Review: Changing Political and Economic Landscape 1918-1979 (Video Notes)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key figures, events, laws, reforms, and ideological shifts in Britain from 1918 to 1979, based on the provided video notes.

Who was the British Prime Minister from 1908 to 1916 and oversaw Britain at the start of World War I?

Herbert Henry (H. H.) Asquith.

Which Prime Minister led Britain during the 1918 Coupon Election and formed a wartime coalition with the Conservatives?

David Lloyd George.

What major wartime act gave the government extended powers such as conscription and rationing in 1914-1918?

The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA).

What was the 1918 Coupon Election and its consequence for Liberal MPs?

Lloyd George Liberals supported the coalition with Conservatives and won big; Asquith’s Liberals were reduced drastically, deepening Liberal split.

Which Act in 1918 expanded the electorate by about 13 million people, affecting Liberal strength?

The Representation of the People Act 1918 (ROPA).

Which event in 1922 triggered the Conservatives to withdraw from the coalition and helped Labour rise as an opposition force?

The Chanak Incident and Lloyd George’s conduct (leading to the fall of Lloyd George’s coalition).

Who became Prime Minister after the 1922 government collapse and faced ill health leading to 1923-24 premierships?

Andrew Bonar Law.

Which PM led Britain during the General Strike of 1926 and the early years of the Gold Standard era?

Stanley Baldwin.

Which party first formed a Labour government in 1924, albeit for a brief period?

Ramsey Macdonald (first Labour Prime Minister, 1924).

What major economic event occurred in 1929 that impacted global economies and Britain's?

The Wall Street Crash of 1929.

What was the National Government, formed in 1931, primarily a response to?

The financial crisis of the Great Depression and the need to stabilise the economy; it was led by Ramsay MacDonald with cross-party support.

Which leader oversaw Britain during the Abdication Crisis of 1936?

Stanley Baldwin (related to the abdication issue surrounding Edward VIII)

Which Prime Minister is associated with the phrase 'peace in our time' and appeasement before World War II?

Neville Chamberlain.

Who led Britain during World War II and is remembered for a wartime leadership style and speeches?

Winston Churchill.

What major welfare reform and health system were established after World War II in Britain?

The Beveridge welfare state framework and the creation of the National Health Service (NHS).

What were the five ‘giants’ identified in Beveridge’s report that should be tackled by a welfare state?

Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor, Idleness.

What was the key outcome of the 1945 Labour landslide under Attlee?

Establishment of the welfare state, NHS, and nationalisation of key industries.

What act in 1944-46 opened the path to universal education and welfare provisions in post-war Britain?

Legislation culminating in the Education Act (Butler Act) and related welfare reforms.

Which major 1946 act created the NHS and provided comprehensive health care funded by taxes?

The National Health Service Act (1946).

What was the 1945 Family Allowances Act?

Paid weekly child allowances to families; benefits went to mothers.

Which two-term period is known as the ‘golden years’ of Conservative dominance, roughly 1951-1964?

The 13 Golden Years (Churchill, Eden, Macmillan, and part of Wilson’s era with continuation of consensus policies).

What were the main features of the post-war consensus in Britain (1945-1979)?

Keynesian economics, mixed economy, nationalisation, NHS, full employment, welfare state, and security via nuclear deterrence.

What term described the close cross-party economic policies of the 1950s, reflecting Labour and Conservative alike?

Butskellism (Butler and Gaitskell).

What caused the shift away from consensus during the 1960s and 1970s in Britain?

Economic problems, rising inflation, unemployment, and the influence of monetarist ideas; social changes and challenging industrial relations.

What was the outcome of Labour’s 1945–51 policies regarding housing, health, and welfare (Bevan’s NHS, 1946 National Insurance, 1948 NHS launch)?

A broad expansion of the welfare state and nationalisation; establishment of NHS and related social security measures.

Which three major social reforms expanded during Harold Wilson’s 1964-70 government (education, rights, and the state)?

White Heat of technology; devolution of social reforms; expansion of universities and the Open University.

What major economic event did Britain face in 1973 that contributed to economic crisis and led to IMF involvement?

The 1973 oil crisis and its impact on inflation and balance of payments.

What is the ‘Winter of Discontent’ and when did it occur?

A period of widespread strikes and discontent in 1978-79 under Callaghan.

What was the IMF loan of 1976, and what did it require Britain to do?

A £3 billion loan to stabilise the economy; required major cuts in public spending and austerity measures.

Which Prime Minister initiated the ‘Selsdon Man’ stance and later faced the oil crisis and IMF loan?

Edward Heath (1970-74) and his posturing toward deregulation and a tougher stance on unions.

What key change did the 1973-74 policy shifts attempt to do, and what was the outcome?

A shift toward monetarism and austerity, but policy ultimately failed to sustain growth, leading to IMF involvement.

What major constitutional reform did Enoch Powell advocate in 1968, causing a political backlash?

Rivers of Blood speech opposing immigration.

