4: Conservative domination 1951–1964

When was the conservative victory?

1951

What are the main reasons for the conservative success in '51?

conservative strengths,
labour weaknesses,
first past the post system

Why did the FPTP system provide disproportional results for the 1951 election?

The Labour Party won more votes (13,9 million but Conservatives won 13,7 million)

However the conservatives won 30 more seats

130,000 MORE VOTES

How do we know the liberal party was in decline?

fell from 2.6 million in 1945 to 730,000 1951

Why can it be argued that the conservative electoral success is NOT down to labour's wrong behaviour?

Their popular vote inclined by 2 million votes since 1945

What acronym can be used to describe the reasons for the electoral success in 51?

TORIESACE

T-Tory Acceptance of the welfare state

O- Oil crisis

R- Reorganisation of the Tory party

I- illness and fatigue of labour

s- splits with the labour party

a- austerity and rationing

c- constituency changing

e- electoral shift from labour.

Tory acceptance of the welfare state?

The tories maintained several key socialist policies introduced under Labour (including the NHS)- which was greatly popular.

The one-nation conservatives said they were committed to keeping these reforms.

Oil crisis?

in the 1950s the Iranian government nationalised the oil refinery at Abadan- the British government held the majority of shares and yet they did nothing.

HUGE FAILURE FOR THE ATLEE GOVERNMENT.

Reorganisation of the tory party?

Lord Woolton reorganised the party's finances and local organisations during the Labour gov in order to rebrand itself and seem strong.

The change made them seem attractive towards the 'ordinary man' not just the wealthy.

The party included younger, more attractive politicians who brought in new ideas.

Who was an example of a new politician joining the conservatives, making them seem new?

Reginald Maulding.

Illness and fatigue of Labour?

Serious divisions (welfare, economic and foreign policies (Korean War)).- this was emphasised in 1950 election (majority of 5 seats).

Many key popular members of the party had left over internal divisions

Atlee was ill- unattractive leader.

Labour had been slow to respond to the unions'.

Oil crisis- Iranian government

economic devaluation

Korean war

austerity

Which popular Labour politicians left the party during Atlee's government?

Beven (set up NHS)- divisions over eye prescription, dental treatment- he saw this under the NHSs care

Wilson.

Economic devaluation?

Labour devalued the £, which boosted British exports- its aim was to balance the payments problems, which tended to make it difficult for governments to defend the pound without heavy drains on reserves

These problems were enhanced once Labour brought Britain into the Korean War 1950

LABOUR FAILURE

Splits within the labour government?

mainly seen the imposition of charges for dental treatment, prescriptions and glasses

Divisons were enhanced when the labour had a narrow majority in the 1950 election- 5 seat majority in the 1950 election

LABOUR FAILURE

THE SPLITS WAS HIGHLIGHTED- conservatives were united over their opposition to steel and iron nationalisation

Austerity and Rationing?

Labour implemented various unpopular reforms such as, high taxes and rationing during a time of austerity

- people associated Labour with this austerity.

Conservatives promised 'red meat' and labour saving products- more goods

'feel good factor'

MIX BETWEEN LABOUR WEAKNESS AND CONSERVATIVE STRENGHT

Constituency changes?

1948 Representation of the People Act

there were boundary changes which made it harder for labour governments to find enough popular votes for seats (2% more)

Electoral shift from labour?

due to the FPTP's traits- Labour had won more than 130,000 votes than conservatives but almost 30 less seats.

What is austerity?

the application of policies to reduce consumption, typically by cutting government spending, raising taxes, and restricting wages

Despite the reasons in TORIESACE, what additional reasons explain the 1951 result?

- Churchill's leadership. He was celebrated as a heroic war leader who saved the country from the evil nazis.

- the decline in the liberal party. their votes fell from 2.6 million to 730,000- many of these former liberals were now voting conservatives- this helped them win in the Labour marginal seats- especially heightened due the to the Representation of People Act 1948- Labour needed 2% more.

What are the reasons why the conservatives were able to dominate from 51 to 64?

- incline in living standards.

-conservative success

- labour weaknesses.

What was the principle reason for the incline in living standards in the period?

the economic growth.

What is the evidence that shows that the economy was not performing as well as it could?

• Britain's share of world trade fell from 25% to 15% by 1964.

• UK economic growth was slower than that of Western Europe and Japan.

• High levels of defence spending reduced funds available for domestic investment.

• 34% of research and development spending was directed toward defence rather than industry, so govt failed to modernise traditional industries.

• The government prioritised overseas investment and maintaining the sterling area over industrial growth.

