Labour 5 Giants Flashcards
(26 cards)
What was the main reason the Labour government came to power in 1945?
A desire for collective rebuilding after WWII and support for the Beveridge Report’s ideas.
What were the five ‘giants’ identified in the Beveridge Report?
Want, disease, idleness, squalor, ignorance.
What act addressed the giant of ‘want’ in 1946?
The National Insurance Act.
What did the National Insurance Act (1946) provide?
Sickness, unemployment, old age, widows’ and orphans’ benefits through a contributory scheme.
What was a limitation of the National Insurance Act for older workers?
Required 10 years of contributions, disadvantaging those close to retirement.
What act supported those injured at work?
The Industrial Injuries Act (1946).
Why was the Industrial Injuries Act significant?
It provided higher-rate benefits for workplace injuries, funded by the government.
What did Pat Thane say about the social security reforms?
They especially helped previously excluded groups like women and the lower-middle class.
Which act introduced the NHS?
The National Health Service Act (1946).
What services did the NHS initially offer for free?
Medical, dental, optical, hospital care, and prescriptions.
What statistic shows the early impact of the NHS?
13.5 million prescriptions per month in its first year.
What was a major drawback of the NHS by 1950?
Costs rose to £358 million, leading to charges for some services.
What did Birch call the NHS?
“The greatest single achievement of the welfare state.”
What act aimed to solve housing issues post-WWII?
The New Towns Act (1946).
How many homes did Labour aim to build annually under the New Towns Act?
200,000 homes per year.
What was a major failure of Labour’s housing policy?
By 1951, homelessness was worse than in 1931.
Despite housing struggles, how did historians assess Labour’s housing efforts?
Positive, considering post-war challenges.
What act aimed to reduce ‘ignorance’?
The Education Act (1944).
What did the Education Act introduce?
Free, compulsory education to age 15, school meals, medical care, and the 11+ exam.
How did the 11+ exam reinforce inequality?
It often tracked working-class children into less respected schools and unskilled work.
What educational achievement occurred by 1950?
Over 1,000 new schools were built.
How did Labour aim to tackle ‘idleness’?
Through nationalisation of key industries.
What were the benefits of nationalisation for employment?
Unemployment fell to 2.5%; real wages increased by 20%.
What was a long-term issue with nationalised industries?
They became inefficient due to lack of competition.
