Why was Churchill out of office 1929-1939?

Question 1

What was the result of the 1929 General Election?

Answer 1

• Labour form government

- Churchill, who had been Chancellor of the Exchequer since 1924, left office

Question 2

Of what type were the key issues in 1931?

Answer 2

Economic, so foreign investors and markets needed a calm, confident and united government

Question 3

How was Churchill seen in 1931 and why?

Answer 3

As unhelpful in establishing this kind of government (calm, united) because of:

• 1915 Gallipoli campaign seen as reckless
• In 1925 as Chancellor of the Exchequer, he returned Britain to the gold standard - economists felt this was the wrong decision and Britain left it in September 1931

Question 4

What happened (in terms of government) in 1931?

Answer 4

National government formed under Ramsay MacDonald (including Labour, Conservatives and some Liberals) to deal with perceived economic crisis. There was no room for Churchill

Question 5

What issues were Churchill controversial about and against mainstream politics?

Answer 5

• India
• Abdication of King Edward VIII
• Rearmament
• Concessions to Hitler

Question 6

What was Churchill’s view on India (compared to most others)?

Answer 6

• Bulk of political opinion felt that negotiating with Indian nationalists and Gandhi was necessary and wise
• Churchill believed in uncompromising opposition to any move to make India more independent

Question 7

What was Churchill’s view on the Abdication Crisis (compared to most others)?

Answer 7

• King’s desire to marry (twice-divorced) Wallis Simpson was widely unpopular
• Churchill supported King(‘s desire) out of loyalty to throne

Question 8

What was Churchill’s view on rearmament (compared to most others)?

Answer 8

• Public opinion clearly against war and economy was already weak
• Churchill urged rearmament and won little support

Question 9

What was Churchill’s view on concessions to Hitler (compared to most others)?

Answer 9

• Idea of Britain going to war to prevent Germany from ruling over German-speaking people was unpopular (+ memories of WW1 made this more unpopular)
• Churchill thought Britain should resist German expansion and opposed policy of appeasement