PWN 3 Britian, Eire and NI after WWII

Question 1

What was the Beveridge report?

Answer 1

A report that led to the introduction of a new Welfare State in Britain.

Question 2

Who was the leader of the Labour government that implemented the Beveridge report?

Answer 2

Clement Atlee

Question 3

What key industries did the Labour government nationalise?

Answer 3

• Coal mines and electricity (1947)
• Railways (1948)
• Iron and steel (1949)

Question 4

Why was the Welfare State introduced in Britain and Northern Ireland?

Answer 4

• The country was almost broke
• Widespread poverty
• Serious diseases like Polio and TB
• Shortage of food and continued rationing
• Families could not afford medical treatment
• Serious housing shortage in NI
• Many houses lacked basic amenities

Question 5

What was the housing situation in Northern Ireland between 1919-1939?

Answer 5

Only 50,000 new houses had been built.

Question 6

What percentage of people in Belfast lived in unfit dwellings?

Answer 6

37%

Question 7

How many houses were classed as totally unfit for living in Belfast?

Answer 7

43,000 houses

Question 8

What impact did the Belfast Blitz have on housing?

Answer 8

Destroyed over 3000 houses and damaged over 50,000.

Question 9

When did the National Health Service come into operation?

Answer 9

July 1948

Question 10

What was one significant impact of the Welfare State in Northern Ireland?

Answer 10

NI enjoyed the same health benefits as the rest of the UK.

Question 11

True or False: The Labour Government in Britain was indifferent to Northern Ireland’s post-war recovery.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The Welfare State was introduced due to widespread _______ in Britain.

Answer 12

poverty

Question 13

What diseases were prevalent due to poverty in Britain and NI?

Answer 13

• Polio
• TB

Question 14

What was a consequence of families having to pay for medical treatment?

Answer 14

Many could not afford medical treatment.

Question 15

What was a major reason for food shortages in post-war Britain?

Answer 15

Most goods were being sold abroad to buy food.

Question 16

What major social benefits were introduced in Northern Ireland between 1945 and 1949?

Answer 16

Family allowance, free medical treatment, prescriptions, National Health Service, National benefits

These initiatives significantly improved health standards in Northern Ireland.

Question 17

What health improvements were seen in Northern Ireland over the next 15 years after the introduction of the Welfare State?

Answer 17

Polio and TB were effectively wiped out

The Welfare State had massive benefits for the people of Northern Ireland.

Question 18

By 1962, what was notable about the death rate in Northern Ireland?

Answer 18

It had the lowest death rate in the UK

This was a significant improvement from having the worst death rate in 1939.

Question 19

What was the housing situation in Northern Ireland post-World War II?

Answer 19

Serious shortage of homes, 37% of homes in Belfast were unfit

A 1944 report recommended that Northern Ireland needed over 100,000 new homes.

Question 20

What initiative was established in 1945 to address the housing shortage in Northern Ireland?

Answer 20

A Housing Trust was set up

This Trust began building homes over the next twenty years using central government money.

Question 21

What were some examples of housing developments initiated by the Housing Trust?

Answer 21

Orlits and Housing Trust estates, e.g., the Woodlands at Gilford

These developments aimed to provide better housing options.

Question 22

What was a significant reform introduced by the 1947 Education Act?

Answer 22

Free secondary education for children

This was the first time free secondary education was introduced.

Question 23

What educational system was established by the 1947 Education Act?

Answer 23

A modern system of primary education to age 11, followed by secondary or grammar schools

The 11+ examination allowed access to grammar schools for children achieving a certain standard.

Question 24

How did the funding for Catholic voluntary schools change after the 1947 Education Act?

Answer 24

Increased to 65%

This funding level was much higher than in England.

Question 25

What economic challenges did the Stormont government face?

Answer 25

Decline in traditional industries such as linen and shipbuilding ## Footnote Efforts were made to improve Northern Ireland's economy in response to these challenges.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The 1947 Education Act introduced the principle of _______.

Answer 26

free secondary education ## Footnote This was a significant milestone in the educational reforms of Northern Ireland.

Question 27

What was the initial reaction of many people in Northern Ireland to the Welfare State?

Answer 27

Reluctance to accept these reforms ## Footnote Initial resistance was due to fears about taxes and loss of professional independence among doctors.

Question 28

What percentage of doctors joined the NHS by 1948?

Answer 28

90% ## Footnote Despite initial fears of losing professional independence.

Question 29

What concerns did the middle and upper classes have regarding the Welfare State?

Answer 29

Increased taxes to pay for it ## Footnote They believed they would bear the financial burden of the reforms.

Question 30

Why did Unionist businessmen oppose nationalisation related to the Welfare State?

Answer 30

Disagreement with nationalisation and its link to the Welfare State ## Footnote They were aligned with conservative economic principles.

Question 31

What political party's links caused opposition from Unionists towards the Welfare State?

Answer 31

Labour Party ## Footnote Unionists were concerned about socialism and its implications for Northern Ireland.

Question 32

What did some Unionists resent regarding Northern Ireland's finances?

