Class and Liberal Society (1918-1979) Flashcards
(38 cards)
Define the working class.
Manual labourers in factories, mines, docks, railways – lived in tight-knit communities.
Define the lower middle class.
Semi-skilled clerical workers, small business owners. Owned their houses.
Define the middle class.
Professionals such as doctors, lawyers, bankers, civil servants.
Define the upper class.
People who had inherited wealth, land and titles. It’s represented in the House of Lords and supported by the Conservative Party.
Name an another way class could be determined.
By socio-cultural aspirations ie. Dress, leisure pursuits, choice of newspaper.
There were a few challenges to the ______ ___ before WWI, but this changed dramatically after the two World Wars.
status quo
How were those in the upper classes, who held the positions of power, were treated with deference by those in the lower classes?
Those in power were trusted to lead the country’s institutions.
- What impact did the First World War have on the decline of the upper-class?
Most upper-class men in the war were given high positions like serving as an officer and were expected to lead. This took a toll on their lives, increasing the mortality rate seeing as 12.9% of men died in the war. Many aristocrats were forced to sell of their mansions after WW1, which meant it was easy for upper middle-class members to effect upper class identity. Increase income tax and death duties (often paid twice).
- How much land did the gentry sell off between 1918 and 1920?
Almost 1/4
What percentage of the gentry were “landless” by 1951?
1/3 of the 4,000-gentry listed in Burkes Landed were landless which increased to half in 1951.
What was the “new upper-class” based on and why?
How did the political power of the upper-class change?
They lost their exclusive grip on political power so there was a decline of landed-elite power in the House of Commons because of the middle/ working class nature of MP’s and the rise of the Liberal party. Previously in 1910, wealthy landowner made up 40 % of the Mp’s but this fell to around 5 % by 1945.
What decreased the level of deference from the lower-classes to the upper-class?
Houses that couldn’t be afforded by the upper class were bought of donated by the National Trust. The 1937 Country house scheme allowed families to live safely in their home for up to two generations if they transferred ownership to the National trust and opened the house up to the public for at least 60 days a year. It allowed owners to avoid paying hefty death duties when passing on a property within a family. Increasing popularity in the interest of country homes lead to many people paying entry fees and helped preserve the landed elite.
What is the National Trust and how did it affect the upper-class?
It was an organisation established in 1895 to preserve and protect historic houses and landscapes for the benefit of the nation. The upper-class were effect in the sense that they had less access to land.
What fear did the lower middle-class have following the First World War?
The erosion of the material privileges that distinguished them from the working class.
Why were the “strike-breakers” during the 1926 General Strike enthusiastic about their work?
They blamed the increased strength of trade unions for increasing wages and prices even though inflation was the reason for strains on wartime economy.
In what areas did the middle-class grow between 1918 and 1951?
An increase in home ownership.
What became a defining characteristic of the middle-class during this period?
They were neither the ‘ruling’ class or manual workers, as well as home ownership and Rotary or golf clubs.
What two debates are there over the impact of the Second World War on the working-class?
Arthur Marwick said there was profound and lasting change, especially psychologically, but Paul Addison argues there was only modest change.
What three sections was the working-class divided into?
Labour aristocracy (skilled workers), unskilled labourers, the destitute and the criminal undercuts.
Why was there a lack of working-class protest in the 1920’s?
The trade unions provided support through the war effort.
Why did working-class men come off relatively lightly during the First World War?
The trade unions provided support through the war effort.
Why did working-class men come off relatively lightly during the First World War?
Most working-class men were not deemed fit enough to go to war, they were typically malnourished and sickly.
How did WW1 impact the working class?
Some welfare introduced. There was a rise in trade unions.
