A-Level History (WJEC - Eduqas) > Britain: Transformation and Society > Flashcards

Britain: Transformation and Society Flashcards

Evaluate political, economic and social change in modern Britain. (113 cards)

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1
Q

What institution remained the central body of government in mid-19th century Britain?

A

Parliament

Britain had a constitutional monarchy with political authority centred on Parliament.

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2
Q

Which social group dominated British politics during the mid-Victorian period?

A

Ruling elites

Landowners, aristocrats and wealthy professionals dominated Parliament.

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3
Q

Which two political leaders dominated British politics in the later 19th century?

A
  • Gladstone
  • Disraeli

They led the Liberal and Conservative parties respectively.

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4
Q

Which political party traditionally supported reform, free trade and civil liberties?

A

Liberal Party

Liberals drew support from middle classes, Nonconformists and reformers.

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5
Q

Which political party emphasised tradition, empire and social stability?

A

Conservative Party

Conservatives were supported by landowners and many Anglican voters.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank:

The Reform Act of _______ significantly expanded the urban working-class electorate.

A

1867

Passed by Disraeli’s Conservative government.

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7
Q

Name three consequences of the Reform Act of 1867.

A
  • Electorate doubled
  • Parties became more organised
  • Working‑class influence rose
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8
Q

Which Reform Act further expanded the franchise to rural workers?

A

Reform Act 1884

It extended voting rights to many agricultural labourers.

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9
Q

True or False:

By 1885 most adult men in Britain had the right to vote.

A

True

Although not universal, the electorate had expanded dramatically.

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10
Q

What term described Britain’s economic dominance during the mid-19th century?

A

Workshop of the world

Britain led global manufacturing and trade.

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11
Q

Which economic ideology promoted minimal government interference in the economy?

A

Laissez-faire

It dominated economic thinking in mid-Victorian Britain.

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12
Q

Which sector remained economically important alongside industrial production?

A

Agriculture

Farming remained significant until late-century decline.

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13
Q

What economic downturn began affecting Britain in the 1870s?

A

Great Depression

Falling agricultural prices and foreign competition caused difficulties.

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14
Q

Which social division characterised Victorian society?

A

Class divisions

Society was structured around upper, middle and working classes.

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15
Q

Which regional divide developed during industrialisation?

A

North–South divide

Industrial regions in the north differed economically from the south.

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16
Q

What term describes the Victorian belief in individual effort and self-improvement?

A

Self-help

Popularised by Samuel Smiles and widely promoted in Victorian culture.

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17
Q

True or False:

Victorian self-help ideology encouraged reliance on government welfare.

A

False

It stressed personal responsibility and hard work.

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18
Q

Which organisations represented workers in negotiations over wages and conditions?

A

Trade unions

They expanded rapidly during the later 19th century.

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19
Q

When was the Education Act created?

A

1870

First state system of elementary education.

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20
Q

Which social reform legislation improved factory working conditions?

A

Factory Acts

These laws regulated working hours and child labour.

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21
Q

Name a consequence of the 1870 Education Act.

A

Introduced a state‑run system of primary education

Local school boards established to build and manage schools for children aged 5–12.

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22
Q

Which country caused political tension within the United Kingdom during this period?

A

Ireland

Irish nationalism challenged British rule.

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23
Q

What type of agitation occurred in Ireland during the late nineteenth century over land ownership?

A

Land agitation

Tenant farmers demanded fair rents and land reform.

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24
Q

Fill in the blank:

Irish demands for self-government were known as _______ Rule.

A

Home

It became a major political issue in British politics.

