1
Q
Which party dominated British government for most of the years 1951 to 1964?
A
Conservative Party
Conservative electoral success rested on prosperity, Labour division and broad appeal to middle and working-class voters.
2
Q
Which four Conservative Prime Ministers led Britain between 1951 and 1964?
A
- Churchill
- Eden
- Macmillan
- Home
These leaders varied in style, but all operated within a broadly moderate post-war political framework.
3
Q
What was one major reason for Conservative dominance in the 1950s?
A
Labour divisions
Internal disagreement weakened Labour’s ability to present itself as a united alternative government.
4
Q
What was one major reason for Conservative dominance in the 1950s?
A
Labour divisions weakened the party’s ability to present a united front against the Conservatives.
This internal conflict allowed the Conservatives to capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses.
5
Q
What broad political approach allowed Conservatives to remain popular after 1951?
A
They largely accepted the welfare state and mixed economy created after 1945.
6
Q
What was one domestic strength of Conservative governments in the 1950s?
A
Political stability
Compared with the crises of the inter-war period, the 1950s seemed settled and prosperous.
7
Q
Why did the Conservatives lose power in 1964?
A
Image of decline
Economic difficulties, scandal and fatigue with long rule damaged their credibility.
8
Q
What was the post-war boom?
A
Long period of growth
Britain experienced higher consumption, fuller employment and rising prosperity in the 1950s and early 1960s.
9
Q
What were balance of payments problems?
A
Trade payment difficulties
Britain often struggled to balance imports and exports, creating pressure on governments.
10
Q
What were stop-go policies?
A
Alternating economic controls
Governments switched between stimulating and restraining the economy to manage inflation and trade problems.
11
Q
True or False:
Stop-go policies solved Britain’s economic weaknesses permanently.
A
False
They managed short-term pressures but did not remove deeper structural problems.
12
Q
What happened to living standards in Britain during the 1950s?
A
More people could afford consumer goods, better housing and leisure activities.
13
Q
What was consumerism?
A
Mass purchase of goods.
Affluence encouraged spending on televisions, cars, washing machines and other household products.
14
Q
How did affluence affect British society in the 1950s?
A
People increasingly expected comfort, leisure and access to consumer goods.
15
Q
What phrase was used to criticise elite power and privilege in Britain?
A
It referred to networks of influence linking politics, class, education and institutions.
16
Q
What happened to class divisions in affluent Britain?
A
They persisted
Prosperity softened some differences, but hierarchy and inequality remained important.
17
Q
What was the position of many women in the 1950s despite greater affluence?
A
Continued inequality
Domestic expectations remained strong even as opportunities slowly widened.
18
Q
How did attitudes to immigration become a social issue in the 1950s and early 1960s?
A
Increased migration from the Commonwealth provoked debate, prejudice and political unease.
19
Q
What did racial violence in post-war Britain reveal?
A
Limits of tolerance
Affluence did not remove racism, and some communities faced hostility and discrimination.
20
Q
True or False:
Post-war affluence removed racial tension from British society.
A
False
Immigration and race became increasingly contentious political and social issues.
21
Q
What was the emergence of the teenager?
A
Distinct youth identity
Young people gained more spending power, cultural influence and a separate social identity.
22
Q
What helped create youth culture in the 1950s and 1960s?
A
Higher incomes, music, fashion and mass media gave youth a more visible culture.
23
Q
What was EFTA?
A
European Free Trade Association
Britain helped form it as an alternative to the EEC, though it proved less influential.
24
Q
Why did Britain try to join the EEC?
A
Economic and political concern
Many leaders believed Britain risked decline outside the main European economic bloc.
25
# Fill in the blank:
Britain's alternative to the EEC in 1960 was the _\_\_\_\_.
EFTA
## Footnote
It did not match the economic importance of the EEC.
26
What issue caused **major debate** in Britain's relations with the **USA and USSR** during the 1950s and 1960s?
Nuclear deterrent
## Footnote
Britain debated whether to maintain an independent nuclear force in the Cold War.
27
Why was the **Korean War** important for Britain?
Cold War commitment
## Footnote
It showed Britain still acting with the USA in global anti-communist conflicts.
