Theme 1 - Changing Political Fortunes Flashcards
What was the National Government during 1931–1945?
Coalition of Conservatives, Liberals, and some Labour MPs during the Great Depression
This coalition was formed in response to the economic challenges of the time.
What significant action did the National Government take in 1931?
Imposed austerity through budget cuts
These budget cuts were a critical response to the economic conditions of the Great Depression.
Who criticized the austerity measures of the National Government?
George Orwell
Orwell described the impact of these measures in his work, referring to it as ‘hungry England.’
What was the Post-War Consensus (1945–1979)?
Tory/Labour agreement on welfare, NHS, and state intervention
This consensus represented a period of political unity in Britain regarding social policies.
What did the Post-War Consensus signify until 1979?
Political unity between Tory and Labour parties
This consensus was eventually rejected by Margaret Thatcher in 1979, marking a shift in political ideology.
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what’s happening now
What exposed the irrelevance of Liberals during WWI?
Their ties to laissez-faire while Labour promised housing, jobs, dignity.
What was the ideological change in politics after WWI?
Politics became about class, not religion or empire.
Who replaced the Liberals as the anti-Tory party by 1931?
Labour.
What did the 1925 Gold Standard reveal about Britain?
It showed Britain’s delusion of still being #1.
What was a significant consequence of the 1931 austerity measures?
It killed trust in elites.
What event exemplified the loss of trust in elites during the 1930s?
The Jarrow Crusade’s 200-mile march to London.
What emergency measures were used during the 1926 General Strike?
Troops and arrests.
What lesson did unions learn from the 1926 General Strike?
Direct action failed.
What was a significant outcome of the 1945 Labour win?
A massive ideological shift towards nationalisation.
What was the significance of the NHS by 1951?
Spending was 4x estimates.
What caused the unraveling of the Union-Labour pact?
The economy stopped growing.
What does Butskellism refer to?
The Tories outflanked Labour by adopting welfare policies.
What was a major criticism of the ‘affluent society’ in the 1950s?
Regional inequality grew and productivity stagnated.
What was the significance of the 1972 miners’ strike?
It was the first time unions beat the government since 1926.
What did the 1976 IMF bailout symbolize?
A symbolic surrender to external authority.
What was a major consequence of stagflation in the 1970s?
It proved Keynes’s model was broken.
What percentage of workers had to join unions by 1979 due to closed shops?
80%.
What were the three significant economic events that showcased Britain’s inability to adapt?
- 1925 Gold Standard * 1944 Bretton Woods * 1973 Oil Shock
What is one significant change attributed to 1945?
It made the state responsible for welfare forever.
What did both the interwar and 1970s crises demonstrate?
Britain’s decline and shattered public trust.
What misunderstanding did governments have regarding Britain’s decline?
They misunderstood Britain’s place in the world.
What was the response to the 1979 Tory win?
It represented a revolt against the post-war state.
