Churchill Flashcards

1
Q

What years was Churchill PM?

A

1951-1955

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2
Q

What was the election system in the 1951 election?

A

First past the post

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3
Q

Why was the 1951 election significant?

A

Labour received 200,000 more votes meaning that with a different system, Labour would’ve won the election so the system had a huge impact on the result

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4
Q

What did the Conservatives do to help them win the 1951 election?

A
  • they accepted many of Labour’s reforms and promised to develop Labour’s housing programme
  • they had bright, young politicians
  • the party was reorganised and better positioned to fight for seats
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5
Q

How many houses did the Conservatives promise to build?

A

300,000 and they exceeded it

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6
Q

Why was the collapse of Liberal support crucial for the Conservatives win?

A

The Conservatives were able to appeal to former Liberal voters so they were able to increases their vote share

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7
Q

Butskellism

A

When political parties agree on most policies

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8
Q

What term is used to describe consensus in the 1950s?

A

Butskellism

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9
Q

Describe Churchill’s health in 1951

A
  • He was 77
  • He wasn’t in good health and had already had 2 strokes
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10
Q

Who did Churchill appoint and why was this relevant?

A

He appointed: Sir Walter Moncton and Earl Alexander
They were mainly upper class and posh

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11
Q

What was Churchill’s political outlook?

A

Cautious and conciliatory (make less angry) so there was general continuation of Labour’s policies to not cause issues

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12
Q

What was now Churchill’s attitudes towards Trade Unions?

A

His opinions had changed and he was open to co-operate with them and avoid confrontation

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13
Q

Who was Rab Butler?

A

He was the Chancellor of the Exchequer during 1951-55 and many knew him as “the best PM the Conservatives never had”

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14
Q

Describe left vs right wing opinions on reforms

A

Left - see reform as essential in creating a fairer and better society
Right - feel the current system works and reforms might make things worse

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15
Q

Describe left vs right wing opinions on the economy

A

Left - aim to improve society by redistributing wealth and ensure financial equality by increasing tax, providing benefits and nationalise key industries
Right - view financial inequality as good because it provides an incentive to work hard. Lower tax, reduce benefits and privatise industries

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16
Q

Describe left vs right wing attitudes to society

A

Left - see the positives of society and believe people will achieve their best if given the chance and support rehabilitation programmes more
Right - have a cynical view of society and believe human nature is flawed and strong punishments are needed to maintain a civilised society

17
Q

Describe some key developments made when Churchill was PM

A
  • rationing was ended
  • accession of Queen Elizabeth II
  • Britain detonated its first atomic bomb
  • Korean War ended
18
Q

What was Butler’s main job?

A

Domestic policies - He tried to curb the inflation from the economic expansion boom 1952-54 by applying monetary restraint with a savage programme of cuts. He turned debts of £700million into a surplus of £259million

19
Q

What were Labour’s weaknesses at 1951 election?

A
  • worn down by heavy economic and financial difficulties
  • resentment from trade unions at dealing with worker demands
  • serious divisions between left and right
  • Labour has ‘failed the people’