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25
Which **political leader** supported **Irish Home Rule** and introduced bills in Parliament?
William Gladstone ## Footnote His support split the Liberal Party in 1886.
26
# True or False: The **first Home Rule Bill** passed successfully through **Parliament**.
False ## Footnote It was defeated in the House of Commons in 1886.
27
What **political event in 1886** divided the **Liberal Party**?
Home Rule crisis ## Footnote Some Liberals opposed Irish self-government.
28
Which **political party** dominated **British government between 1886 and 1905**?
Conservative Party ## Footnote Conservatives often governed with Liberal Unionist support.
29
What **problem** weakened the **Liberal Party** in the late nineteenth century?
Internal divisions ## Footnote Disagreements over Ireland and reform reduced unity.
30
Which **political ideology** advocated **greater state intervention to address social problems**?
New Liberalism ## Footnote It emerged in the early twentieth century.
31
Which **socialist organisation founded in 1884** promoted **gradual reform through education**?
Fabian Society ## Footnote It influenced later Labour politicians.
32
Which **political party representing organised labour** emerged in the **early 20th century**?
Labour Party ## Footnote Founded from trade union and socialist alliances.
33
# Fill in the blank: The **Labour Representation Committee** formed in _\_\_\_\_\_\_ later became the Labour Party.
1900 ## Footnote It aimed to secure parliamentary representation for workers.
34
What major **constitutional crisis** occurred between **1909 and 1911**?
Parliament Act crisis ## Footnote Conflict arose between the Commons and House of Lords.
35
Which **1911 law** limited the **power of the House of Lords**?
Parliament Act ## Footnote It reduced the Lords’ ability to veto legislation.
36
Name three consequences of the **Parliament Act 1911**.
* House of Lords lost its veto * Commons gained supremacy * Parliamentary terms shortened
37
What **economic challenge** faced Britain due to **rising international competition**?
Industrial decline ## Footnote Germany and the United States became major competitors.
38
Which **economic sector** suffered particularly during the **late nineteenth-century depression**?
Agriculture ## Footnote Cheap imported grain reduced farm profits.
39
Which term describes **earnings from services** such as banking and shipping?
Invisible exports ## Footnote These became increasingly important to Britain’s economy.
40
Which **policy debate** divided politicians over **trade policy** in the early twentieth century?
Tariff reform ## Footnote Some advocated tariffs to protect British industry.
41
Which **policy defended by many Liberals** opposed tariffs and supported **open trade**?
Free trade ## Footnote It remained central to Liberal economic ideology.
42
Which form of **trade unionism** emerged in the late nineteenth century among **unskilled workers**?
New unionism ## Footnote It organised dockers, gasworkers and other labourers.
43
What radical labour **ideology** promoted **direct industrial action and strikes**?
Syndicalism ## Footnote It emphasised worker control of industry.
44
Which major **campaign** sought **voting rights for women**?
Women’s suffrage movement ## Footnote Campaigners demanded political equality.
45
# Fill in the blank: The militant women’s suffrage organisation founded by Emmeline Pankhurst was the _\_\_\_\_\_\_ Social and Political Union.
Women’s ## Footnote Known for militant protest tactics.
46
What **demographic change** characterised Britain by the **early twentieth century**?
Urbanisation ## Footnote A growing proportion of people lived in towns and cities.
47
Which **sector of the economy** expanded as **cities grew**?
Service sector ## Footnote Jobs in retail, transport and administration increased.
48
# True or False: **Living standards** improved for many **workers in the late Victorian period**.
True ## Footnote Rising wages and cheaper goods improved conditions for many families.
49
Which early twentieth-century **reforms** introduced **pensions for elderly citizens**?
Old Age Pensions Act ## Footnote Passed in 1908 by the Liberal government.
50
Which **tax** introduced by **Lloyd George in 1909** funded **welfare reforms**?
People’s Budget ## Footnote It increased taxes on land and wealth.
51
Which **welfare reforms** introduced **national insurance for sickness and unemployment**?
National Insurance Act ## Footnote Passed in 1911.
52
Which **political issue** continued to dominate **Anglo-Irish relations before 1914**?
Home Rule ## Footnote Irish self-government remained unresolved.
53
# True or False: The **Third Home Rule Bill** was passed in 1914 but delayed by the **First World War**.
True ## Footnote Implementation was postponed due to the outbreak of war.
54
