This huge document contains a fantastic summary of both British and Russian history, if you only need one or the other, this is still an ideal resource to use in order to greatly increase your knowledge of these subjects, giving you great, specific examples for both units, which will be perfect to ...
(1) Conservative governments and Reasons for Political Dominance
• 1945 Clement Atlee’s Labour won a landslide victory – his govt made far-reaching
changes to the UK- establishment of welfare state, extending system of national
insurance and creation of NHS. Also nationalised key industries – railways, iron, coal,
steel.
• 1950 – Labour’s majority cut from 146 to 5. Atlee called another general election a
year later.
• START OF COURSE – 1951 election- Conservative majority of 17 seats- Churchill
returned until 1955. Labour politicians believed Churchill past his best and that
Conservatives would be unable to tackle Britain’s significant economic difficulties.
Churchills’ govt
• Not dynamic figure of WW2 – suffered serious stroke in 1953.
• Primary interest on international affairs- had little enthusiasm for domestic policies.
• Day-today running left to Ministers such as Rab Butler, Eden, and Macmillan.
• Still able to ensure stability and a sense of unity- Butler worked well with Parliament
and Trade Unions.
• Churchill’s domestic polices not a radical break from Atlee’s
• BUT- personal tensions between Butler, Eden and Macmillan - Eden became
increasingly impatient by Churchill’s reluctance to step down
Eden’s govt
• Called general election in 1955- increased Tory majority to 60
• Eden soon criticised by Tory MPs for his lack of interest in domestic affairs, his
inexperience/reluctance on economic policy and his fairly laid-back approach to T.U.
• Suez crisis- 1956 – destroyed Eden’s govt – plot between France/Israel and UK to
take control of Suez Canal. MPs calling for his resignation and accusation of lies to
house of commons.
Macmillan’s govt
• Him and butler main contenders but Butler blamed for the overheating of economy-
increased inflation.
• Macmillan’s govt seemed in full control, economic prosperity, and boom –
Macmillan stated the British people had ‘Never had it so good’.
• 1959 election – landslide – majority 100- Labour divisions played a huge part.
Labour divisions
• Personal rivalries and ideological splits emerged- main split between 2 rivals in 1955
– Gaitskell and Bevan- Bevin on left, Gaitskell on right of party.
• T.U. attacked Gaitskell’s moderate policies, also attacked by many Labour supporters
for his support of nuclear weapons- harmed party image- as did anti-nuclear Labour
MPs joining forces with radical campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
• Lost 1959 elections and attempted to abolish clause IV – committed Labour to
nationalisation – increased criticism.
Mac and Douglas-Home (1962-4)
• Macmillan had difficult final year- concerns over economy and about Britain’s
position in Europe – application rejected by EEC.
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