THEME 1 - government summarised 1918-79 Flashcards
The Attlee Government 1945-51 - his ministry
Attlees ministry:
1945: Succeed Churchill - labour landslide victory in the 45 election was was unexpected
1947: India and pakistan gain independence
1947: First engagement in cold war against soviet communism
1948: creation of NHS
1950: labour majority
1951: called for another election in hope of more majority in hope of pasing legislation easier
1951: attlee gov fell due to economic + politcal problems
The Attlee goverment 1945-51 - what did it nationalise
coal
steel/iron
bank of england
cable
transport
gas/electricity
The attlee government 1945-51
what was the economy built upon?
Economy under labour was built on premise of full-employment - economic growth was accompanied by increased standards of living and as rationing was relaxed quality of life rose dramatically - unemployment was very low though shortages of housing
The conservatives 1951-57
why did churchill win the 1952 election?
- Attlee was exhausted from controlling labour gov after 5 years
- labour party lost one of its most able ministers, BEVIN
- Labour party divded over budget cuts
- Labour chancellor resigned due to ill health
- Conservatives put forward that they would keep the majority of the welfare state whilst returning the country to prosperity
Conservatives 1951-57
Eden’s government 1955-57 summary
- Churchill 1951-55 (stroke 1953)
- Eden - popular - wartime politician - good record as foreign minister
-1955 - Britain’s highest unemployment EVER - 250,000 - Resigned after Suez crisis - Eisenhower threatened to sell US reserves of the pound and collapse of economy after British secret invasion of Suez canal - forced to resign in 1957
Conservatives 1951-57 what was the outcome of the suez crisis
significant reudction in British national power- recognition that Britain could no longer act without US approval
Conservatives 1957 - 64
Why did the conservatives get majority ?
After the Suez spy scandal - Eden resigned and was replaced by Macmillan
Macmillan gov was very polular due to:
- declining social inequality
- low unemployment
- rising living standards
Conservatives 1957 - 64
key events
1) 1959 election - another 100 seats for conservatives
2)economic policy developments - Resignation of chancellor, treasury minister and financial secretary (Enoch Powell) as belief Macmillan gov was spending too much money
3) NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES - Macmillan sacked 7 of his cabinet as many in labour party argued that his gov was too out of touch with public (former etonians) - replaced them with younger men
Labour government 1964-70
Wilsons government
The economy under Harold Wilson - what did he introduce and what was the economy like
- Believed use of economic planning eliminate economic problems
- Introduced Ministry of Economic affairs and Ministry of technology to manage the economy and introduce new tech
- HOWEVER large deficit forced Wilson to devaluate the pound, which did help the economy
- Along with gov intervention in industry increased
- Unemployment generally low but did rise during his time in office
Labour government 1964-70
Wilsons government
What was the trouble with unions?
Although Wilson had introduced policies taht were well recieved with unions such as the TRADE DISPUTE ACT 1965- he made some other changes that were unpopular with union leaders and ended up limiting his ability to advance british industry
- he raised doctors + dentists pay by 30% but only 3-3.5% for other workers
- multiple heavy strikes as a reuslt of pay cuts in atttempt to control inflation
Labour government 1964-70
Wilsons government
what was the impact
Renationalised some parts of UK ecnonomy and helped to stablisie economy depsite what preceded him
Passed many reforming acts (socially and industrially)
Much of his wishes were unable to be fulfilled as a result of country being in a poor economic state and trouble cooperaitng with unions
Edward Heaths government 1970-74 - conservative
The economy under his government:
1970: created manifesto to help shape economy - cuts in spending (council housing subsidies) and increases in taxes (prescription charges)
1970: Abolished the National Board of prices and income which lead to a RISE in inlfation and unemployment (7%)
1972: A.Barber - dash for growth - huge spike of inflation = oil crisis 1973
Edward Heaths government 1970-74 - conservative
what happened with trade unions
passed 1971 industrial relation act: massive Failure - LED TO MINERS STRIKE 1972
1973 miners strike - led to power cuts + 3 day working week
Edward Heaths government 1970-74 - conservative
what was the overall impact
Heath undermined the welfare state and neglected social improvements
serious economic difficulties 1971
damaged economy so much he had to revert back to old ideas
miners strike damaged his reputation and he was not re-elected
Labour government 1974-79
Wilsons government (older poorer health)
describe the third wilson government (1974-76)
- Priority to repeal industrial relations to end union unrest - attempted to return to corporatism by developing ‘social contract’
- ended miner strikes but did not battle inflation
The social contract: repeal Industrial Relations Act 1971 in return for union members accepting voluntary wage restraints
