Conservative domination 1951-64 Flashcards
(16 cards)
Why did the Tories win the 1951 election?
Labour weaknesses- post war austerity e.g. rationing during the 50s, Bevanite revolt over NHS prescription charges, Attlee and Bevan in office since 1940
Tory strengths- promised 300,000 houses per year and ending austerity, Butler and Maudling younger MPs, Lord Woolton reorganised party post 1945
Electoral system- tories won 321 seats but actually had fewer votes than Labour, boundary changes and first past the post system
1951 election result
321 Tory
295 Labour
What social changes occurred in terms of immigration 1951-64
Significant immigration from Commonwealth- Windrush generation from 1948
Racial tensions -> Notting Hill riots 1958
What social changes occurred in terms of education 1951-64?
Expansion of secondary education under Tripartite system
600 new schools and 11 universities by 1963
What social changes occurred in terms of living standard 1951-64?
Wages rose by 72%
20% homeownership increase from pre-war
500% rise in car ownership
How did Butskellism influence economic policy 1951-64?
Mix of Labour style public spending with Tory tax cuts
Keynesian policies to manage the economy and unemployment (which remained around 2%)
What challenges did the gov’t face economically 51-64?
Persistant balance of payments deficit- £800 million 1961
Inflation led to creation of National Economic Development Council in 1962
Share of world trade tank 25% -> 15%
Stagflation and lack of innovation
Was Churchill an effective leader 51-55?
Effective- supported welfare state, higher quality of life for general population, decline in unemployment
Ineffective- imperialist/racist views were out of touch, progressive reforms such as Housing Repairs and Rents Act 1954 came from Butler, weakened international relations
Was Eden an effective leader 55-57?
Effective- negotiated end to Korean War 1953, increased majority 1955, maintained unity
Ineffective- SUEZ CRISIS 56 goes against UN and US, imperialist views, resigns 3 months after
Was Macmillan an effective leader 57-63?
Effective- majority up to 100 3 years after Suez Crisis, ‘Super Mac’ good media coverage, repairs US relations, negotiates 1963 Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Ineffective- balance of trade deficit, unemployment reaches 800,000, night of the long knives sacks 1/3 of cabinet after Orpington by-election loss
Was Douglas-Home an effective leader 63-64?
Effective- surprisingly close election 1964 against reformed Labour party
Ineffective- Etonian, Scottish aristocrat= out of touch, Powell and Macleod refused to serve under him, Labour win 1964 election
How did the Vassall Affair damage Conservative reputation?
John Vassall worked at British Embassy in Moscow and blackmailed into giving USSR information
Shows lack of government control
How did the Argyll divorce case damage Conservative reputation?
Margaret Campbell was the Duchess of Argyll
During their divorce case, the Duke found polaroids suggestive of her having an affair- the man was unidentified
88 possible candidates, huge public interest
2 government ministers on the list
How did the Profumo Affair damage Conservative reputation?
1963 John Profumo lied about having an affair with Christine Keeler who was linked with a Soviet diplomat, he had to resign
Macmillan criticised for lack of control
Why was Labour weak 1951-64?
Internal divisions- left of the party thought Attlee was too moderate and wanted unilateral nuclear disarmament, divisions over extent of trade union power, party opposed to joining EEC so didn’t look progressive
What shows the decline of the Conservative party before the 1964 election?
Failed attempts to fix balance of trade deficit e.g. NEDC, unemployment reaches 800,000, Super Mac -> Mac the Knife, Charles De Gaulle vetoes EEC application twice