• Britain failed to join the European Economic Community (EEC) early on.

• The Marshall Plan helped rebuild European competitors, increasing competition for Britain.

Which nations adopted a pacifist constitution after the WW1?

France, italy and germany.

How much did defence contribute to Britain's GDP?

10%

Compare Britain's growth rate from 1951-64 with other nations?

• Britain: 2.3% average annual growth

• Italy: 5.6%

• West Germany: 5.1%

This shows that Britain was growing significantly more slowly than its European counterparts.

What were the two main reasons for the rise of living standards during the period?

• Wages rose faster than prices, increasing people's real income and purchasing power.

• Chancellors cut income tax before the 1955 and 1959 elections, boosting disposable income and creating a 'feel-good factor'.

How much did the average wage rise during the period?

- £8.30 in 1951 to £18 in 1964.

What evidence can you use to argue people had a feel good factor?

• Car ownership increased by 500%, giving people greater mobility and independence.

• Television ownership rose from 4% to 91%, especially boosted by the Queen's Coronation in 1953, which symbolised national pride and modernity.

• Ownership of labour-saving devices (e.g. washing machines, fridges) increased, improving quality of life and domestic convenience.

How did credit during the period help incline the living standards?

Credit became more available, letting people borrow money and pay in small monthly instalments over several years, making expensive goods more affordable.

What is the impact of the incline in credit availability?

People had more access to money, thus the 'feel good factor'- people were going on foreign holidays

what gov policy helped ordinary people pay for expensive things, additional to credit?

Hire purchase — it allowed people to buy pricey goods by paying in regular instalments over time.

Which policies under Labour were continued through the conservative domination?

• Maintaining full employment alongside economic growth.

• Expanding the welfare state.

• Keeping Britain’s large military defence commitments (about 10% of government spending), including involvement in the Korean War.

• Developing and funding a nuclear weapons programme (with around 37% of funds spent on defence).

• Using Keynesian economic policies to manage the economy.

• Continuing nationalisation of key industries.

• Supporting the welfare state and the NHS (National Health Service).

• Building new homes to replace those destroyed in the war, including creating new towns such as Stevenage.

What policies under Labour did the conservatives change during their domination?

• Steel industry denationalised because it was making a profit (reversing Labour’s nationalisation).

• Rationing ended under the Conservatives, continuing post-war austerity policies to phase out.

• The Conservatives committed to building 300,000 houses a year, increasing Labour’s target of 200,000.

• Britain detonated its first atomic bomb in 1952, with Conservatives showing a stronger focus on military and nuclear development than Labour.

When did the Korea war end?

1953

Housing under the conservative domination?

• Conservatives aimed to build 300,000 new houses per year, higher than Labour’s target of 200,000.

• In 1954, they surpassed this goal, building 354,000 houses that year.

• Over their time in office, they built approximately 1.7 million new homes.

• The 1957 Rent Act had a significant impact, loosening rent controls and encouraging private investment in housing.

• Homeownership increased substantially, rising from 25% in 1951 to 44% in 1964.

What was the 1957 Rent Act?

• It abolished rent controls, allowing landlords to charge market rents.

• This helped increase the availability of rental housing and reduced waiting lists.

• However, it also caused rents to rise, making it harder for some tenants to afford housing.

What was the impact of the improving housing situation during the period?

• The government took credit for the housing improvements, such as building more homes and increasing homeownership.

• Because of these improvements, middle-class and upper-working-class voters, who might have traditionally supported Labour, had less reason to switch their support.

• This helped the Conservatives maintain support among these groups during their time in power.

BEST WORD TO DESCRIBE ECONOMY DURING THE PERIOD?

prosperous - economic stability

Who was R.A Butler?

• R.A. Butler was an influential Conservative politician.

• His policies were similar to Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell’s, reflecting the post-war consensus (Butskellism).

• He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1951 to 1954.

• Later, he became Deputy Prime Minister and also served as Foreign Secretary for part of his career.

How much did GDP rise in the period?

16% in 1951 to 19%.

What was the 'industrial charter' and how does it reflect post-war consensus thinking?

Butler and his colleagues accepted that Britain should operate a mixed economy, containing both private industry (steel) and state directed concerns (NHS), in which TUs would have a legitimatise and respected role to play.

Which labour aims did Butler continue to promote?

- trying to maintain full employment while at the same time achieving economic growth.

- expanding the welfare state

- Keeping Britain heavily committed to the military defence programme (Korean War)- 10% of GDP and 37% of funds went into defence research.

- developing a nuclear programme.

What term coined Butler's policies that were greatly similar to those of Labour?

