britain 6, Flashcards
(10 cards)
: How did shell production change from 1915 to 1918, and why?
Went from 2M to 187M due to war demand. UK needed vast materials, shifting from laissez-faire to state control of key industries like railways, docks, and mines.
: What was the role of the Ministry of Munitions by 1918?
Managed 250 factories and 4M workers; oversaw munitions supply and war material coordination.
What everyday life changes did the government introduce?
: British Summer Time, reduced alcohol strength, and fixed rent levels to protect people from rising costs.
: How much did the war cost by 1918, and how was it paid for?
£2.6 billion; $5000M borrowed from the USA and tax increases.
: What happened to food and employment during the war?
Food prices doubled, but work increased with unemployment unemployment only at 4-5%
: What was the housing situation during and after the war?
Wartime: overcrowded slums, neglected.
Postwar: 1919 Housing Act built 200k homes, but by 1922 grants were cut and an 800k home shortage remained due to the Geddes Axe.Due to an economic recession in 1921 policy of retenchmment the geddes axe reccomeneded cuts of 64 million pounds.
What was the role of trade unions during the war?
Patriotic at first; 1915 Munitions Act banned strikes, but unrest rose by war’s end-by 1917 48 strikes across Britain. Union membership reached 8M by 1921.
What was the Sankey Committee and its outcome?
: Set up in 1919 to assess mine conditions. Found poor wages and long hours. Recommended improvements such as shorter day and better wages -accepted by the gov but nationalisation was rejected
How did the war affect staple industries like steel, coal, and shipping?
: Steel grew 50% during war but demand fell after. Shipping peaked at 2M tonnes/year, dropped to 0.5M after 1918. Coal fell behind Germany and Poland; textiles lost markets to Japan/USA.
What happened to British trade post-war?
USA added tariffs; USSR stopped trading. Trade balance worsened, contributing to rising unemployment
