9. The second half of the 20th century: From Welfare State to Thatcherism. The decline of Britain on the international scene.

welfare state

• a system in which the government takes responsibility for the social and economic well-being of its citizens by providing various forms of support and services

idea of wallfare state:

everyone pays taxes, and in return, the state guarantees suppor

wellfare state wanted to defeat:

• poverty

• ill health

• lack of education

• poor housing

• unemployment

Age of Affluence:

• 1950s and 1960s

• Economic growth, rising living standards, and full employment

Defence cuts

• in 1957

• Conservatives reduced armed forces and traditional weapons.

• Shifted focus to nuclear deterrence (cheaper than maintaining a large conventional army).

devaluation of the pound

• in 1967

• to address trade deficit and economic weakness

labour party paved way for thatcherism bc of:

• defence cuts

• devaluation of the Pound

• economic crisis

Thatcher Introduced neoliberal economic reforms:

• Privatisation of state-owned industries (e.g. British Telecom, British Gas)

• Reduced power of trade unions

• Cut welfare spending and promoted individual responsibility

• Deregulation of finance (led to the City of London boom in the 1980s)

Impact of Thatcherism:

• Revived parts of the economy, especially finance and services.

• But also:

  • High unemployment (especially in former industrial areas)

  • Widening income inequality

  • Social unrest (e.g. Miners' Strike 1984–85)

What were some of the key post-war economic difficulties in Britain?

• dependent on the USA and Canada

• faced the fuel crisis of 1947

• slow recovery

• food rationing (which lasted until 1954)

• the devaluation of the pound in 1949.

What were the key reforms of the Welfare State introduced in 1948?

• The National Insurance Act and National Health Service Act established social security and medical care for everyone.

• Key industries such as coal, transport, electricity, gas, and the Bank of England were nationalized.

What was the major change in the British economy in 1951?

• The Conservative Party under Winston Churchill denationalized several industries, including iron and steel industries, which had been previously nationalized by the Labour government.

What did the Parliamentary Act of 1949 accomplish?

It reduced the House of Lords’ power of delaying legislation from two years to just one year.

What were some key economic challenges during the period 1979-1995 under Conservative government?

• inflation and unemployment

• Margaret Thatcher’s government pursued policies of denationalization, supporting private enterprise, and reducing the power of trade unions.

What was the Ulster problem, and how did it evolve in the 20th century?

• referred to the conflict between Protestants (Unionists) and Catholics (Nationalists) in Northern Ireland.

• Tensions escalated in 1968, leading to violence, which became known as "The Troubles" and resulted in thousands of deaths.

What role did the British Army play in the Ulster conflict?

• it was sent to Northern Ireland in 1969 to keep order.

• Initially welcomed by Catholics, the army was later seen as an enemy by many, especially as tensions worsened.

What were some of the paramilitary groups involved in the Ulster conflict?

• The Irish Republican Army (IRA)

• Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)

• carried out bombings, shootings, and attacks during the conflict

How did sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland affect daily life

Catholics and Protestants lived in increasingly separate areas, with "walls" and "no-go" areas being built between their neighborhoods, heightening tensions and distrust.

What was the political situation in Northern Ireland during "The Troubles"?

• government was suspended in 1972

• direct rule from London was imposed.

What impact did "The Troubles" have on the population of Northern Ireland?

• widespread fear and distrust

• many people emigrated to escape the danger.

• Communities became deeply divided.

How did the peace process eventually end "The Troubles"?

The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 created a power-sharing government, promoted peace, and encouraged disarmament of paramilitary groups, leading to a reduction in violence.

What was the outcome of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998?

the self-governance of Northern Ireland, with Protestants and Catholics sharing political power, promoting peace and equality.

What military conflict did Britain engage in during the 1950s and 1960s?

the Korean War (1950-1953), the Suez Crisis (1956), the Falklands Crisis (1982), and the Gulf War (1993)

Why did Britain hesitate to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in the early 20th century?

Britain feared that joining the EEC would damage its trade with Common

How did Britain’s involvement in the European Economic Community change in 1973?

In 1973, Britain joined the European Economic Community (EEC), marking a significant shift in its foreign and economic policy.

What was the role of Margaret Thatcher's government from 1979-1995?

focused on denationalizing industries, supporting private enterprise, reducing trade union power, and implementing cuts in public expenditure.

What reforms did the Labour government of Clement Attlee implement after WWII?

established the Welfare State through nationalization of key industries and the creation of the NHS, following the Beveridge Report of 1942.

What social issue remained unresolved for a long time, leading to the militant suffragette movement?

The issue of women’s suffrage remained unsolved, leading to the rise of the militant suffragette movement, particularly spearheaded by Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst.

What was the purpose of the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985?

The Anglo-Irish Agreement sought to address the political situation in Northern Ireland by establishing regular communication between the British and Irish governments, although it was opposed by Protestant extremists.