Butskellism. - Butler and Gaitskell.

How long did Butskellism economics last

Macmillon

What are the differences between Butler and Gaitskell?

Gaitskell favoured high direct taxation and greater government direction while Butler believed in economic control through use of interest rates.

How did conservatives avoid high inflation or deflation?

they used interest rates and import controls to manage the economy.

if spending or wages rose too rapidly, taxes and interest rates were increased and import controls prevented purchases from abroad.

but if there was a fall in demands for goods, taxes and interest rates were lowered and import controls relaxed..

since the conservatives used interest rates and import controls, to avoid high inflation and deflation, what term was used to describe this economic strategy?

'stop-go' economics

Why was this period described as one of stagflation?

AS A RESULT OF STOP-GO ECONOMICS

where industrial output declined but inflation remained constant - people spent more but less was coming out- focus on british produce - import controls were accelerated if fall for goods.

WHAT WAS THE IMPACT OF STAGFLATION?

BALANCE OF PAYMENT -DEFICIT.

PROBLEM

Why did the balance of payment deficit worsen the recovery and growth?

It slowed it down since the government were determined to clamp down on it.

how did the government try and tackle the payment deficit?

'pay pause'

ESTABLISHMENT of National economic development council (NEDC)

When was the NEDC established?

1962

Despite the government attempts to clamp down on the payment deficits, why was it hard to do so?

the cutting taxes (chancellor cut income tax before the elections) for feel good factor

Which industries did the government invest heavily in, what was the issue?

aircraft, cars and chemicals- however they were pricy and uncompetitive in the export market (import controls and interest rates were controlled to avoid high inflation).

the government did not invest enough into important industries such as textiles and shipbuilding- THIS MADE THE ISSUE OF STAGFLATION DIFFICULT.

AS A RESULT- OTHER NATIONS WERE REBUILDING THEMSELVES QUICKER (E.G. ITALY HAD 5.6% ECONOMIC GROWTH WHILE BRITAIN HAD 2.3%)

Despite stagflation and balance of payment deficit, what were the positive signs of the economy during the period?

the policies surrounding housing (25%-44%) and credit - ALSO NATURAL RECOVERY form both WW2 and Korean War (ending in 1953)- departing from austerity (under Alee).

How did the employment rate FAIL during the period?

367,000 UNEMPLOYED in 1951 to 501,000 UNEMPLOYED in 1964

why was the government able to control inflation but not unemployment?

stop-go economics- control of taxes and interest rates for the inflation.

But it is harder to control unemployment

What was the impact of the economic policies during the period?

-the living standards did not rise for most (however it is unsure whether this is down to gov policy)- unemployment rose

- Many argue that the success of the 'rising of living standards' was centred around the increasing accessibility of credit and heavy government borrowing WHICH IS ECONOMICALLY DANGEROUS.

-long term economic growth could not be possible due to the lack of coherent economic strategy as a result of the cut on income taxes before elections (1955 and 1959) and the stop-go economics.

- as a result, feel good factor improved since none had experienced in prior years - but basis for improvement was far from secure.

What first caused the shift of social policy in Britain?

WW2- blurred social class- this was reinforced by the creation of the welfare state and the post-war consensus. (people owning homes (25%- 44%)

How did social policies under the domination towards the schools reinforce the idea of blurred social class>

the three tier secondary school system reinforced the idea of class divisions.

Comprehensives were pushed under the conservative minister of education. More comprehensives were established in the second-half of the 20th century under conservatives than labour (shows their change).

Robbins report attempted to take the comprehensive principles into higher education - expanding unis and providing larger grants so that students were not deterred by lack of funds.

Who was the minister of education who introduced comprehensives?

Edward Boyle.

When did the Robbins Report release?

1963

What were the impacts of the social policies towards education under the conservatives (Edward Boyle)?

6000 new schools and 11 new unis.

Which social reform was introduced in 1957 which helped modernise the country?

1957 Homicide Act- ending death penalty.

Why had the opportunity towards British citizens improved under the domination?

- more children were going to get education (more comprehensives 6000 new schools). Robbins report helped set up more unis and at a better charge. BETTER EDUCATION=MORE OPPURTUNITY

- creation of a 'property owning democracy'- aided by credit had done the same for adults.

What were the clearest evidence of social tensions during the domination?

The race riots which occurred during 1558- Britain had started to accept more immigrants (becoming a multi-cultural society was hard).

Why was there an incline in immigration rates during the period?

Why were there issues towards them?

after ww2, the country needed rebuilding, labour (cheap) was needed. colonies of the empire were called - THEY HAD BRITAIN CITIZENSHIP (WIND RUSH).