28
What was the **Suez Crisis**?
Failed intervention in Egypt
## Footnote
In 1956 Britain and France tried to regain control after Nasser nationalised the canal.
29
Why was **Suez** so damaging for Britain?
It showed Britain's weakness and dependence on the USA.
30
What was meant by the '**Winds of Change**'?
Acceptance of decolonisation
## Footnote
Macmillan recognised that nationalism was ending the old empire, especially in Africa.
31
# True or False:
The **Suez Crisis** strengthened Britain's claim to remain a major independent world power.
False
## Footnote
It revealed severe limits to British power and hastened recognition of decline.
32
Which **labour leader** became **Prime Minister** in 1964?
Harold Wilson
## Footnote
Wilson presented Labour as modern, energetic and suited to the age of technology.
33
What was one key feature of Wilson's political **image**?
He tried to portray **labour** as dynamic, scientific and forward-looking.
34
What was **one major problem** facing **Wilson's** governments?
Britain struggled with **trade deficits**, **inflation** and **low productivity**.
35
What was **devaluation** in 1967?
Lowering the pound's value
## Footnote
Wilson's government reduced the value of sterling in an effort to improve competitiveness.
36
# Fill in the blank:
In 1967, Wilson's government devalued the _\_\_\_\_.
pound
## Footnote
The move reflected Britain's continuing economic difficulties.
37
Why were **industrial relations** a major issue for Labour in the 1960s?
Frequent conflict
## Footnote
Strikes and disputes raised questions about productivity and union power.
38
Why were **trade unions** politically difficult for Wilson?
Labour depended on them
## Footnote
Labour needed union support but also wanted to restrain industrial disruption.
39
What was one broader result of **labour divisions** in the 1960s?
Weaker government authority
## Footnote
Internal disagreement made it harder to maintain unity and public confidence.
40
What major problem began in **Northern Ireland** in the late 1960s?
**Sectarian violence** and **political conflict** became a major issue for British governments.
41
What happened to the **post-war consensus** in the late 1960s?
It weakened
## Footnote
Agreement over economic management and social policy began to break down.
42
Why did labour lose the **1970 election**?
Loss of confidence
## Footnote
Economic problems and disappointment with Labour weakened Wilson's appeal.
43
What was one important feature of 1960s **reforming legislation**?
Private members' bills
## Footnote
Major social change often came through backbench measures rather than direct government bills.
44
Which **punishment** was ended in Britain in the 1960s?
Capital punishment
## Footnote
The death penalty for murder was suspended and then effectively abolished.
45
What did **divorce reform** do?
It made divorce easier.
## Footnote
It reflected changing attitudes to marriage and personal life.
46
What did the **Abortion Act** do?
It legalised some abortions.
## Footnote
It allowed abortion under specified conditions and marked a major social reform.
47
What did the 1967 reform of **homosexual law** do in England and Wales?
It legalised private homosexual relations.
## Footnote
It applied only in limited circumstances and did not end wider prejudice.
48
What was one aim of **educational reform** in the 1960s?
To widen opportunity
## Footnote
Reformers sought to reduce selection and increase access to secondary education.
49
# True or False:
All **social reform** in the 1960s came directly from government ministers.
False
## Footnote
Private members' bills played an important role in several key reforms.
50
How did the **mass media** change in the 1960s?
It expanded rapidly
## Footnote
Television and popular media became more influential in shaping opinion and culture.
51
What happened to **leisure activities** in the 1960s?
Rising incomes and more free time encouraged **new forms of entertainment** and **consumption**.
52
How did scientific **developments** affect Britain in the 1960s?
It encouraged modernity.
## Footnote
They shaped attitudes to progress, health, education and technology.
53
What happened to **censorship** in the 1960s?
It declined
## Footnote
Cultural life became less restricted, helping create a more permissive atmosphere.
54
What progress did **women** make in the 1960s?
Growing equality claims
## Footnote
Legal and cultural changes encouraged stronger demands for equal rights and opportunities.
55
What is meant by the **permissive society**?
More liberal attitudes
## Footnote
Traditional moral rules weakened in areas such as sex, culture and personal behaviour.
