interwar sources

Question 1

what are the sources for this topic?

Answer 1

1. Stanley Baldwin, ‘Our national character’, The Listener (4 Oct., 1933)
2. Stanley Baldwin’s appeal for support for the National Government (1931)

Question 2

what is the context of ‘Our National Character’?

Answer 2

• Stanley Baldwin: 1867-1947; Conservative PM three times (1923-24/1924-29/1935-37); dominated govt in inter-war period
• published in 1933 during rise of European political extremism
• aimed to affirm British traditional values and stability in contrast
• part of his broader effort to defend parliamentary democracy and moderate Conservatism
• radio broadcast - highly visible to public and strengthened appeal

Question 3

what are the key themes and arguments for ‘our national character’?

Answer 3

• moderation and restraint: political and social change gradual not revolutionary - English people are quiet and avoid extremes
• moral character and duty: personal responsibility, self-discipline, moral uprightness - echoes of Victorian values
• ruralism and simplicity: root of national strength in countryside life; rural England a stable moral anchor against urban chaos or radicalism which are alien to true English spirit
• continuity and tradition: monarchy, parliament, church have guided nation through change without revolution
• national unity and identity: seeks to unify people by incoking shared values and history - Englishness is calm, orderly, and collectively grounded - ideal for difficult times

Question 4

what is the analysis for ‘our national character’?

Answer 4

• Baldwin uses idealised national traits to justify Tory politics - organic, moral, anti-radical
• uses political culture to explain rejection of extremist movements - they are un-English which contrasts unstable Europe
• uses the radio which helps shape public opinion and reinforce national identity in 20th century
• counter: idealises English character and ignores class divisions, empire, and dissent

Question 5

what is the context for his appeal for national govt support?

Answer 5

• film made during 1931 General Election campaign showing Baldwin directly addressing voters
• Britain was facing economic crisis: unemployment, falling exports, pressure on Gold Standard
• National Government: cross-party coalition had just formed to tackle emergency - Conservatives, Liberals, Labour (Labour split as they were also opposition)
• Baldwin was leader of Conservatives so was a key supporter and public face of coalition

Question 6

what are the key themes and arguments for his appeal for national govt support?

Answer 6

• national emergency: future destinies of country and empire rests on them - grave crises which requires voters’ duty, sacrifice, patriotism
• promotes National Government as above party - pragmatic and focussed on national interest
  
  • national govt led by PM MacDonald - he put country before party
  • should support leaders of 3 parties who have joined together to bring forward “international reconciliation and national reconstruction”
• uses calm and reassuring language to invoke trust to reassure the public - national govt if the moral choice in a moment of anxiety
• Labour socialists brought country to edge of ruin then ran away - no courage to face up to crises - Henderson’s socialists
  
  • wrecked financial stability of country which affected all classes
  • voting for them would bring catastrophe
• economic stability: emphasises need for fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and restoring confidence - especially to preserve credit and currency, aim to rescue agriculture
• contrast with extremism: implicitly positions NG as the moderate alternative to political extremism or Labour’s supposed economic recklessness

Question 7

what is the analysis for his appeal for national govt support?

Answer 7

• Baldwin champions order, continuity, and stability using crisis to justify cross-party conservative pragmatism
• he taps into fear of chaos and longing for stability using language of unity - can help explain why NG won a landslide
• marginalises Labour by presenting it as ideologically rigid and unable to cope with crisis
• reflects British suspicion of ideology and preference for gradual, moderate leadership during instability