1951-64 - Political, economic, social and foreign positives and negatives

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Consensus or conflict? Boom or decline?
Beth B5236
Flashcards by Beth B5236, updated more than 1 year ago
Beth B5236
Created by Beth B5236 almost 8 years ago
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Question Answer
Political Positives 1. Conservatives won three successive general elections (1951, 55, 59) = stability, continuity and confidence. 2. Does this signify satisfaction with Conservative policies? Were they the 'natural party of government'? 3. Was there a general rise in living standards? - Increase in real wages (inflation - wage = real wage).
Political Negatives 1. Economic progress was hindered by 'stop-go' policies - no long term economic plan, instead policies made only with the aim of election. 2. Scandals rocked the Conservatives under Eden and Macmillan, leading to a lack of deference to authority and rise of satire. 3. Splits in the Labour Party encouraged people to vote Conservatives - limited democracy as no two parties to debate issues.
Economic Positives 1. Overall economic growth. 2. Low unemployment. 3. Investment in key public services continued (NHS and welfare) - huge demand on the NHS. 4. Continued recovery from the war. 5. End of rationing - from austerity to affluence.
Economic Negatives 1. Relative economic decline versus competitors. 2. 'Stop-go' policies suggested a lack of planning - limited overseas investment in the UK economy due to instability. 3. No long - term objectives. 4. Inflationary issues.
Social Positives 1. Rising living wages and real wages. 2. Huge increase in the sales of consumer goods (TVs, fridges and cars) due to the availability of credit. 3. More students going to University - promotion of social mobility and increase in educated workforce. 4. Rising affluence for all.
Social Negatives 1. Poor housing remained. 2. Pockets of ongoing poverty - eg. docks. 3. Immigration caused social tensions - eg. 1958 Nottinghill Riots. 4. Youth subculture (but also positive due to a rise in affluence and independence).
Foreign Affairs Positives 1. Development of the Commonwealth. 2. Decolonisation. 3. Still a power on the world stage.
Foreign Affairs Negatives 1. Suez Crisis. 2. Failure to join the ECC. Falling stature as a world power because of decolonisation.
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