56
# Fill in the blank:
The more liberal moral climate of the 1960s is often called the _\_\_\_\_ society.
permissive
## Footnote
The phrase suggests a relaxation of older restraints and conventions.
57
Why did **anti-Vietnam War** riots matter in Britain?
Showed protest politics
## Footnote
They revealed the growth of student activism and wider radical criticism of authority.
58
How did **immigration and race** remain major issues in the 1960s?
Continued tension
## Footnote
Britain became more diverse, but prejudice and political arguments intensified.
59
Why was **Vietnam** a problem in Anglo-American relations under Wilson?
Pressure from USA
## Footnote
Wilson supported the USA diplomatically but avoided sending British troops.
60
What did 'withdrawal **East of Suez**' mean?
Reducing overseas commitments
## Footnote
Britain cut back military and imperial presence in areas beyond the Middle East and Asia.
61
Why was **Rhodesia** a major **issue** for Britain in the 1960s?
Decolonisation crisis
## Footnote
The white minority regime's unilateral declaration of independence challenged British policy.
62
Which **Conservative leader** became **Prime Minister** in 1970?
Edward Heath
## Footnote
Heath aimed to modernise the economy and break with some older assumptions.
63
What was one key feature of Heath's **economic policy**?
An attempt at reform
## Footnote
He initially sought freer-market policies before later reversing course under pressure.
64
Why were **industrial relations** central to Heath's government?
**Strikes**, especially by miners, became a major test of government authority.
65
Which **industrial disputes** badly damaged Heath's government?
Miners' strikes
## Footnote
They caused severe political and economic disruption, including power shortages.
66
# True or False:
Heath successfully defeated union militancy without major political cost.
False
## Footnote
Industrial conflict weakened his authority and helped bring down his government.
67
What was the **Sunningdale Agreement**?
Power-sharing attempt
## Footnote
It tried to create a political settlement in Northern Ireland in 1973.
68
Why did the **Sunningdale Agreement** fail?
Unionist opposition
## Footnote
Strong resistance and strikes undermined the settlement.
69
Which two Labour **Prime Ministers** governed between 1974 and 1979?
Wilson and Callaghan
## Footnote
Labour returned to office but faced severe economic and political difficulties.
70
What was one major **economic problem** faced by Labour in the 1970s?
Inflation
## Footnote
Rising prices damaged living standards and made economic management difficult.
71
What was one major **industrial problem** faced by Labour in the 1970s?
Strikes
## Footnote
Government attempts to restrain pay and manage unions often provoked conflict.
72
Why did **Northern Ireland** remain a major problem in the 1970s?
Continuing violence
## Footnote
Terrorism, sectarian division and failed settlements made the conflict persistent.
73
What progress did **feminism** make in the 1970s?
Stronger legal equality
## Footnote
Feminists achieved higher visibility and some important legislative gains.
74
What did the **Sex Discrimination Act** attempt to do?
Reduce gender discrimination
## Footnote
It aimed to improve equality in work, education and public life.
75
How did **race and immigration** remain contentious in the 1970s?
Continued political conflict
## Footnote
Economic strain and social tension kept these issues near the centre of debate.
76
What **new issue** gained support in 1970s Britain as a **social cause**?
Environmentalism
## Footnote
Concerns about pollution, conservation and quality of life became more visible.
77
Why was Britain's **entry** into **Europe** important?
It was a major strategic shift.
## Footnote
Joining the EEC marked a decisive move towards closer European integration.
78
# Fill in the blank:
Britain **joined the EEC** under the government of _\_\_\_\_ _\_\_\_\_.
Edward Heath
## Footnote
Entry into Europe was one of Heath's most important achievements.
79
How did **relations** with the **USA** change in the 1970s?
Special relationship under strain
## Footnote
Britain remained close to the USA, but the relationship was less equal than before.
80
What was Britain's attitude to the **USSR and China** in the 1970s?
Pragmatic engagement
## Footnote
Britain balanced Cold War alignment with practical diplomacy and trade interests.
81
What broader **condition** described Britain by 1979?
End of consensus politics
## Footnote
Economic crisis, union conflict and social tension had undermined the older post-war settlement.
