British History 1951-64

1951 Election

Following the end of the Second World War the 1951 election saw victory from the Conservative Party with a smaller vote share than Labour. Among the factors to consider are the state of the economy, Labour divisions and the record of the Labour government in power. It will be argued that the main reason for the Conservative victory in the 1951 election was the economy and austerity.

In conclusion, the main reason for the Conservative victory in the 1951 election was due to the poor economy and continued austerity after the war. Although Labour divisions over nuclear weapons and prescription charges certainly weakened the party they were by no means unpopular, still receiving a higher percentage of the vote share than the Conservatives. Furthermore, the unusual timing of the election paired with both leaders being viewed as capable but old meant this was not a key factor in the election. However, the lack of unemployment and continuing food rationing was the main reason for the Conservative victory in 1951.

1955 Election

After the Conservative victory in 1951 post war Britain began to evolve into a more prosperous society leading the Conservative Party to their second successive victory. Among the factors to consider is the economic success and relative prosperity, continued Labour divisions and leadership of the two main parties. It will be argued that the main reason for the second successive Conservative victory was the economic success and relative prosperity.

In conclusion, the main reason for the Conservative victory in the 1955 election was the relative prosperity and economic successes. Since coming into power the Conservatives kept their promise of ‘houses meat and not getting scuppered’. Continuing Labour divisions and new leadership for the Conservatives with Anthony Eden taking over were certainly a factor in the Conservative victory. Nevertheless the main reason for their success was the relative prosperity they had built, ending food rationing, building houses and avoiding real confrontation with the unions which would in the future cause many issues.

1959 Election

The Conservative victory in the 1959 election marked their third successive victory with a campaign heavily focused on prosperity and full employment. Among the factors to be considered are the prosperity, new leadership and the campaign and wider record of the Conservative Party. It will be argued that the 1959 election victory was won by the Conservatives due to their managing of the economy and strong leadership.

In conclusion, the 1959 election was won by the Conservatives due to their strong leadership and prosperity. The 1959 election became know as the ‘Washing machine election’ highlighting the relative prosperity and consumerism by 1959. It came two years after MacMillan’s ‘never had it so good speech’. Although the new leadership of Gaitskell and MacMillan certainly played a role, with MacMillan being branded as ‘Supermac’ and unflappable, ultimately it was the prosperity of the 1950s which solidified the third successive Conservative victory.

1951-64 Economy

BB - The years 1951-59 marked an era of relative prosperity and economic growth after the austerity of post war Britain.

F - 1) Relative Prosperity 2) Use of stop-go economics 3) Economic growth and Full employment

A - 1951-59 the economy was managed effectively well in the short term but the consequences of the economic growth and prosperity could been seen after 1959

1951-64 Society

BB - British society by 1951 remained on the whole rather similar to that of the Second World War with some developments due to the introduction of the welfare states

F - 1) Women 2) Race 3) Living standards and affluence

A - Society 1951-64 saw some significant changes but was by no means transformed, a lack of change in race relations and the position of women in particular

1951-64 Foreign Policy

When the Conservatives gained power in 1951 Churchill still saw Britain as key figure on the world stage although throughout this period Britain faced disastrous political failures in regards to foreign policy.

F - 1) Suez 2) Failure to join the EEC 3) Relations with the US

A - Conservative policy from 1951-64 was largely unsuccessful due to the failure of Suez and the lack of EEC application