The Affluent Society 1951 - 1964 Flashcards

1
Q

What economic policy did the Labour government adopt after World War II?

A

Keynesian economics involving US loans to invest in industry

This policy led to the nationalization of 20% of industry and maintained full employment.

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2
Q

What was Clause V in the Labour Party’s 1918 constitution?

A

A promise for full nationalization of industry

This clause represented a significant commitment to state control over the economy.

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3
Q

Who led the first full majority Labour government from 1945 to 1951?

A

Clement Attlee

Attlee’s government was characterized by significant social reforms and economic changes.

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4
Q

What ideology divided the Conservative Party after World War II?

A

Between ‘one nation conservatives’ who believed in change and traditional conservatives

This division impacted party unity and policy direction.

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5
Q

What major legislation gave women equal voting rights in 1928?

A

The Representation of the People Act

Despite gaining voting rights, women still faced workplace discrimination.

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6
Q

What educational reform was introduced by the 1944 Education Act?

A

The tripartite system of education

This act ensured that all children received an education and introduced the concept of a non-working youth.

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7
Q

What was a significant social promise made by the Labour government after WWII?

A

A welfare state ‘from cradle to grave’, including the NHS

This promise reflected a commitment to comprehensive social support and healthcare.

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8
Q

Fill in the blank: The decline of traditional staple industries in Britain led to huge unemployment, with intractable million facing joblessness and limited government assistance. Trade unions frequently went on strike, exemplified by the _______.

A

1926 General Strike

This strike was a major event in British labor history, highlighting the struggles of workers.

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9
Q

True or False: After World War II, both the Labour and Conservative parties agreed on a mixed economy and the establishment of a welfare state.

A

True

This agreement created a political consensus between the two major parties.

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10
Q

What was the impact of the economic policies following the two world wars on Britain?

A

Britain became heavily indebted and reliant on US loans

This dependence influenced post-war economic strategies and recovery efforts.

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11
Q

What was a key commitment of Britain by 1951?

A

Commitment to full employment

This reflected the government’s aim to ensure that everyone who wanted to work could find a job.

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12
Q

How many new homes were built by the government?

A

807,000 new homes - council houses

This was part of the effort to address housing shortages.

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13
Q

What did the Rowntree Study reveal?

A

Less poverty

The study highlighted improvements in living standards.

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14
Q

What significant healthcare initiative was introduced during this period?

A

NHS - Access to healthcare

The National Health Service was established to provide healthcare to all citizens.

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15
Q

Who won the support of doctors for the NHS?

A

Bevan

Aneurin Bevan was instrumental in founding the NHS.

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16
Q

What was the outcome of the National Assistance Act 1948?

A

Ended the poor law and negative stigma

It provided assistance to those who were destitute.

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17
Q

What economic strategy was employed to prevent another depression?

A

IMF and world bank

These institutions aimed to stabilize the global economy.

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18
Q

What was a significant weakness in Britain’s economy by 1951?

A

Rationing continued and was extended

This indicated ongoing economic difficulties post-war.

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19
Q

What major crisis occurred in 1946 and 1947?

A

Winter Crisis

This crisis led to a standstill in the country, increasing unemployment.

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20
Q

What was the unemployment rate during the Winter Crisis?

A

2 million

This marked a significant rise in unemployment.

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21
Q

What was the housing shortfall by 1951?

A

700,000

This shortage highlighted the ongoing challenges in housing provision.

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22
Q

What issue did the NHS face by 1951?

A

Shortage of staff, old buildings, costs

These factors contributed to challenges in healthcare delivery.

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23
Q

What was one of the consequences of the Korean War for Britain?

A

Created another deficit

The war put additional strain on the economy.

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24
Q

True or False: Socialists believed nationalisation gave enough power to workers.

A

False

There were divisions within the labour party regarding the extent of power given to workers.

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25
Q

What was a significant economic condition faced by Britain in this period?

A

Reliant on US loans

This dependence indicated vulnerabilities in the British economy.

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26
Q

What was the purpose of the 1951 Festival of Britain?

A

Cultural celebration and economic boost

It aimed to promote British arts and innovation post-war.

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27
Q

What economic model was adopted by Britain by 1951?

A

Mixed economy/middle way

This approach combined elements of capitalism and socialism.

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28
Q

Fill in the blank: The National Assistance Act 1948 provided help for the _______.

A

destitute

This act was a significant step in welfare reform.

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29
Q

What was a key reason for Labour’s loss in the last election?

A

Labour was too focused on welfare, neglecting the economy and industry

This indicates a potential disconnect between Labour’s priorities and voter concerns.

