Class, social change & the impact of wars 1918-51

Question 1

Growing sympathy

Answer 1

Common experiences of ordinary soldiers and officers in the trenches.
Translated into more egalitarian political beliefs - basis of PWC.

Question 2

Decline in the upper classes

Answer 2

Death toll among the UC disproportionately high.
1914 - 261 aristocratic sons died, inheritance of wealth/responsibility.
Many forced to pay death duties - had to sell land and stately homes.

Question 3

Greater equality

Answer 3

War resulted in a more democratic society - 1918 ROPA.
Trade Unions gained important concessions - conditions, pay, hours.
Provision of holiday pay 1939.

Question 4

Housing

Answer 4

In 1937 250,000 homes were built.
Number of homeowners grew - 750,000 1920s, 3.5million by 1938.

Question 5

Impact of WW2

Answer 5

Govt mobilised all sections of society.
Labour committed to wholesale reform - a more integrated society.
1945 Britain’s class system remained largely intact.