Britain 13 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What domestic reforms did the 1929 Labour Government introduce?
Housing Act (1930): Increased subsidies and launched slum clearance.
Coal Mines Act (1930): Reduced miners’ hours from 8 to 7.5 hours/day.
Land Utilisation Act (1931): Aimed to increase agricultural productivity.
London Transport Bill (1931): Created a public body to run cheap, efficient transport.
What challenges did Labour reforms face in 1929–1931?
Many proposals (like raising school leaving age to 15, 48-hour work week) failed due to lack of Liberal support.
Reform momentum stalled after the 1929 Wall Street Crash.
How did the 1929 Wall Street Crash affect Britain?
Export value halved from 1929 to 1931.
Unemployment rose to 2.5 million in 1931 and later peaked at 3 million.
Crisis triggered fierce debate about welfare spending and budget balancing.
: What were the divisions over how to handle the economic crisis?
Snowden: Keep gold standard, cut spending to balance budget.
Mosley: Government should borrow and spend on jobs and welfare.
MacDonald was cautious, set up Economic Advisory Council but didn’t act boldly.
What was the 1931 May Committee Report and its impact?
Predicted a £120 million deficit by 1932.
Recommended £96.5 million in cuts, including 20% cut to unemployment benefit, pay cuts for teachers/police.
Labour and unions outraged, party deeply split.
Why did the Labour Government collapse in 1931?
Cabinet vote on benefit cuts: passed by only 11 to 9.
TUC rejected cuts, tension unbearable.
MacDonald resigned, but King asked him to form a new National Government with Conservative and Liberal backing.
How did Labour react to MacDonald forming the National Government?
Ignored Economic Council in favour of May Committee.
Refused to adopt Mosley’s plans.
Failed to defend benefits or consult unions.
Most Labour MPs viewed it as betrayal.
Only Snowden, Thomas, Sankey joined MacDonald.
Promised no election, then called one — Labour got crushed.
What were the 1931 and 1935 general election results?
1931: National Government won 554 seats.
1935: National Government still dominant with 432 seats.
Proved broad public support, even though MacDonald faded and Baldwin took over.
What were the National Government’s key policies (1931–1935)?
Financial: Came off gold standard; cut unemployment benefits by 10%; introduced means test.
Trade: Import Duties Act (1932)—tariffs to protect industry; Empire trade preference.
Industry: Special Areas Act (1934) gave aid to worst-hit regions;
British Shipping Act (1935) providing government loans for shipping companies to scrap older ships and build new ones
