Britain Politics And Economics Flashcards
(52 cards)
What impact did the 1918 and 1928 Representation of the People Acts have on British politics?
The 1918 Act extended the vote to all men over 21 and women over 30, expanding the working-class electorate. In 1928, all women over 21 could vote. These changes helped the Labour Party rise, as they represented working-class interests, culminating in their first government in 1924.
The 1918 Act marked a significant shift in electoral demographics in the UK.
How did the Liberal Party’s internal divisions weaken its political power?
The split between Lloyd George and Asquith during and after WWI fractured the Liberals. Disputes like the Maurice Debate and different views on state power (e.g., DORA) damaged unity. The 1918 Coupon Election showed the decline, with George’s and Asquith’s Liberals failing to gain major support.
Internal strife within the Liberal Party hindered their effectiveness and electoral success.
Why were the Conservatives dominant between 1922–1939?
The Conservatives benefited from Liberal decline and improved organisation, especially with the 1929 Conservative Research Department. They rebranded as ‘One Nation Tories,’ appealing to a broader electorate. Their unity and strong national image helped them navigate crises like the Great Depression.
The rebranding strategy played a crucial role in their electoral success.
What role did extremism play in the political landscape of interwar Britain?
Economic hardship, such as high unemployment and poverty, led to interest in extremism. The BUF (British Union of Fascists) gained attention, especially during events like the Battle of Cable Street (1936). However, they never won seats and were banned in 1940, showing limited political impact.
The rise of extremism reflected societal discontent rather than a significant political movement.
How did economic issues influence political change from 1918 to 1939?
The post-war economy, General Strike (1926), unemployment, and failed recovery policies (e.g., return to the gold standard) created disillusionment. Though Labour introduced welfare policies, they had limited success. Economic instability pushed some toward extremism, highlighting gaps in mainstream politics.
Economic challenges were pivotal in shaping voter sentiment and party strategies.
Why did the Labour Party struggle to win lasting power before WWII?
While Labour gained from the expanded electorate, their association with socialism and the Red Scare of 1925 made them unappealing to many middle-class voters. Their 1924 government was short-lived, and they lacked the unity and experience of the Conservatives during national crises.
The perception of Labour as too radical hindered their broader appeal.
What is economic progress?
Economic progress is the sustained increase in employment, productivity, and welfare.
What happened to the UK economy immediately after WWI in 1919?
The UK experienced a post-war boom and rise in consumerism, improving living standards (e.g. car industry growth).
Why did consumerism indicate economic progress?
Rising real wages and mass production led to cheaper goods (e.g. radios, vacuums), increasing living standards.
What percentage of households owned a radio during the 1930s?
About 75% (9 million households).
Why wasn’t economic progress felt nationally?
Regions dependent on staple industries (e.g. shipbuilding in Jarrow) faced severe unemployment.
What was the Jarrow March?
A 1936 protest where 200 unemployed men (often confused with 600) marched to London to demand jobs after the shipyard closure.
How did car manufacturing show economic progress?
By 1938, car production doubled to 400,000, creating jobs and increasing consumer spending.
How did rearmament impact unemployment?
It reduced unemployment from 13% to 7% by creating jobs in arms production.
Why did the return to the Gold Standard in 1926 hurt the economy?
It overvalued the pound, making exports expensive and reducing international demand — leading to job losses.
What were UK unemployment rates in 1920 vs 1933?
2% in 1920 and 20% in 1933 — showing significant economic decline.
What was the national unemployment rate by the end of 1938?
7%
Overall, did Britain experience economic progress from 1918–1939?
Partially — progress in the South & Midlands (consumerism, car industry), but severe regional decline (e.g. Jarrow) and high national unemployment.
What was Red Friday (1925)?
A victory for trade unions when the government subsidized coal miners’ wages to prevent a strike. Seen as a short-term win for the unions.
Why did Red Friday happen?
Mine owners wanted to cut wages and increase hours. The government gave a £10 million subsidy to delay the crisis and avoid immediate conflict.
What was Black Friday (1921)?
A failure of union solidarity when the railway and transport unions refused to strike in support of the miners, weakening the Triple Alliance.
What were the consequences of Black Friday?
The miners were left to strike alone, lost public support, and were eventually forced to accept worse conditions. It also exposed divisions within the union movement.
What was the General Strike (1926)?
A nine-day national strike by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in support of coal miners against wage cuts and longer hours.