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30
Q

How were Labour’s policies perceived during the last election?

A

Policies were half-hearted - not radical or too radical

This suggests a lack of clarity in Labour’s message and strategy.

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31
Q

What sentiment contributed to Labour’s electoral defeat?

A

People were tired of rations - austerity

This reflects a public desire for change from restrictive economic conditions.

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32
Q

What was a characteristic of the Labour Party during the last election?

A

Labour Party was getting tired and old

This could imply a lack of fresh ideas or leadership within the party.

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33
Q

What was a significant factor in the Conservatives’ victory?

A

Conservatives had Churchill - wartime experience

Churchill’s leadership during WWII may have inspired confidence in Conservative governance.

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34
Q

What aspect of Conservative ideology contributed to their success?

A

Ideological safety of conservation

This suggests that voters felt more secure with Conservative policies.

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35
Q

What demographic advantage did the Conservatives have?

A

More youthful cabinet

A younger leadership may appeal to younger voters seeking modern representation.

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36
Q

What economic policy did the Conservatives promote?

A

Reduce state control - end to austerity

This approach may have resonated with voters looking for economic growth.

37
Q

What housing policy did the Conservatives advocate for?

A

More houses

This suggests a focus on addressing housing shortages and improving living conditions.

38
Q

When did World War 2 end?

A

1945

39
Q

What significant event marked the beginning of the ‘superpower age’?

A

The dropping of the atomic bomb

40
Q

What power did Britain emerge as after World War 2?

A

A ‘third’ power

41
Q

What were some major issues facing Britain after World War 2?

A

Reconstruction after bombings, casualties, relationship with the empire, and changed global position

42
Q

Who was defeated in the 1945 election in Britain?

A

Winston Churchill

43
Q

Who won the 1945 election in Britain?

A

Clement Attlee and the Labour Party

44
Q

What social policies did Labour promote after winning the election?

A

NHS, Butler Education Act, nationalisation, and economic planning

45
Q

What was the Beveridge Report and when was it published?

A

A report published in 1942 addressing social welfare policies

46
Q

What did the NHS stand for and when was it established?

A

National Health Service, established in 1948

47
Q

What did the Butler Education Act of 1944 provide?

A

Free secondary education until age 15

48
Q

What is nationalisation?

A

Transforming privately owned assets into public assets

49
Q

What was the purpose of the Economic Planning Council set up in July 1979?

A

To closely control the economy

50
Q

Why did Labour lose the 1951 election?

A

Policies were too radical or not radical enough, ignored economy, and public tired of rationing

51
Q

Fill in the blank: Labour’s policies were largely successful, with many lasting until _______.

A

1979

52
Q

True or False: The Labour Party focused heavily on welfare after World War 2.

A

True

53
Q

What was the public sentiment towards rationing and control of lives post-war?

A

People felt tired and poor due to continued rationing

54
Q

What historical context influenced Labour’s policies after World War 2?

A

The memory of the ‘hungry 30’s’ and high levels of poverty

55
Q

Who was Churchill in the context of 1950s Conservatives?

A

International statesman rather than domestic PM

Churchill was more focused on international issues during this period.

56
Q

What role did Eden play in the Conservative Party during the 1950s?

A

PM in waiting, practicing to become official PM

Eden was seen as a successor to Churchill.

57
Q

What did the Suez Crisis demonstrate about Britain?

A

Britain was no longer a great power

The crisis marked a significant decline in British global influence.

58
Q

What type of conservative was MacMillan?

A

One nation conservative

He emphasized responsibility to all in society.

59
Q

What were the key focuses of MacMillan’s policies?

A

Housing and improving living standards

His government aimed to enhance quality of life for citizens.

60
Q

What was the post-war consensus?

A

Agreement between political parties on welfare state and nationalized industries

This included principles of Keynesian economics.

61
Q

Who was associated with Keynesian economics?

A

J.M. Keynes

Keynes advocated for government intervention to stimulate the economy.

62
Q

What economic strategy was central to the post-war consensus?

A

Government stimulates economy through spending, borrowing, and taxes

This approach aimed to promote economic growth.

63
Q

What internal divisions existed within the Labour Party in the 1950s?

A

Divided over issues like NHS prescription charges

These divisions affected party unity and strategy.

64
Q

What were the two factions within the Labour Party?

A

Bevanites (left wing) and right wing of Labour

This split reflected ideological differences within the party.

65
Q

What was a key disagreement in the Labour Party regarding military policy?