Which act introduced in the 1960s restricted Commonwealth immigration and later acts tightened controls?

Commonwealth Immigrants Acts (1962, 1968) and the 1971 Act creating Patrials.

What was the impact of the 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Act?

Restricted entry to those with close connections to Britain; limited visas/work permits.

Who led the 1967 Sexual Offences Act legalising private same-sex activity for men over 21?

The act legalised private homosexual acts in England and Wales.

What major social reforms did the 1967 Abortion Act and the 1969 Divorce Reform Act introduce?

Legalised abortion (1967) and made divorce easier to obtain (1969) after separation.

What role did the National Health Service play in 1951-79 regarding public health improvements?

NHS expanded public health, vaccination programs, and improved maternal and child health; costs rose but access improved.

What policy shift did Thatcher advocate regarding state involvement in the economy?

Free markets, privatisation, deregulation, and limiting state intervention.

What major privatisations occurred under Thatcher’s government (examples with years)?

British Telecom (1984), British Gas (1986), British Airways and others; later rail privatisation.

What major union-related legislation did Thatcher push through, reducing union power?

Employment Acts (1980, 1982, 1984) restricting strikes, closed shops, and ballot requirements.

What was the 1984-85 miners’ strike and its impact on Britain?

A major industrial dispute led by the NUM; government resisted and strengthened union laws; long-term regional economic damage.

What slogan covered Thatcher’s approach to ‘privatising the family silver’ and reducing the state?

Broad aim of privatization and shrinking the state while expanding private ownership.

What was the effect of the 1990s on the UK’s state and welfare after Thatcher’s era?

Policies shifted to maintain economic reforms while adjusting to new social and regional challenges; later governments debated welfare and public services.

What was the Notting Hill Race Riots (1958) about, and what did it highlight?

Racial tensions in Britain, highlighting immigrant communities’ struggles and discriminatory housing practices.

What year did the UK join the European Economic Community (EEC) after initially having its application vetoed earlier?

1973.

What event marked the collapse of the UK’s post-war consensus and the shift to market-led policies in the late 1970s?

The economic crises, IMF loan, and the rise of neoliberal ideas leading to Thatcher’s policies.

Which key social reform act of 1946 targeted unemployment and pensions, funded through contributions by workers and employers?

National Insurance Act (1946).

What did the 1946 National Insurance Act and the 1946 National Health Service Act collectively establish?

A compulsory insurance system for pensions and unemployment plus universal healthcare (NHS).

Which major piece of legislation in 1948 established free healthcare for all in Britain?

The National Health Service Act (1946) that led to the NHS launch in 1948.

What was the ‘White Heat of Technology’ persona associated with which Labour Prime Minister?

Harold Wilson; promoted scientific progress and investment in technology.

What were the main regional and social consequences of Britain’s post-war economic changes in the 1950s-60s?

Growing regional disparities, wage growth and rising living standards for many, but inflation pressures and social changes created tensions.

What was the 1967 Plowden Report about, and what did it advocate?

Reform of primary education to promote liberal, student-centered learning and project-based work.

What major educational reform in 1944 shaped secondary education in Britain?

The Butler Act (1944 Education Act) introducing the tripartite system (grammar, modern, technical) and 11+.

What did the 1965 Crosland Circular advocate in education?

Universal comprehensive education replacing the tripartite system.

What was the impact of the 1926 General Strike on British labour relations?

Significant strike action but ultimately failed; led to restrictions on sympathetic strikes and shaped future labour relations.

Which policy shift did the 1973-74 oil crisis force upon Britain’s economy?

Austerity measures, increased state intervention, and eventually IMF involvement.

Who led Britain during the Selsdon Conference and the early 1970s’ shift away from consensus?

Edward Heath.

Which 1950s event demonstrated Britain’s transition toward consumer-led growth and rising living standards?

The growth of consumerism and mass consumption; 1950s prosperity myth—‘You’ve never had it so good’.

What was the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act designed to do?

Limit immigration by requiring jobs waiting or skills; created work-permit/voucher system.

How did TV and popular culture in the 1960s-70s help dissolve class divisions in Britain?

Mass viewing across social groups; satire and popular programs blurred class boundaries.

What event in 1967 signified a major liberal reform in civil rights and sexuality laws?

The Sexual Offences Act 1967 legalised private homosexual acts in England and Wales for men over 21.

What is the IMF loan of 1976 commonly viewed as signaling the end of the post-war consensus?

A loan that required severe spending cuts and marked a shift away from Keynesian policies.

Which 1968-76 legislative steps were taken to address race relations and discrimination in Britain?

Race Relations Acts (1968 and 1976) and related measures to combat discrimination.

What caused the decline of the Liberal Party as a major political force in the interwar period?

Collision of party unity, the impact of ROPA, the 1918 coupon election, and the rise of Labour.

Which two major parties shaped the interwar and postwar periods through contestation and coalition politics?

The Conservative Party and the Labour Party.