The Post War Boom

Question 1

What was the post war boom?

Answer 1

-the cons lucky as coming into power at beginning of post WW2 economic recovery
-general pattern of 50s one of continual economic improvement
-food rationing end July 1954 as hugely unpopular during war years
-British public set enjoy higher standard of living
-acceleration in birth rate leading to fast growing population —1961 51m people 5% higher than 1951

Question 2

What evidence is there of a post war boom?

Answer 2

-global economy booming as countries rebuilt after war which led to increase in overseas trade
-this led to plentiful employment along with rising demand at home
-in 1955 only 200,000 unemployed
-service industries growing — 1960 nearly 5m employed in them
-economic growth + low unemployment brought rising wages + rise in income
-growth in affluence + consumerism

Question 3

What did Butler do in run up to 1955 election?

Answer 3

-Butler as chancellor able to boost cons election prospects with ‘give away’ budget that provided middle class with £1.34m in tax cuts

Question 4

What were the results of the post war boom?

Answer 4

-an improvement of world trade late 1950s enabled Br import 29% more goods than in 1951
-Br enjoyed more jobs, more goods, better housing + provisional new welfare state
-adults found themselves with spending money to invest in new cars, new appliances, luxuries + entertainments compared to their wartime deprivation