By 1914, what **political development** had significantly reshaped **British politics**?
Rise of Labour Party ## Footnote Labour emerged as a major political force.
55
What characterised **Britain’s social structure** by 1914 despite reforms?
Persistent inequality ## Footnote Poverty and class divisions still existed.
56
What was **Britain’s global economic position** by 1914 compared with earlier decades?
Declining industrial dominance ## Footnote Britain remained powerful but faced stronger competitors.
57
What type of **government** was formed in Britain during much of the **First World War**?
Coalition government ## Footnote Parties cooperated in wartime, especially under Lloyd George after 1916.
58
Which **political party** suffered major decline after the **First World War**?
Liberal Party ## Footnote Internal divisions and the rise of Labour weakened the Liberals.
59
Which **political party** became the main **opposition to the Conservatives after 1918**?
Labour Party ## Footnote Labour increasingly replaced the Liberals as the main alternative party.
60
# Fill in the blank: The 1918 law expanding the **electorate** is known as the _\_\_\_\_\_\_ of the People Act.
Representation ## Footnote It significantly increased the number of voters and enfranchised many women.
61
Which new **voters** gained the **right to vote in 1918 for the first time**?
Women over 30 ## Footnote Property restrictions still applied.
62
# True or False: The **1918 Representation of the People Act** introduced **full female suffrage**.
False ## Footnote Equal suffrage with men came later in 1928.
63
Which **act in 1928** granted **equal voting rights to women and men**?
Equal Franchise Act ## Footnote It lowered the female voting age to 21.
64
Which **political party** formed Britain’s **first Labour government in 1924**?
Labour Party ## Footnote Ramsay MacDonald led the minority government.
65
Which form of **government** ruled Britain during the **economic crisis of the 1930s**?
National Government ## Footnote Formed in 1931 under Ramsay MacDonald with cross-party support.
66
Which **constitutional crisis** occurred in Britain in **1936**?
Abdication crisis ## Footnote King Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson.
67
Which **fascist political movement** was founded in Britain in **1932**?
British Union of Fascists ## Footnote Led by Oswald Mosley.
68
# Fill in the blank: The **British Union of Fascists** was commonly known as the _\_\_\_\_\_\_.
BUF ## Footnote Its members were often called “Blackshirts.”
69
Which **far-left political ideology** gained limited support in Britain in the **interwar years**?
Communism ## Footnote The Communist Party remained small but active in labour politics.
70
What **economic change** increased **government involvement** in the economy during wartime?
State intervention ## Footnote The state coordinated production and resources for the war effort.
71
Which **traditional British industries** declined during the **interwar period**?
Staple industries ## Footnote Coal, shipbuilding and textiles faced major difficulties.
72
Which major **industrial dispute** occurred in Britain in **1926**?
General Strike ## Footnote Trade unions supported coal miners protesting wage cuts.
73
# True or False: The **General Strike of 1926** lasted **several months**.
False ## Footnote It lasted nine days before being called off.
74
Which **economic policy** restored Britain to the **pre-war exchange rate in 1925**?
Gold Standard ## Footnote It made exports expensive and hurt industry.
75
What major **global economic crisis** began in **1929**?
Great Depression ## Footnote It increased unemployment and economic hardship.
76
Which term describes Britain’s **shift toward newer industries** in the **1930s**?
Economic realignment ## Footnote Growth occurred in sectors like cars and electrical goods.
77
What major **wartime change** affected **women’s employment during the First World War**?
Expanded workforce participation ## Footnote Women worked in factories and other wartime industries.
78
# True or False: Most **women** retained wartime industrial jobs **permanently after 1918**.
False ## Footnote Many returned to traditional roles after the war.
79
Which phrase describes the **severe poverty** of the **1930s**?
Hungry thirties ## Footnote High unemployment affected many industrial regions.
80
Which **social development** increased rapidly during the **interwar period**?
Mass media ## Footnote Radio, cinema and newspapers expanded their influence.
81
Which type of **housing policy** aimed to improve **living conditions after the First World War**?
Council housing ## Footnote Government funded new homes for working-class families.
82
Which **act of 1919** aimed to provide **“homes fit for heroes”**?
Housing Act ## Footnote It supported large-scale house building.
83
Which **uprising against British rule in Ireland** occurred in **1916**?
