What is the story of Conservative politics in Britain

1951-64

What was the post-war consensus?

The broad agreement on issues that all main political parties need to address

What were the 5 main issues addressed? K

Commitment to full employment

A mixed economy

Cooperation with the Trade Unions

A welfare state

Keynesian economics

When was Anthony Eden Prime Minister?

1955-57

Anthony Eden (2)

Popular charming and charismatic politician

Always assumed to be Churchill’s successor

What did Eden do when he came into power? (2)

Called a general election to ensure the country’s support

Won a majority of 23 seats more than the Conservatives won in 1951

What were the unemployment figures in July 1955?

1%

Suez canal (2)

A canal in Egypt which was a route to India

After Indian independene in 1947, the canal was used to ship oil to Britain, Europe and the USA

What did General Nassar say about the canal? (2)

It should be in Egyptian hands

He would pay British shareholders a fair price for it

How did Eden repsond to General Nasser (2)

Suspicious and hostile

When Nasser occupied the Canal in July 1956, Eden acted quickly

Why was Eden so quick to react about the canal? (2)

Egypt had a close relationship with the USSR

He was suspicious that it would fall into Soviet hands

What did France and Israel invite Britain to partake in? (2)

A staged invasion of the Canal

Eden secretely agreed to take part

Why did Eden agree to take part in the staged invasion? (2)

He didn’t want to be humiliated by Nasser

He wanted the Conservatives and Britain to have a powerful image on the world stage

When did the Suez invasion begin?

5th November 1956

How did Eisenhower respond to the invasion? (2)

He hadn’t been consulted on Britains intentions so was very angry

He threatend to sell America’s reserves of British currency and collapse the value of the pound

What was Britain forced to do as a result of the USA? (2)

Withdraw from the Suez invasion

Eden resigned in January 1957

Suez Crisis: Impact (2)

Britains world power significantly reduced

Recognised they could no longer act independently without seeking US approval

When was Harold Macmillan Prime Minister?

1957-63

Why was Macmillans government popular? (3)

Increased living standards

Reduced unemployment

Reduced social inequality

Macmillans Government: 1959 (3)

3 treasury ministers resigned

They believed Macmillains government was spending too much and storing up problems for the future

They were worried about the threat of inflation and the ineffectiveness of Stop-Go economics

What was the impact of the treasury resignations? (2)

Embarassment to the government

Marked the first sign of the post-war consensus being strained

Macmillians government: Image problem (3)

Macmillian was privileged and his conservative cabinet was made up of 35 former Etonians

Created a perception of the conservatives being out of touch

They were ageing and priveleged instead of young and meritocratic

The Night of Long Knives (1962) (3)

Macmillan sacked 7 ministers

Replaced them with younger men

This was very popular

Macmillans government: National security (2)

Revealed that high-ranking members of British society had been working as spies for the USSR

Made the public question if Macmillans government were trustworthy or up to the task of leading post-war Britain

When was Sir Alec Douglas-Home’s PM?

1963-64

Sir Douglas-Home: Image problem (3)

Image problem continued

He held the title of Earl

He renounced this when he became PM

What happened by the 1964 elections? (2)

The deliverance of generous tax cuts and spending promises had left the country with £800m BOP deficit

This would be inherited by the Labour party