82
What was one defining feature of **Thatcher's style** as Prime Minister?
Thatcher projected strong beliefs, personal determination and a willingness to **confront opponents**.
83
# Fill in the blank:
The political outlook linked to Margaret Thatcher is usually called _\_\_\_\_.
Thatcherism
## Footnote
It emphasised markets, individual responsibility and limiting trade union power.
84
What was one **source of support** for Thatcher inside the **Conservative Party**?
Belief in economic reform
## Footnote
Supporters backed her attack on inflation, union power and state ownership.
85
What was one source of **opposition** to Thatcher inside her own party?
Divisions over style and Europe
## Footnote
Critics disliked both her confrontational methods and her increasingly hard line on Europe.
86
Why were the Conservatives electorally **successful** in the 1980s?
Labour weakness and Falklands boost
## Footnote
Labour division, SDP breakaway and Thatcher's leadership helped repeated Conservative victories.
87
Which **split** in the **Labour Party** weakened the opposition in the early 1980s?
Formation of the SDP
## Footnote
Breakaway moderates damaged Labour's unity and divided the anti-Conservative vote.
88
What did the **SDP** stand for?
Social Democratic Party
## Footnote
It was formed by Labour moderates unhappy with the party's direction.
89
# True or False:
Thatcher's victories owed nothing to problems inside the Labour Party.
False
## Footnote
Labour division and questions over its electability helped the Conservatives greatly.
90
What was **monetarism**?
Controlling money supply
## Footnote
Thatcherite policy aimed to reduce inflation by restricting money growth and public spending.
91
What was one main economic **priority** of Thatcher's early governments?
Reduce inflation
## Footnote
Fighting inflation was given priority even at the cost of rising unemployment.
92
# Fill in the blank:
Thatcher's early economic strategy placed great emphasis on reducing _\_\_\_\_.
inflation
## Footnote
This objective often came before the goal of maintaining full employment.
93
What was **privatisation**?
Sale of state assets
## Footnote
Public industries and utilities were transferred into private ownership.
94
Why did Thatcher support **privatisation**?
Promote market efficiency
## Footnote
It was meant to reduce state control, widen share ownership and improve performance.
95
What is **deregulation**?
Reducing state controls
## Footnote
Thatcher's governments removed rules and restrictions in parts of the economy.
96
What was one major social **cost** of Thatcher's economic policies?
High unemployment
## Footnote
Industrial decline and restructuring hit many communities hard in the early 1980s.
97
What does **economic realignment** mean in the Thatcher era?
Shift from old industries
## Footnote
Britain moved away from heavy industry towards services, finance and new sectors.
98
# True or False:
Thatcherism preserved the old industrial structure of post-war Britain.
False
## Footnote
It accelerated the decline of older manufacturing and mining regions.
99
What **policy** allowed many tenants to **buy their homes** from **local authorities**?
Sale of **council** houses
## Footnote
Right to Buy became one of the most popular social policies of the Thatcher years.
100
Why was the **sale of council houses** politically important?
Encouraged property ownership
## Footnote
It appealed to aspirations and symbolised a more individualist society.
101
Which **major industrial dispute** became a **symbol** of opposition to Thatcher?
Miners' strike
## Footnote
The 1984–85 strike was a decisive confrontation between government and organised labour.
102
Why was the **miners' strike** so important?
Defeat of union power
## Footnote
Its failure weakened trade union influence and strengthened Thatcher politically.
103
What was the **poll tax**?
Flat local charge
## Footnote
It replaced domestic rates with a community charge and became deeply unpopular.
104
# Fill in the blank:
The deeply unpopular local tax introduced under Thatcher was the _\_\_\_\_ tax.
poll
## Footnote
Opposition to it helped undermine Thatcher's authority.
105
What is meant by **extra-parliamentary opposition**?
Protest outside Parliament
## Footnote
Campaigns, demonstrations and community activism challenged Thatcher beyond party politics.
106
Which **1982 war** greatly boosted **Thatcher's popularity**?
Falklands War
## Footnote
Victory over Argentina strengthened her image as a decisive national leader.
