Why was Churchill out of office 1929-1939? Flashcards
What was the result of the 1929 General Election?
- Labour form government
- Churchill, who had been Chancellor of the Exchequer since 1924, left office
Of what type were the key issues in 1931?
Economic, so foreign investors and markets needed a calm, confident and united government
How was Churchill seen in 1931 and why?
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
What happened (in terms of government) in 1931?
National government formed under Ramsay MacDonald (including Labour, Conservatives and some Liberals) to deal with perceived economic crisis. There was no room for Churchill
What issues were Churchill controversial about and against mainstream politics?
- India
- Abdication of King Edward VIII
- Rearmament
- Concessions to Hitler
What was Churchill’s view on India (compared to most others)?
- 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
What was Churchill’s view on the Abdication Crisis (compared to most others)?
- King’s desire to marry (twice-divorced) Wallis Simpson was widely unpopular
- Churchill supported King(‘s desire) out of loyalty to throne
What was Churchill’s view on rearmament (compared to most others)?
- Public opinion clearly against war and economy was already weak
- Churchill urged rearmament and won little support
What was Churchill’s view on concessions to Hitler (compared to most others)?
- 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
