Theme 1A- Changing Political Environment Flashcards
How was Britain governed during WWI?
Liberal-Conservative coalition led by DLG
What was the 1918 Representation of the People Act?
Almost triples the electorate, all women over 30 who own property and all men over 21 can now vote
What was the dominant party in 1918?
The conservatives- seen as the party of the middle and upper class, but have votes from aspirational and patriotic working class
Who was the opposition in 1918?
The Liberals- led wartime coalition but deeply divided between Asquith and DLG supporters over issues of wartime control
What was the position of the Labour party in 1918?
very new (formed 1900), represented the TU movement
What was the result of the 1918 election?
Overwhelming win for the wartime coalition, but most MPs Conservatives and Liberals now rely on them for support
How did the Labour party change 1918-31?
Supplanted Liberals as opposition, eventually form two governments 1924-31
How did the Liberal party change 1918-31?
Declined, don’t have strong consistent voter base and couldn’t compete against Labour party for working-class vote. Once they start going to elections as two separate parties they have no chance of being a major threat
How did the Conservative party change 1918-31?
Dominate, good at adapting to political circumstances and resist temptation to clamp down on TU powers to retain their WC voter base. Gradually warm to the idea of welfare as necessary
What was the result of the 1929 election?
First time Labour has most seats, but gov collapses in 1931 due to depression. King invites all political parties to come together to form National Government
What was the make-up of the National Government?
Comes to be dominated by the Conservatives, despite initially having a Labour leader (Macdonald)
What policies does the National Government enact?
10% tariff on imported goods, reduced interest rates, introduce means test on benefits
To what extent did the National Government face a threat from Extremism?
Were extremists- Oswald Moseley, Comnunist party- but Moseley lacked party structure eg promoting ideas and fighting elections, mainly based on his personality
What was the effect of the National Government?
Gradual improvement in economy, Britain suffers less from depression than other countries
What was the result of the 1945 election?
Labour landslide with Attlee, allows them to usher in new era of consensus on key policy areas
What were the three main areas of consensus?
Nationalisation, full employment and creation of the welfare state
What was the impact of the 45-51 Labour government?
Success in implementing reforms, but struggle economically and continue rationing and austerity- lose 1951 election to Conservatives
What was the state of politics in the period 51-64?
Period of Conservative governments, widespread prosperity and creation of consumer society. Underlying economic problems but surface level success
What was the state of politics in the period 64-70?
Wilson government, begins to feel effect of underlying issues in 50s, mainly deals with social issues (education, liberal society) rather than economic
What was the state of politics in the period 70-74?
Heath government, tries to go against consensus by cutting down on welfare and punishing TUs. Consistent failure to deal with economic problems, faced by time of industrial unrest
What was the state of politics in the period 74-79?
Wilson and Callaghan, government is substantially affected by economic crisis and industrial relations (winter of discontent). Defeated by Thatcher
