Britain Transformed: Politics- Wartime Coalition And The Post War Labour Government (consensus 1945 Onwards) Flashcards
(26 cards)
What triggered the end of Neville Chamberlain’s premiership in 1940?
The Norway Debate on 7 May 1940 — Chamberlain was accused of incompetence in handling the war. He narrowly won a vote of no confidence but recognised it as a political defeat.
What happened on 9 May 1940 regarding leadership?
Chamberlain attempted to form a new coalition government, but Labour refused to serve under him. Leadership was left between Lord Halifax and Winston Churchill.
Why did Lord Halifax step aside in 1940?
Halifax felt he was not the right man to lead during wartime, partly due to his reluctance for direct leadership and opposition to continuing the war, leaving the path clear for Churchill.
When did Churchill become Prime Minister and what major event occurred the same day?
10 May 1940 — Churchill became PM as Germany invaded France.
What was the composition of Churchill’s wartime cabinet?
A coalition including Conservative, Labour (mainly right and centre), and Liberal politicians.
What did Churchill say in his first speech as PM on 13 May 1940?
Offered only “blood, toil, tears and sweat,” acknowledging the dire situation.
What major crisis occurred at the end of May 1940?
British troops were trapped at Dunkirk awaiting evacuation. Halifax proposed peace talks with Germany, which Churchill opposed, saying Britain would become a “slave state.”
How long did Churchill’s wartime cabinet last?
Until the end of the war in Europe — May 1945.
What is ‘consensus politics’?
Post-war agreement between the main parties on key principles for running the country.
What were the key features of consensus politics?
-Full employment (even if it meant some inflation)
-Mixed economy with nationalised key industries
-Welfare state and NHS
-Cooperation with trade unions on wages and prices
What were the ideological positions of consensus politics?
Economically moderate-left (e.g., welfare, nationalisation), but foreign/defence policy leaned right (Cold War confrontation and nuclear weapons).
When did Labour leave the wartime coalition?
May 1945
When was the 1945 General Election held and what was Churchill’s strategy?
July 1945 — Churchill focused heavily on foreign policy and warned that Labour reforms would require a “Gestapo.”
What did Labour’s 1945 manifesto promise?
Titled ‘Let Us Face the Future’, it promised housing, jobs, NHS, and social security — popular due to wartime destruction.
What was the result of the 1945 election?
Labour won a landslide — 393 seats.
Who led the Labour government from 1945–51?
Clement Attlee
What were the major social reforms passed by Labour (1945–51)?
-NHS (1948)
-National Insurance Act (1946)
-National Assistance Act
-Housing Act (1949)
-Butler Education Act (1944 — implemented by Labour)
What happened in the 1950 general election?
Labour won again, but with a reduced majority of 5 seats — despite getting 1.5 million more votes than the Conservatives.
What impact did the 1949 Redistribution of Seats Act have on Labour?
Redrew constituency boundaries, reducing the number of Labour ‘safe’ seats.
How did changing class identities affect Labour’s support?
Fewer voters identified as working class (78% in 1931 to 72% in 1951); rising living standards made some feel less aligned with Labour or trade unions.
Why was rationing a problem for Labour after 1945?
Continued food and fuel rationing caused discontent — bread was even rationed during peacetime, which it wasn’t during the war.
What economic issues hurt Labour’s popularity?
-Continued austerity
-45% standard tax rate (9 shillings/pound in 1949)
-90% marginal tax rate for top earners
How did ministerial changes weaken Attlee’s government post-1950?
-Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin died
-Chancellor Sir Stafford Cripps resigned due to illness
-Attlee lost two top ministers within 6 months
-Party split over budget cuts and direction
How did the Korean War affect Labour in 1950–51?
-Increased military spending
-Austerity budget introduced by Gaitskell
-NHS prescription charges introduced
-Aneurin Bevan resigned in protest, causing party division
