and he stepped down shortly after.
What severe crises did Churchill inherit when he became Prime Minister in May 1940?
German forces were in northern France, and British troops were trapped at Dunkirk.
What did some Conservatives advocate during Churchill’s leadership?
with France falling and no help from USA, Some Conservatives advocated negotiating with Hitler.
What criticisms did Churchill face during his leadership?
He was criticized for being impulsive, dictatorial, and neglecting domestic issues like economics and agriculture.
who did Churchill rely on to manage domestic issues and organisation during WWII?
His deputy, Clement Attlee, an effective organiser.
Who led the coalition government from May 1940 to 1945?
Winston Churchill.
What was significant about Churchill’s coalition government?
It united leaders from all political parties.
What made the 1945 Labour victory under Clement Attlee surprising?
The coalition’s success in managing military strategy and domestic affairs during WWII.
What criticisms did Chamberlain face when war broke out in 1939?
criticism for his policy of appeasement, failure to secure an alliance with Soviet Russia, and underestimating Hitler’s aggressive intentions.
What did Chamberlain boast about in May 1940, and what happened shortly after?
He boasted that Hitler had “missed the bus” due to no immediate attack, but days later, Hitler invaded Denmark and Norway, damaging his leadership.
Why was Chamberlain criticized regarding Britain’s war preparedness?
He was criticized for failing to prepare the economy and military with enough urgency.
What event led to Chamberlain’s resignation?
After facing sharp criticism during a debate on the failed Norwegian campaign, Labour and former PM (DLG) demanded his resignation, and he stepped down shortly after.
What severe crises did Churchill inherit when he became Prime Minister in May 1940?
German forces were in northern France, and British troops were trapped at Dunkirk.
What did some Conservatives advocate during Churchill’s leadership?
with France falling and no help from America, Some Conservatives advocated negotiating with Hitler.
What criticisms did Churchill face during his leadership?
He was criticized for being impulsive, dictatorial, and neglecting domestic issues like economics and agriculture.
Who did Churchill rely on to manage domestic issues and organisation during WWII?
His deputy, Clement Attlee, an effective organiser.
Why did Labour refuse to continue the wartime coalition with Churchill after WWII?
Labour refused because there had been no general election for 10 years.
When did the Churchill wartime coalition end, and what government did Churchill lead after?
The coalition ended on May 23rd, and Churchill led a “caretaker government” until the general election in July.
What were the results of the 1945 general election?
Labour won 393 seats, while the Conservatives won only 213.
Why did many voters blame the Conservatives in the 1945 election?
Voters blamed the Conservatives for the failings of the 1930s, such as unemployment and social deprivation.
How did Labour use electoral propaganda in the 1945 election?
Labour’s propaganda highlighted the negative memories of the 1930s and emphasized the need to prevent such issues from happening again.
What trend was observed in the electorate during the 1940s?
There was a steady leftward trend, influenced by the expansion of the trade union movement during the war.
How did the war influence public opinion on state intervention and planning?
The war increased a sense of shared experience, making state intervention and planning seem like a good idea.
What proposals became popular during the 1940s?
The plans in the Beveridge Report and proposals for the welfare state became very popular.
Why were many Conservatives complacent about the 1945 election?
They believed the electorate would thank Churchill for his effective wartime leadership and re-elect him.
How was Labour’s manifesto different from Churchill’s election message?
Labour’s manifesto, “Let Us Face the Future,” was seen as more inspiring than Churchill’s “Mr. Churchill’s Declaration to the Voters.”
What key promises did Labour make in the 1945 election?
Labour promised a system of social security, nationalisation of key industries, and the creation of the NHS.
Why was Churchill seen as unsuitable for peacetime leadership?
Churchill was associated with war and was not seen as the right man for post-war reconstruction.
How did Churchill’s “Gestapo speech” affect his election campaign?
The speech, suggesting Labour would need a secret political police to enforce control, angered Labour and insulted their democratic ideals, potentially costing him votes.
How did Clement Attlee gain valuable experience despite living in Churchill’s shadow?
Attlee played a key role in the wartime coalition and gained valuable experience.
What were some of Attlee’s key qualities during his leadership?
He was an effective chairman and efficient at handling paperwork.
What major achievements did Attlee oversee as Prime Minister?
Nationalisation, the establishment of the welfare state, and the handling of Indian independence.
What were the key aims of the new Labour government?
Nationalisation, universal state welfare provision, and the establishment of the NHS.
How did Labour view nationalisation?
Nationalisation would allow the state to control essential industries, plan the economy, and ensure full employment.
What type of economy did Labour commit to?
A “mixed economy,” where state-run and privately-run businesses would coexist. v
