Capitalism vs Socialism

• 1945 audience vs 1912 setting

  Priestley wrote the play in 1945 but set it in 1912. Therefore, a 1945 audience had just lived through two world wars caused by selfish nationalism. Priestley uses hindsight to criticise capitalist arrogance and promote socialism.
• Growth of the Labour Party and Welfare State

  In 1945, the Labour Party had won the election by a landslide. This is significant as the Labour Party demonstrated rejection of selfish capitalist ideologies, enforced community over profit, and it gave hope to both Priestley and a socialist audience. Priestley supports socialist change and the creation of the NHS and welfare system. The Inspector represents these post-war values.
• Capitalism favoured the rich, not the working class

  In 1912, Britain was truly unequal and the wealthy had more power than the poor. Priestley attacks the upper classes who profited off the poor, showing capitalism as exploitative and unjust.