Answer 32

Growing dependence on the British Exchequer ## Footnote They were uncomfortable with reliance on Westminster for funding.

Question 33

How did the perception of the Welfare State change over time in Northern Ireland?

Answer 33

Eventually welcomed due to visible benefits like free health care ## Footnote Some costs were covered by Westminster, leading to acceptance.

Question 34

What was the initial concern of Unionists regarding the Labour government elected in 1945?

Answer 34

Fear of Irish Nationalism leading to a United Ireland ## Footnote Unionists had historically aligned with the Conservative Party.

Question 35

What was Labour's stance towards Northern Ireland's strategic importance post-war?

Answer 35

Shared appreciation with Conservatives for its strategic importance ## Footnote They were willing to treat NI more generously than previous governments.

Question 36

What marked the beginning of Northern Ireland's most prosperous years?

Answer 36

Labour victory in 1945 ## Footnote This victory led to more favorable treatment of the province.

Question 37

What did Atlee's government ensure regarding the welfare state?

Answer 37

That the Catholic minority benefited ## Footnote They kept a watchful eye on the implementation of welfare reforms.

Question 38

What severe economic issue did Eire face after WWII?

Answer 38

A severe economic depression ## Footnote This depression was exacerbated by poor weather in 1946-47.

Question 39

What was one consequence of rising unemployment in Eire?

Answer 39

Increased emigration ## Footnote This emigration had a significant impact on the economy.

Question 40

What building material became almost unobtainable in Eire?

Answer 40

Building materials ## Footnote This led to a halt in house construction, unlike in Northern Ireland.

Question 41

What action did Britain take that led to coal shortages in Eire?

Answer 41

Withheld coal imports ## Footnote This resulted in some trains being temporarily converted to oil burning.

Question 42

What severe shortage did Eire experience in 1947?

Answer 42

Fuel shortages ## Footnote This was due to increased demand during the harsh winter.

Question 43

What remained in force in Eire post-war and was extended to include bread in 1947?

Answer 43

Wartime rationing ## Footnote This contributed to further economic difficulties.

Question 44

What economic trend began to rise in Eire during this period?

Answer 44

Inflation ## Footnote This added to the economic challenges faced by the country.

Question 45

What did de Valera announce in January 1947 regarding community supplies?

Answer 45

They were worse than at any time since 1939 ## Footnote This highlighted the severity of the economic situation.

Question 46

How did the Welfare State in Northern Ireland compare to Eire?

Answer 46

It offered benefits that Eire lacked, especially the NHS ## Footnote This contributed to the unpopularity of the Fianna Fail government.

Question 47

What was the outcome for the Fianna Fail government in 1948?

Answer 47

They lost the general election ## Footnote This was the first loss since 1932.

Question 48

What political development occurred due to the government's inability to solve the emergency?

Answer 48

Creation of new political parties ## Footnote An example is Clann na Poblachta, formed in 1946.

Question 49

What was the composition of the new coalition government in Eire in 1948?

Answer 49

A range of parties, with Fine Gael as the largest ## Footnote John Costello from Fine Gael became Prime Minister.

Question 50

What was one of the policies introduced by the new government to modernize the Irish economy?

Answer 50

Establishment of the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) in 1949 ## Footnote Its purpose was to revitalize the Irish economy.

Question 51

What organization was set up to increase trade with the USA?

Answer 51

An unspecified organization ## Footnote This was part of the government's efforts to improve the economy.

Question 52

What was the result of the house-building program initiated by the new government?

Answer 52

12,000 new houses a year ## Footnote This helped address housing shortages.

Question 53

What agreement was signed with Britain in 1948?

Answer 53

A trade agreement ## Footnote This improved profit margins for Irish agricultural exports.

Question 54

What was the overall effect of the government's measures on the Irish economy?

Answer 54

The economy entered a period of growth ## Footnote However, long-term economic planning was lacking.

Question 55

What was a major failure of the government despite the economic measures taken?

Answer 55

Failure to start long-term economic planning ## Footnote This hindered faster economic development.

Question 56

What was the impact of the immediate post-war period on relations between Britain and Eire?

Answer 56

Relations were very poor, affecting Eire's economy ## Footnote The post-war context created significant economic challenges for Eire due to strained relations.

Question 57

What was the goal of the new Inter-Party government regarding Eire's relationship with Britain?

Answer 57

To redefine the relationship between Eire and Britain ## Footnote The government sought to clarify and improve diplomatic relations.

Question 58

What did the Inter-Party government believe about the 1937 constitution?

Answer 58

It made Eire a republic in all but name ## Footnote The constitution left the status of Eire's relationship with Britain ambiguous.

Question 59

What significant action did the Declaration of the Republic of Ireland Act take?

Answer 59

Clarified Eire's relation with Britain ## Footnote The Act aimed to formalize Eire's status as a republic.

Question 60

When was Eire declared a Republic?

Answer 60

Easter Monday 1949 ## Footnote This date marks the formal establishment of Eire as a republic.

Question 61

How did Britain react to Eire's declaration of a Republic and withdrawal from the Commonwealth?

