1. A Changing Political Landscape & Responding to Economic Challenges

Chamberlain's Resignation

Chamberlain resigned as PM on 10 May 1940 after losing support following a failed military expedition to Norway.

Appeasement Policy

Chamberlain is associated with the policy of appeasement of Hitler, attempting to prevent war through negotiations.

Munich Agreement

The Munich Agreement of September 1938 granted nearly all of Hitler's demands, allowing him to annex the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia.

Vote of No Confidence

Chamberlain faced a parliamentary vote of no confidence due to frustration from opposition MPs and his government.

Churchill's Wartime Coalition

Churchill's wartime cabinet was a political partnership of Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal politicians.

Grand Strategy

Churchill concerned himself with the ‘Grand Strategy’ during the war while the home front was dominated by Labour leaders.

Beveridge Report

Published in December 1943, it proposed the establishment of a welfare state eliminating the 'five giants': Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor, and Idleness.

Managed Economy

A wartime economy where the government intervened in people's lives to achieve total war through measures like rationing and conscription.

Lend-Lease Agreement

An agreement where the USA would supply Britain with resources during WWII in exchange for payment after the war.

Keynesian Economics

The economic theory suggesting that governments should borrow and spend during hard times to stimulate recovery.

Essential Work Orders

Issued by the government, forcing people to take specific jobs deemed necessary for the war effort.

Bevin Boys

22,000 young men conscripted by Ernest Bevin to work in coal mines during the war.

Military Expenditure

Increased from 15% of national income in 1939 to 51% in 1945 due to wartime efforts.

British Aircraft Production

Britain produced 15,000 aircraft in 1940, increasing to 47,000 by 1944 due to centralized war production.

Economic Aid from USA

The USA provided significant economic aid through the Lend-Lease Agreement, helping sustain Britain during the war.

Public Call for Rationing

Rationing was initially accepted by 60% of people based on a Gallup Poll conducted in early 1940.

Labour Big Three

Refers to Attlee, Bevin, and Morrison, who dominated the home front during Churchill’s wartime leadership.

'Dig for Victory' Campaign

A public initiative encouraging citizens to grow their own food during wartime to support the war effort.

Shortcomings of Wartime Economy

Despite increases in production, failures included strikes, outdated machinery, and inefficiencies leading to a reliance on US imports.

Wartime Strikes

Despite being illegal during the war, there were increasing strike actions, especially in 1944-45, often for petty reasons.

Significant Losses in Shipping

18 million tons of British shipping were lost during the war, significantly impacting their supply lines.