1945-51 Government

• What is the political ideology of the right wing?

  It is centred on tradition and maintaining social hierarchy.
• What is the laissez-faire attitude of the right wing?

  It means minimal government intervention in people's lives.
• What is the political ideology of the left wing?

  It focuses on change, innovation, freedom, equality, and reform.
• What does the left wing advocate for in terms of government intervention?

  It wants government intervention to fund welfare projects and redistribute wealth.
• Who served as Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940?

  Neville Chamberlain
• What was Neville Chamberlain known for in his foreign policy?

  He was known for his policy of appeasement towards aggressive powers.
• Why did people support Chamberlain's policy of appeasement?

  They wanted to avoid conflict and were tired of the 1930s Depression.
• What was the Labour Party established for?

  It was established to promote more interventionist policies and rights for working people.
• What are the main characteristics of the Conservative Party?

  Less interventionist, supports free market, and lower taxes.
• Who led the coalition government from 1940 to 1945?

  Winston Churchill
• What is a coalition government?

  A government formed by joining more than one political party.
• Who won the 1945 General Election?

  Clement Atlee and the Labour Party
• What percentage of votes did Labour receive in the 1945 election?

  48%
• How many votes did the Conservative Party receive in the 1945 election?

  1. 8 million votes
• What were some strengths of the Labour Party in the 1945 election?

  They promised to act on the Beveridge Report and create a welfare state.
• What were the weaknesses of the Conservative Party in the 1945 election?

  • Focused on Churchill’s WWII role, which voters wanted to move on from
  • The slogan “Help him finish the job” scared new voters
  • Blamed for the 1930s Depression
  • Failure to stand up to Hitler during the 1930s
  • Misleading comparisons of Labour’s socialism to dictatorships
  • Scary headlines from supportive newspapers about socialism
• Who was Sir William Beveridge?

  He was a British economist and social reformer.
• What was the Beveridge Report published in November 1942 about?

  It was a blueprint for social policy in post-war Britain.
• What inspired Beveridge to address social inequality?

  His work with the charity organization Toynbee Hall in East London.
• What were the Five Giants Beveridge aimed to fight against?

  Idleness, Ignorance, Disease, Squalor, and Want.
• What does "Idleness" refer to in Beveridge's context?

  It refers to lack of jobs and unemployment.
• What does "Ignorance" refer to in Beveridge's context?

  It refers to lack of education.
• What does "Squalor" refer to in Beveridge's context?

  It refers to poor housing conditions.
• What does "Disease" refer to in Beveridge's context?

  It refers to inadequate healthcare provision.
• What does "Want" refer to in Beveridge's context?

  It refers to poverty.
• What was Beveridge's vision for a social programme?

  To create a free national health service for people throughout their lives.
• When was the Beveridge Report published?

  In 1942
• What did the Treasury say about the Five Giants at the time of the Beveridge Report's publication?

  They said the Five Giants were increasing in strength and ferocity.
• What was Beveridge's main plan in the report?

  To create a comprehensive system of social insurance and welfare.
• What did Beveridge propose regarding a national minimum wage?

  It should leave room for voluntary action by individuals to provide more for themselves.
• What was a central aspect of Beveridge's plan?

  A contributory system that entitles the population to various benefits.
• What did Beveridge want to prevent regarding poverty?

  He wanted to prevent the return of poverty experienced during the 1930s Depression.
• What did the Pilgrim Trust's enquiry reveal about long-term unemployment?

  It showed upsetting descriptions of lives affected by poverty and mental disorders.
• What were some effects of unemployment assistance according to the enquiry?

  Families had inadequate meals and lived in poor conditions.
• What concerns did the Cabinet have about the Beveridge Report's proposals?

  They feared how the US would react to bold proposals from a financially low country.
• What was the public's reaction to the Beveridge Report?

  It was very popular, with 95% of people agreeing with it.
• How did Labour change Britain with the Welfare State from 1945 to 1951?

  • Introduced reforms to tackle Beveridge’s Five Giants
  • Established the National Health Service Act (1948) for free healthcare
  • Implemented the National Insurance Act (1946) for financial protection
  • Aimed to ensure well-being of citizens through government responsibility
• What was the National Health Service Act of 1948 aimed at addressing?

  It aimed to provide free healthcare access to citizens.
• Who established the NHS?

  Aneurin Bevan, Labour Minister of Health.
• What was one success of the NHS after its establishment?

  It provided free access to doctors, dentists, and hospitals.