1945

• [ Class system ] In the early 20th century, there were laws set in place that meant only property owners could vote, such as the Second Reform Act of 1867.

  • However, increased social mobility arose when the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 was introduced.

  All men and women over 21 were permitted to vote.

  • Not only was this a progressive step forward for women's rights, but for the oppressed lower classes as they now had a political vote.
• [ Class system ] The acts to enfranchise (give the right to vote) the lower classes and women showed progression toward the working classes.

  • However, mass prejudices still existed with there still being class segregation existent in society.

  Hence, Priestly aims to highlight the detrimental impacts of class to his 1945 audience through the example of 1912 society: forcing his audience to reflect on how to eliminate this oppressing class divide.
• [ Class system ] Link to the play:

  • The increased social mobility, particularly for women, can be seen through Sheila's development of a voice throughout the play.

  This could symbolise how women had gained a political voice.
• [ Class system ] Link to the play:

  • Although Eva does not have a voice herself, Prieslty constructs the Inspector to speak on behalf of her and the lower classes.

  This could symbolise how the lower classes were not more represented despite the once completely rigid class system.
• [ Politics ] There was one of the biggest electoral swings in the 20th century in 1945.

  • The Labour Party, a newly formed party, won the general election by a landslide victory of around 10%.

  This was the first general election since 1935 and became a shock to the Conservative party who proved popular throughout WW2.
• [ Politics ] The Labour Party's appeal to the public was their strong commitment to the Beveridge Report, placing an emphasis on welfare rights.

  • This led to the establishment of the National Health Service (our now NHS) and social security (insurance, retirement, etc).
• [ Politics ] Polls found that the majority of the British population favoured the report, as post-WW2 society felt the need to be united as opposed to divided due to the devastating loss of lives throughout the war.

  • The Labour Party paved the way for this.
• [ Politics ] The Beveridge Report - it underpinned the need for welfare state for all.
• [ Politics ] Link to play:

  • The electoral swing from capitalism to socialism could be seen to be evident by Sheila and Eric.

  They had a huge swing from capitalism to socialism when introduced to the Inspector.
• [ Politics ] Link to play:

  • The general need for society to be united in society is replicated in Sheila and Eric's understanding that the segregation of classes was not beneficial and needed to be abolished.
• [ Women ] Women's contribution to the war effort, sustaining the home front, was a pivotal turning point for women.

  • They were seen as valuable and important members of society.

  Before, their importance was overlooked.
• [ Women ] Arguably, without the Women's suffrage movement, their rights would have not become permanent.

  • The suffrage moment became more violent and some died as martyrs (a person is killed for their beliefs) for the cause.
• [ Women ] Before WW2, the following laws were passed;

  • 1918 - women over 30 were granted the vote, and women can now stand as MPs.
  • 1923 - the Matrimonial Causes Act - same grounds for divorce by men and women.
  • 1928 - All women gain equal voting rights to men.
• [ Women ] Link to play:

  • The change in 1945 of women being more outspoken in their need for rights may be used by Priestly within the character of Sheila.

  Her uncensored and developed voice may emulate the politics of women at that time.

  • Women were not entirely equal in society; however, a shift was seen in society post WW2 with people treating each other with more humanity and compassion following the devastating loss of life.