The Making of The Modern World: War and The Transformation of British Society

Question 1

When was the National Insurance Benefit setup?

Answer 1

It was setup in 1911.

Question 2

What key government scheme was setup in 1918?

Answer 2

The Out-of-Work Donation Scheme (also known as the ‘dole’)

Question 3

What was the ‘dole’?

Answer 3

The dole was set up to financially help returning soldiers and war workers who could not find employment.

Question 4

During the Great Depression, over __ million people were unemployed in 1929. Fill in the blank.

Answer 4

1.5

Question 5

What does NUWM stand for? What did they believe in?

Answer 5

The National Unemployed Workers’ Movement believed the government should try to employ everyone or compensate them.

Question 6

In 1932, roughly what percentage of shipbuilders was unemployed?

Answer 6

60%-70%

Question 7

Where were 80% of new factories built between 1932-37? Why did this upset many people?

Answer 7

They were built in London and this upset people because many Northern towns and cities which very high unemployment rates would’ve benefited for the factories more.

Question 8

Why did the government cut their workers’ pay by 20%-30%?

Answer 8

To cover spending on the benefits system.

Question 9

What was the the ‘Means Test’?

Answer 9

The ‘Means Test’ was a test to determine if people were claiming benefits unfairly.

Question 10

What did NI stand for and who did it help?

Answer 10

The National Insurance helped people who payed for National Insurance, but only for 15 weeks.

Question 11

What caused the Jarrow March?

Answer 11

Incredibly high unemployment rates in the town of Jarrow.

Question 12

How many people applied for the LDF on the first day?

Answer 12

250,000.

Question 13

Why did the government start evacuating people before the war?

Answer 13

They were sure that the Germans would bomb British cities, especially London.

Question 14

What was the largest evacuated demographic?

Answer 14

Evacuees were mainly children, but the government also evacuated some pregnant women and blind people.

Question 15

When did the evacuation start?

Answer 15

On September 1st, 1939.

Question 16

What was the Blitz?

Answer 16

The name given to the bombing of British cities by the Luftwaffe.

Question 17

When did the Blitz end?

Answer 17

From September 7th 1940 to May 1941.

Question 18

What were the 4 main effects of the Blitz?

Answer 18

1. Over 43,000 civilians were killed.
2. Over 2 million people were made homeless by the bombing.
3. Water, gas and electricity supplies were affected.
4. However, the Blitz failed in its main objective as people didn’t turn against the war in large numbers.

Question 19

Why did the Luftwaffe bomb Coventry?

Answer 19

The Luftwaffe bombed Coventry in retaliation for the RAF bobming Munich

Question 20

What was a V1 bomber?

Answer 20

A bomb driven by a motor that was supposed to cut over the target.

Question 21

What was a V2 bomber?

Answer 21

A bomb that was rocket powered.

Question 22

What was the blackout?

Answer 22

The truning off of lights showing after dark aimed to hide people from bombers overhead.

Question 23

What was the ARP?

Answer 23

The Air Raid Precautions service, which was set up in 1937 with voluntary ARP wardens.

Question 24

What did the Minsitry of Information handle?

Answer 24

Propaganda and censorship.

Question 25

What is censorship?

Answer 25

The removal of information that could have potentially demoralised the British Public during the war.

Question 26

When did rationing begin?

Answer 26

January 8th 1940.

Question 27

When was the Women’s Land Army created?

Answer 27

July 1939.

Question 28

What happened on December 8th 1941?

Answer 28

The government introduced conscription for all unmarried women aged 20-30.

Question 29

What was the ATS?

Answer 29

The Women’s section in the army.

Question 30

What was the WAAF?

Answer 30

The women’s sections in the air force.

Question 31

What was the effects of women working during the war?

Answer 31

There was a huge increase in the number of women working by 1951.

Question 32

What were the recommendations of the Beveridge report?

Answer 32

That the state should support its citizens ‘from the cradle to the grave’ against ‘five giants’,

Question 33

When was the Beveridge report published?

Answer 33

December 1st 1942.

Question 34

What was the government’s reaction to the Beveridge report?

Answer 34

Many MPs disagreed with it, however it had huge public support.

Question 35

What was the public’s reaction to the Beveridge report?

Answer 35

The people approved and wanted the government to fight these giants.

Question 36

What did the government do in response to the ‘want’ giant?

Answer 36

The Family Allowances Act of 1945 and The National Insurance Act of 1946 was passed.

Question 37

What did the Family Allowances Act of 1945 do?

Answer 37

It gave mothers 5 shillings a week for every child.

Question 38

What did the government do in response to the ‘ignorance’ giant?

Answer 38

The Education Act of 1944 was passed.

Question 39

What did the National Assistance Act of 1948 do?

Answer 39

Poor Law and earlier benefits were abolished. National Assistance boards were set up to provide government help to the homeless, disabled and mentally ill.

Question 40

What did the Education Act of 1944 do?

Answer 40

It restructured the school system and provided free education to the age of 14. In 1947, it was changed and free education was given up to the age of 15.

Question 41

What did the government do in response to the ‘disease’ giant?

Answer 41

The National Health Service Act of 1946 was passed.

Question 42

What did the NHS do?

Answer 42

It allowed free medical, dental and eye care for all.

Question 43

What was the reaction of medical professionals to the NHS?

Answer 43

They were largely opposed. The British Medical Association (BMA) admitted that health service reforms were needed, but disagreed with the government over the level of government control.

Question 44

Describe one impact of the NHS between 1948 and 1951?

Answer 44

The NHS Act of 1949 set a 1 shilling prescription charge, although the old, poor and disabled didn’t have to pay. Bevan disagreed and resigned as Minister of Health because of this.