What Was The Impact of the Second World War On The Government and Society? Flashcards
The Growth in the Power and Role of the State- Increased power in WW2
Britain became collectivist state.
Introduced rationing, conscription, censorship of the press, and suspended or restricted many traditional freedoms.
Government gained power to direct and manage labour- control rates of pay, and hours of employment- to maximise output.
The Growth in the Power and Role of the State- The Emergency Powers Act
The Emergency Powers Act (1939), power to Home Secretary- power to arrest and detain citizens without trial and Minister of Labour- power to take full control of the workforce. Over 1800 citizens arrested and detained (Oswald Mosley + 736 BUF members)
The Growth in the Power and Role of the State- Public Attitudes
Widespread acceptance of expansion of state power, long-term consequences.
Made government control of the economy seem logical and reasonable.
By 1945, public came to accept and expect increased government role in everyday life.
Development of Keynesian Economic Theory- What is it?
John Maynard Keynes, argued
gov. should use budget+revenue powers to raise capital and invest in economy to maintain low unemployment.
Artificial boost creates demand, workers spend earnings.
Demand for goods allows companies to expand
Virtuous cycle of growth.
Development of Keynesian Economic Theory- Public Attitudes
By the end of the war, Keynes’ ideas were embraced by politicians and the public.
Had previously been unthinkable.
Changing Public Attitudes- Expectations
State management of the economy + society more acceptable, war increased public understanding of inequalities and deprivation.
Many believed in introducing collective solutions.
Changing Public Attitudes- Political Consensus
Both parties accepted significant reconstruction + state provided welfare was needed and accepted that the government should play a role in welfare + managing economy.
Consensus that social welfare was top priority, avoid failures of post-WW1, commitment to the welfare state.
Changing Public Attitudes- Beveridge Report
Beveridge Report (1942) advocated state-funded welfare. Argued primary role of gov. to improve people’s lives- ‘Five Giants’ (want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness)
Opinion polls- 95% approval, 600,000 copies sold. Labour Party included all its recommendations in its election manifesto- including NHS
Analysis- State Power
Inc. in state power, higher expectations + intervention more acceptable, demand for policies (welfare state) pushed parties towards consensus for approval
Analysis- Post War Mistakes
Fear of repeating post-WW1 mistakes led to prioritisation of social welfare from all parties- led to consensus as common goal
Analysis- Keynesianism
Keynesian economic theory increasingly popular due to war. Put onus of economic preservation on the government. Consensus- parties wished to maintain a stable economy/stimulate economic recovery.
Analysis- Beveridge Report
Focus on ‘five giants’- the public approved of the report, all parties wished to appeal to voters so conformed to ideas of the report, leading to consensus.