Many of the British made them the scape goats for the country's issues, including the housing and job shortages.

When was the wind rush from west-indies to Britain?

1948

Why did immigrants flock to urban British areas- why is this significant?

HEAVY INDUSTRY AREAS- CHEAP LABOUR

they're mixing with white, poorly-educated workers- TENSIONS

this is where riots happened

FROM 1960-1970, how many immigrants moved to England?

over a million

Where were the most notable race riots 1558-59?

cities

NOTTING HILL - 600 White youths attacked black-owned and rented properties.

TEDDY BOYS

What was the Salmon Inquiry?

The government set this up (Macmillan)- under Lord Salmon which investigated the reasons for the social tensions in 1958.

They made no reference to the racism or discrimination which was endured by the immigrants in the matters surrounding housing.

THEY LIMITED IMMIGRATION AS A RESULT, however many immigrants circumvented this act which fuelled xenophobic feeling from many brits.

Which act, from the salmon report, limited immigrant rates?

The 1962 Commonwealth Immigration Act- ensured immigrants had a skill, job

Despite the race riots, what other social problems did the conservative domination face?

the development of the youth sub-culture

What is a youth subculture?

YOUTH AFTER WW2- BABY BOOM

young People who did not have the same interests and beliefs that did not conform with the majority of their age group- this ended in violence and many fights between 'mods and rockers'= SUMMER 1964.

TEDDY BOYS- richer (feel good factor) but lots unemployed- NEW YOUTH SUB CULTURE. NEW SUB CULTURE. RACIST ATTACKS- RACIAL TENSIONS.

What are the main reasons for the development of youth subculture?

1) many of the youth were benefiting from the greater affluence and had more money available to spend on goods (e.g cars which went up 500%). however those who did not felt disillusioned with the gov and public- they developed a 'sub-culture'

2) more free time- unemployment

2) they had not lived through the horrors of the war- they did not feel this sense of attachment to the traditions and hierarchy of the government.

3) in addition the scandals circling around the party (Profumo e.g.)

when were the elections which affected the conservative domination?

Churchill won in 1951/

Eden won in 1955

Macmillan won in 1959

Douglas Home lost the 1964 election

Winston Churchill

1951-55

He was 77 and this was his second term as PM.

Belated thank you for his heroic war leadership.

He was ill (had a stroke), thus Butler played a key role in the Govs progressions - industrial charter (mixed economy), education act (from 1944- he was concerned about social issues), he was the one who was responsible for the 1955 electoral success. - FEEL GOOD FACTOR

1953 coronation- tv ownership incline to 91%

End of the Korean War in 1953, economy was recovering/ rationing ending. Austerity departing.

Antony Eden

1955-57.

He called an early election in 55 (chancellor cut income tax- feel good)- he had an increased majority- due to the economics of Butler

THE SUEZ CRISIS IN 1956 was his main reason for his short-term in office.

In addition, Eden was ill and old.

Thankfully, the next election was not due till 1959, the Suez crisis might have lost the tories an earlier election.

How much was income tax reduced by for the 1955 election?

2.5p

What happened during the Suez crisis?

1956

the Egyptian leader (Nasser) with the help of the USSR removed British troops from the Suez (a vital routeway to the empire) and nationalised it.

Nasser took control of the anglo-french company that ran the canal.

US tried diplomatic strategies to try and discourage Nasser however this was unsuccessful, Eden was absolutely disgraced.

England and France (who disliked Nasser for his involvement in Algeria) invaded the canal which was unsuccessful and the US (who was ill-informed about this attack) ordered the UK and France to retaliate- humiliating Eden.

The world condemned EDEN led to his resignation 1957.

Macmillan?

1957-1963

he was fortunate since he resided during a time of growing properity and his personal appeal to the electorate also played a crucial role ('super Mac', 'Britain has never had it so good'). The 1959 election was a success for the tories- income tax reduced

Butler and the homicide act 1957 played a key role in his success

YOUTH CULTURE- RACE RIOTS 1959- 1962 COMMONWEALTH IMMIGRATION ACT - tensions1

from 1961, his popularity crumbled (balance of trade deficit was apparent, unemployment rose and the number of days lost to strikes increased).- STAGFLATION

in order to improve the situating he reshuffled the cabinet in 1962 - night of long knives (he went from super Mac to 'Mac the knife')

in 1960, when he called the need to recognise the "wind of change" in regards to independence for African nations. This helped modernise the party.

