British History Notes: WW2, 1945 Election & Beveridge Report

WW2 served as a turning point, signaling the beginning of significant societal changes.
The year 1945 marked the end of WW2, with the UK emerging victorious.
Winston Churchill (Conservative Party) was the Prime Minister during the war, recognized as an effective leader.
Despite his popularity, the July 1945 election resulted in a Labour victory, ousting Churchill.

Churchill replaced Neville Chamberlain (also Conservative).
Chamberlain's removal stemmed from criticism of his conduct of the war and the Munich Agreement of 1938 (appeasement policy).
Churchill had been a prominent critic of Chamberlain.
May 1940: Formation of a coalition government, uniting all major parties due to the national emergency to fight the Germans.
The period was marked by difficult events such as Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and the Blitz.
4th June 1940: Churchill's famous speech.
May 1940: Evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk.
November 1940: The Blitz.

Clement Attlee served as Deputy Prime Minister from 1942.
Ernest Bevin was the Minister of Labour.
Herbert Morrison held positions as Minister of Supply and then Home Secretary.
Prior to this, Labour had only two minority governments (1924, 1929-1931).
Their participation in the coalition government enhanced their credibility as leaders.

The ‘People’s War’ involved the home front, solidarity, and sacrifices, fostering a more egalitarian view of society.
Shift from ‘laissez-faire’ to centralized planning during the wartime economy.
Perceptions of state intervention became more positive.
Example: June 1944, 68% supported post-war reconstruction under state control.
Keynesianism (by John Maynard Keynes):
- Keynes advocated for moderate government intervention to boost economic activity and limit unemployment, rather than believing in capitalism and unregulated markets.
- This became the dominant ideology.
Planning for reconstruction was underway.