107
Why did the **Falklands War** matter politically for Thatcher?
Enhanced leadership image
## Footnote
Military success improved her standing before the 1983 election.
108
What was one **key feature** of Thatcher's relationship with the **USA**?
Close alliance
## Footnote
Her governments maintained a strong 'special relationship', especially with Reagan.
109
How did Thatcher contribute to the ending of the **Cold War**?
Support for dialogue and firmness
## Footnote
She backed Western strength but also saw possibilities in dealing with Gorbachev.
110
Why was **Thatcher** an important international **figure**?
Strong global profile
## Footnote
Her role in the Cold War, Falklands and summit politics gave her unusual prominence.
111
What was Thatcher's **general attitude** towards **Europe**?
Increasingly sceptical
## Footnote
She accepted membership but resisted deeper political integration.
112
# True or False:
Europe was a completely **unifying issue** inside the Conservative Party under Thatcher.
False
## Footnote
European policy became one of the most divisive issues in Conservative politics.
113
What helped bring about Thatcher's **fall** in 1990?
Poll tax and party revolt
## Footnote
Her authority was weakened by unpopularity, cabinet tension and Conservative discontent.
114
What was one element of Thatcher's **legacy**?
Transformed political debate
## Footnote
She shifted British politics towards markets, privatisation and a weaker union movement.
115
Who succeeded Thatcher as Conservative **Prime Minister**?
John Major
## Footnote
Major presented a less confrontational image but inherited major difficulties.
116
# Fill in the blank:
Britain's forced exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism in 1992 is known as Black _\_\_\_\_.
Wednesday
## Footnote
The event badly damaged Conservative economic credibility.
117
Why was **Black Wednesday** so politically damaging?
It destroyed economic reputation.
## Footnote
The Conservatives had claimed special competence in economic management.
118
What is meant by **political sleaze** in the 1990s?
Scandals and misconduct
## Footnote
Accusations of corruption and unethical behaviour damaged the Conservative government.
119
How did **satire** contribute to Conservative difficulties in the 1990s?
It mocked authority
## Footnote
Satirical media helped reinforce the image of a tired and discredited government.
120
What approach did Major take towards **Northern Ireland**?
Cautious peace process
## Footnote
His government supported negotiations that helped prepare the way for later settlement.
121
What major issue continued to **divide** the Conservatives under **Major**?
Europe
## Footnote
Maastricht and wider EU questions deepened party conflict and indiscipline.
122
How was **Labour** realigned before 1997?
Moved to the centre
## Footnote
Kinnock, Smith and Blair made Labour more moderate and electable.
123
What was **Neil Kinnock's** main contribution to **Labour's recovery**?
Party modernisation
## Footnote
He reduced the influence of the hard left and improved Labour's image.
124
What was **Tony Blair's** main electoral **achievement** before 1997?
Rebranding Labour
## Footnote
He presented New Labour as modern, moderate and safe for middle-class voters.
125
# True or False:
Labour won in 1997 only because of Conservative weakness and not because it had changed.
False
## Footnote
Conservative decline mattered, but Labour's own transformation was also crucial.
126
What was one reason for Labour's **1997 victory**?
The desire for change.
## Footnote
After long Conservative rule, many voters wanted a fresh government.
127
What is meant by **social liberalism** in late twentieth-century Britain?
Greater personal freedom
## Footnote
Attitudes became more permissive in areas such as sexuality, culture and personal identity.
128
What is **anti-establishment culture**?
A challenge to traditional authority.
## Footnote
Popular culture increasingly questioned hierarchy, privilege and older institutions.
129
How did the **position of women** change between 1987 and 1997?
Gradual improvement
## Footnote
Representation, employment opportunities and expectations advanced, though inequality remained.
130
How did **race relations** develop in late twentieth-century Britain?
Mixed progress
## Footnote
Britain became more diverse, but discrimination and tension did not disappear.
131
Which **European treaty** became especially **divisive** in Major's premiership?
Maastricht Treaty
## Footnote
It intensified Conservative arguments about sovereignty and integration.
132
What was the significance of the **Single European Act**?
Deeper European integration
## Footnote
It advanced the single market and increased debate over Britain's European future.