Nevertheless, his foreign relations worsened the party's image- he was bale to join the EEC in 1963- De Gaulle did not want the EU to "drown in the Atlantic"

Many scandals surrounding his government.

How much was income tax reduced for the 1959 election?

3.75p

What was the tory majority after the 1959 election?

100

What role did Butler have under macmillan?

home sec

How big was unemployment in 1963?

800,000

How many cabinet ministers did Macmillan remove in the 'night of long knives'?

7

Why was Sir Alec Douglas-Home's leadership controversial?

- Many believed Butler or Lord Halisham would take the role. Macmillan did not want Butler as PM.

- It was not democratic, Macmillan chose aristocrat Douglas-Home to be leader- he was out of touch with the ordinary voters. It was done by an 'old boy network'- many Etonians.

Douglas-Home?

1963-64

He was out of touch, aristocratic.

Many conservatives refused to serve under his leadership (old school boy network)- lost popularity within the party as well.

He oversaw the abolition of resale price maintenance and took a tough stance in dealing with the TUs - boosted resentment, unified the Labour Party

Labour were united in their opposition to the old-fashioned party- under the young, Harold Wilson, Labour seemed more attractive

Which scandals surrounded the Conservative party?

Profumo Scandal 1963- John Profumo's liaison with Christine Keeler was a security risk because of her links through prosititution to the Russian Embassy. He not only denied in commons (lied) he also was found out that he had met her at the home of Stephen Ware, an osteopath who treated a number of tory MPs- damaged the party by association.

Kim Philby- senior official at the foreign office and had been passing information to the USSR and recruiting spies for them, he fled to Russia in 1963 to avoid arrest.

What are the principle reasons for the weakness of labour throughout the period?

internal disputes

socialism

nuclear policy

attitudes to europe

the 1959 general election

Why was the Labour Party divided during the period?

Gaitskell was not able to unite the different intra-party factions. Labour MPs were split over how left-leaning the party should be.

The lefts of the party were called Bevanites.

The electorat weren't impressed by this divided party, it gave the impression it could not run a country.

Why did socialism add to Labour's weakness?

Bevanites ordered a far more socialist britain- the post-war reforms under the Beveridge report was just the start.

Bevanites claimed Atlee and Gaitskell's approach was far too moderate for their liking.

Bevanites understood the importance of TUs for their party, thus they ordered that their voices must be heard, whereas those moderates on the party claimed this must be forgotten.

Anthony Crosland (more moderate labour) argued social equality must be achieved but economic reform is not needed to do so. Capitalism, Crosland argued, can cater to the Labour needs. This further distanced those supporting Crosland and the Bevanites.

Clause IV (nationalisation) of the Labour Party also created splits- Bevanites wanted this to be further

What book did Bevan write which highlighted his socialist admiration?

In place of fear 1952

How did nuclear policy weaken the Labour Party?

the left (NOT BEVAN) wanted nuclear disarmament so that more money can be spent on welfare reforms (other Euro countries adopted a pacifist constitution-no militarism).

While those similar to Crosland and Gaitskell believed in armament on nuclear arms. Even Bevan announced his rejection of nuclear disarmamanent in 1957 (party conference).

Nonetheless, Bevan opposed the rearmament of Germany and their enterence into NATO- this was party policy.

The electoral success of the tories in 1959 created much divisions- both sides were attacking one another- Gaitskell blamed the left for their divisions from party policy .

What word best describes the views of the far left, in regards to their rejection of nuclear armament?

unilateralism

When was Bevan removed from the parliamentary party of Labour, and why?

1955- he challenged party policy and created such divides

This happened after Gaitskell successfully won the leadership contest 1955.

Why did the topic of EEC further weaken the Labour Party?

The Labour Party opposed Britain joining the EEC- in 1962 Gaitskell pursued this agenda

SHOWS OLD-FASHIONED WAYS, euro countries were doing well

Why had the 1959 general election weakened Labour?

Unlike the 1955 election where the labour leader was old and ill (dedicated socialist), Gaitskell had become leader and he blamed the defeat on the truly socialist principles of Atlee. However his death in 1963 meant he could never be PM.

Labour initially thought they were going to win the 1959 election since the incumbent government had humiliated the country in Suez. AND THERE WAS A NEW LEADER.

Nevertheless, Macmillan won 100 majority and almost 50% of the vote. The reason for this is the divides within the Labour Party, and how economic recovery was appearing.

Why had The conservatives lost in 1964?

CHASE

Conservative scandal

Harold Wilson

Antiquated image

Stop-go economics

EEC failure.

SOCIAL ISSUES- SUBCULTURE AND RACE RIOTS