Answer 61

The event was accepted with remarkable calm ## Footnote This calmness was partly influenced by Canada's and Australia's attitudes.

Question 62

What view did Canada and Australia press regarding Eire's withdrawal from the Commonwealth?

Answer 62

That it should not affect the relationship with Britain ## Footnote Their stance helped to mitigate potential negative reactions.

Question 63

How did Britain choose to regard the Irish Republic after the declaration?

Answer 63

As a friendly neighbour, not a foreign state ## Footnote This indicates a desire for continued amicable relations.

Question 64

What favoured trading status was given to Eire after the Declaration?

Answer 64

Passports were not required for travel between Britain and Eire ## Footnote This facilitated easier movement and trade.

Question 65

What voting rights were established between the UK and Eire?

Answer 65

People had voting rights in each other's elections ## Footnote This allowed for greater political engagement across the border.

Question 66

What was not needed for workers traveling from either country?

Answer 66

Work permits ## Footnote This policy encouraged labor mobility between the two nations.

Question 67

What rights did Irish workers living in Britain have?

Answer 67

They could vote in British elections ## Footnote This reflects the interconnectedness of the two countries' populations.

Question 68

What was guaranteed regarding the status of Northern Ireland?

Answer 68

Its status as part of the UK was guaranteed ## Footnote This assurance was important for Unionist sentiments.

Question 69

How did Unionists in Northern Ireland react to the declaration of a Republic?

Answer 69

They felt threatened by the declaration ## Footnote This was linked to fears of ending partition.

Question 70

What action did Unionist PM Brooke take in response to the declaration?

Answer 70

Called an election to demonstrate support for partition ## Footnote This was a strategic move to solidify Unionist power.

Question 71

What did the Inter-Party government press for regarding partition?

Answer 71

An end to Partition with guarantees for Unionists ## Footnote This was met with resistance from Unionist leaders.

Question 72

What was Brooke's declaration regarding Ulster?

Answer 72

'Ulster is not for sale' ## Footnote This statement highlighted Unionist determination to maintain partition.

Question 73

What did Nationalists demand concerning representation in the Dail?

Answer 73

The right to sit in the Dail ## Footnote This demand was aimed at ensuring Northern Ireland's representation.

Question 74

Was the demand for Nationalists to sit in the Dail accepted?

Answer 74

No, it was refused ## Footnote This refusal underscored ongoing tensions between Nationalists and Unionists.

Question 75

What did some individuals feel about the declaration of a Republic for the 26 counties?

Answer 75

They felt abandoned and resented the declaration ## Footnote This sentiment was particularly strong among those who identified with the unionist perspective.

Question 76

What name did some continue to use instead of the Irish Republic?

Answer 76

Irish Free State ## Footnote They argued that the term Irish Republic should be reserved for a 32 county republic.

Question 77

Which organization represented the nationalists urging for a united Ireland?

Answer 77

Anti-Partition League ## Footnote This league actively campaigned for the end of partition and the reunification of Ireland.

Question 78

How much money did some Eire politicians raise to support anti-partition candidates?

Answer 78

£50,000 ## Footnote This financial support aroused great anger among unionists.

Question 79

What was the outcome of the election regarding the seats for unionists and nationalists?

Answer 79

An increase in the number of seats for both ## Footnote This reflected a somewhat balanced political landscape despite tensions.

Question 80

What was the general sentiment of most people in the Republic regarding the declaration?

Answer 80

Satisfied as it ended the last ties of the 1921 Treaty ## Footnote This satisfaction was linked to a desire for full independence.

Question 81

What significant decision did the Republic make regarding NATO in 1949?

Answer 81

Declined to join NATO ## Footnote This decision was based on the grounds that it would compromise neutrality and recognize the partition of Ireland.

Question 82

What did the Ireland Act of June 1949 state about partition?

Answer 82

Could not be ended without the approval of the NI government ## Footnote This was a direct response to the declaration of the Republic.

Question 83

What was the concern of unionists regarding the Declaration of the Republic?

Answer 83

It would threaten the constitutional position of Northern Ireland ## Footnote Unionists felt their status within the UK was at risk.

Question 84

What event in 1949 reinforced unionist satisfaction?

Answer 84

Royal visit to Belfast ## Footnote This visit symbolized the ties between Northern Ireland and London.

Question 85

How did NI nationalists feel after the 1949 election?

Answer 85

More isolated ## Footnote Their hopes for Irish unity were diminished.

Question 86

What was the British Labour government's stance on Stormont after the 1949 election?

Answer 86

Firm declaration of support ## Footnote This support dashed hopes for Irish unity among nationalists.

Question 87

Why was the Dublin government angry regarding Britain's guarantees to the NI government?

Answer 87

Strong guarantee given by Britain ## Footnote This was seen as a lack of consultation with Dublin regarding the Republic's declaration.

Question 88

What was Atlee's perspective on giving guarantees to the North?

Answer 88

He felt free to give guarantees because Dublin had not consulted him ## Footnote This highlights the contentious relationship between the British government and the Dublin government.