A

Whether to allow the use of nuclear weapons

This issue highlighted differing views on defense and security.

66
Q

What was a significant electoral challenge for the Labour Party?

A

Gained votes but not distributed to win seats due to first past the post

The electoral system often disadvantaged the Labour Party despite popular support.

67
Q

What was one of the Conservative Party’s successes during the 1950s?

A

Success in jobs and increasing living standards

This contributed to their electoral victories.

68
Q

Fill in the blank: The political agreement that included welfare state and nationalized industries is known as the _______.

A

post-war consensus

This term describes the broad agreement among political parties in the UK after WWII.

69
Q

What period is referred to as the age of prosperity in Britain?

A

1951-1964

This era is characterized by significant improvements in living standards.

70
Q

Who claimed that ‘British people never had it so good’?

A

MacMillan

This statement reflects the perceived prosperity during the age of prosperity.

71
Q

What is one argument regarding the Conservative government’s success during the 1950s?

A

Success was due to Labour actions prior to 1951

These actions allowed Conservatives to ‘coast’ through the decade.

72
Q

Who is associated with the economic theory of increased government spending?

A

Keynes

Keynes advocated for borrowing money to stimulate the economy.

73
Q

According to Keynesian economics, what should be done when the economy is doing well?

A

Pay back borrowed money

This approach aims to manage inflation.

74
Q

What is a key characteristic of Keynesian economic policy?

A

Inflationary

It focuses on increasing demand through government spending.

75
Q

What economic theory is Friedman associated with?

A

Monetarism

Friedman emphasized controlling the money supply.

76
Q

What does Friedman suggest should be done to government spending?

A

Reduce government spending

This is part of his deflationary approach.

77
Q

What is the goal of Friedman’s monetarist policies?

A

Make prices low

This aims to achieve a deflationary effect in the economy.

78
Q

Fill in the blank: Keynesian economics is characterized as _______.

A

inflationary

It focuses on stimulating the economy through increased spending.

79
Q

Fill in the blank: Friedman’s economic approach is known as _______.

A

monetarism

This approach prioritizes controlling the money supply to manage inflation.

80
Q

What’s inflation and deflation?

A

Inflation - increase in price of goods and services when people have more money to spend than there are goods available
Deflation - fall in price of goods and services.

81
Q

When did rationing come to an end?

A

1954

82
Q

What was stop-go economics

A

Lower interest rates when growth was too slow, raise interest rates when growth was too fast.

83
Q

How did society change in 1950’s Britain?

A

Class - challenge upper class, by 1951, 65% of working class voted for Conservative Party: shows that conditions were better for working class and working class was happy with Conservative Party.

Gender - 1 in 5 women worked. 75% of all women were married. By 1964, number of working women increased. Family allowance - keep women at home

Age - development of youth culture as young people had more time to indulge in leisure due to technology advancements. Teenagers who were 10% of the population became more visible and economically important.

Immigration: 1958 - Nottingham gangs of white youths - targeted black people, racially motivated attacks. Arrival of immigrants from Caribbean on the empire in 1948.

84
Q

What was the establishment?

A

Informal network of social and political elites. These were privileged people, mainly men. Included aristocracy, judges, leaders of business etc.

85
Q

Living standards fron 1951-1957

A
  • MacMillan achieved 300k homes a year.
  • home ownership increased
  • greater availability of hire purchase , more people bought TVs because of it.
86
Q

Technology from 1951-57

A
  • surge of consumer goods such as televisions, washing machines, refrigerators
  • queens coronation in 1953 was televised - over 50% of pop. Watched it
87
Q

The suez crisis 1956

A

Background: New ruler of Egypt Nasser was in favour for independence of Egypt. He insisted that Britain leave its military base of Suez. Nassser nationalised the Suez Canal to reinvest its revenue back to finance the dam

What happened: secret talks between the french, British and Israelis, plan was hatched, Israeli troops invade Egypt, Britain and France would pose an ultimatum to both sides to withdraw from the canal. Egyptians cannot agree to this as they own the territory, this would allow the British and french troops to occupy the Canal Zone on the pretext they were protecting it from damage from the fighting as they were shareholders.

88
Q

What was the outcome of the suez crisis of 1956?

A
  • none of British’s aims were achieved - Egypt kept control of the canal. This suggests that Britain was no longer the ‘great power’ furthermore, without USA’s backing, they were powerless.
  • both the UN and USA withdrew support for the pound. This could seem as though the British economy is dependent on American support which shows that our economy is not strong, leads to the suspicion that maybe Britain is not the great power.