133
In which regional **conflicts** did Britain intervene during the 1990s?
Balkans conflicts
## Footnote
British involvement reflected humanitarian concern and wider European security interests.
134
How did **Britain** respond to the end of the **Cold War**?
Supported transition
## Footnote
British governments backed NATO, Western influence and new European arrangements.
135
What was one key feature of **Blair's style** as Prime Minister?
Media-savvy leadership
## Footnote
Blair combined strong communication skills with a centrist political message.
136
# Fill in the blanks:
Tony Blair's version of Labour politics became known as _\_\_\_\_ _\_\_\_\_.
New Labour
## Footnote
It aimed to combine social justice with market-friendly economics.
137
What was one major **constitutional change** under New Labour?
Devolution
## Footnote
Power was transferred to new institutions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
138
What role did **Gordon Brown** play in **New Labour government**?
Economic architect
## Footnote
Brown shaped fiscal policy and Labour's image of economic competence.
139
What was the **Good Friday Agreement**?
Northern Ireland peace deal
## Footnote
The 1998 settlement created a framework for power sharing and reduced violence.
140
# True or False:
The Good Friday Agreement had no effect on politics in Northern Ireland.
False
## Footnote
It was a major turning point in the peace process and constitutional politics.
141
Why did the Conservatives **struggle electorally** in **2001** and **2005**?
Division and weak appeal
## Footnote
Leadership problems, European splits and New Labour's strength hurt them badly.
142
How did New Labour address **workers' issues**?
Limited social reform
## Footnote
It accepted market economics while introducing measures such as minimum labour protections.
143
How had Britain **changed for women** by the New Labour era?
More opportunities
## Footnote
Greater participation in work and public life existed, though full equality was not achieved.
144
What was one important issue for **youth** in Britain by 2007?
Changing identity and opportunity
## Footnote
Education, employment, culture and political disengagement all shaped youth experience.
145
To what extent had Britain become **multicultural** by 2007?
Substantially but unevenly
## Footnote
Diversity had grown greatly, though tensions and debates about identity remained.
146
What was **New Labour's** general attitude towards **Europe**?
Pro-European but cautious
## Footnote
Blair was more positive than many Conservatives, but full integration had limits.
147
How did the '**special relationship**' with the USA shape Blair's foreign policy?
Close strategic alignment
## Footnote
Britain worked particularly closely with the USA in major international decisions.
148
What is meant by the '**war on terror**'?
Campaign against terrorism
## Footnote
After 2001, British foreign and security policy was heavily shaped by anti-terror operations.
149
What was one consequence of Britain's **military interventions** under Blair?
Controversy over foreign policy
## Footnote
Supporters stressed security and morality, while critics attacked the costs and judgment.
150
What was Britain's **position** in the world by 2007?
Influential but debated
## Footnote
Britain remained active internationally, though its independence and priorities were increasingly questioned.
A-Level History (Edexcel)
flashcards
Decks in class (30)
# Cards
-
The Crusades and the Near East102
-
Spain: Monarchy and Empire94
-
Tudor England: Authority and Religion92
-
Stuart Britain: Conflict and Revolution74
-
Russia: Absolutism and Reform73
-
Industrial Britain: Change and Reform111
-
Modern Britain: Transformation and Society113
-
Russia: Revolution and the Soviet State119
-
The British Empire: Expansion and Decline108
-
The USA: Emergence of a Superpower116
-
Germany: Unification to Reunification110
-
Medieval England: Authority and Conflict136
-
Late Medieval England: Dynastic Conflict118
-
The European Reformation153
-
The English Reformation318
-
The English Civil War147
-
France under Louis XIV145
-
The American Revolution and Early USA129
-
The French Revolution and Napoleon161
-
The American Civil War and Reconstruction137
-
International Relations and the Origins of War100
-
Fascist Italy140
-
Britain: War and Welfare157
-
Russia: Revolution and Stalinism183
-
Germany: Democracy and Nazism153
-
China: Revolution and Reform150
-
The USA: Society and Change135
-
The Cold War147
-
Modern Britain since 1950150
-
The Collapse of Communism156