Easter Rising ## Footnote Irish republicans attempted to establish independence.
84
Name two causes of the **Easter Rising** in 1916.
* Delayed Home Rule * Radical IRB nationalism
85
Which **conflict** followed the **Easter Rising** and led to negotiations with Britain?
Anglo-Irish War ## Footnote Also known as the Irish War of Independence.
86
Which **law of 1920** attempted to establish **separate governments in Ireland**?
Government of Ireland Act ## Footnote It created Northern and Southern Ireland.
87
# Fill in the blank: The treaty signed in 1921 that created the **Irish Free State** was the _\_\_\_\_\_\_-Irish Treaty.
Anglo ## Footnote It granted dominion status to most of Ireland.
88
What **political division** existed in Ireland before the **Second World War**?
Partition ## Footnote Ireland was divided into Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State.
89
Which **British leader** served as **Prime Minister for most of the Second World War**?
Winston Churchill ## Footnote He became Prime Minister in 1940.
90
Which **political party** won a **landslide victory** in the 1945 general election?
Labour Party ## Footnote Clement Attlee's Labour secured 393 seats.
91
What **ideological belief** guided **Labour’s post-war reforms**?
Democratic socialism ## Footnote Labour supported state intervention and welfare expansion.
92
Which **political party** dominated **government after 1951**?
Conservative Party ## Footnote Conservatives remained in power for most of the 1950s.
93
Which concept describes the **broad agreement** between parties on **welfare and economic policy after 1945**?
Post-war consensus ## Footnote Both parties accepted welfare and mixed economy policies.
94
What **internal issue** weakened **Labour during the 1950s**?
Party divisions ## Footnote Disagreements existed over nuclear policy and economic strategy.
95
Which term describes Britain’s **traditional ruling networks of elites and institutions**?
Establishment ## Footnote It included senior politicians, civil servants and business leaders.
96
# Fill in the blank: The **Labour Party** returned to power in _\_\_\_\_\_\_ under **Harold Wilson**.
1964 ## Footnote It ended thirteen years of Conservative rule.
97
What **economic strategy** during the Second World War organised **industry for total war**?
Economic mobilisation ## Footnote The government directed resources and production.
98
What period of **economic growth** occurred in Britain **after the war**?
Post-war boom ## Footnote Rising incomes and consumer spending increased prosperity.
99
What **economic problem** frequently affected **Britain’s international trade**?
Balance of payments deficit ## Footnote Imports sometimes exceeded exports.
100
Which **economic policy** alternated between **expansion and restriction to manage the economy**?
Stop-go policies ## Footnote Governments adjusted spending to control inflation and trade deficits.
101
Which **technological change** influenced **British industry in the post-war era**?
New technology ## Footnote Electronics and new manufacturing techniques expanded.
102
What characterised Britain **immediately after the Second World War** in terms of **living standards**?
Austerity ## Footnote Rationing and shortages continued into the early 1950s.
103
What **social trend** developed during the **1950s and early 1960s**?
Consumerism ## Footnote Greater access to cars, televisions and household goods.
104
# True or False: Post-war affluence meant **poverty completely disappeared in Britain**.
False ## Footnote Economic inequality and poverty still existed.
105
Which **demographic change** increased **Britain’s cultural diversity after the war**?
Immigration ## Footnote People migrated from Commonwealth countries.
106
What **social problem** emerged alongside **post-war immigration**?
Racial tensions ## Footnote Some communities experienced discrimination and unrest.
107
Which **1942 report** proposed a **comprehensive welfare system**?
Beveridge Report ## Footnote It aimed to tackle poverty, disease and unemployment.
108
Which **1944 education reform** reorganised the **British school system**?
Butler Act ## Footnote It introduced free secondary education.
109
# Fill in the blank: The national health service established in 1948 is known as the _\_\_\_\_\_\_.
NHS ## Footnote It provided free healthcare funded through taxation.
110
Which **welfare development** expanded **social security** after 1945?
Welfare State ## Footnote It included benefits, healthcare and social support systems.
111
Which **unrest in Northern Ireland** occurred in **September 1964**?
Belfast riots ## Footnote Tensions between communities increased.
112
Which **movement** began emerging in Northern Ireland in the 1960s **demanding equal rights**?
Civil rights movement ## Footnote It protested discrimination against Catholics.
113
By 1964, what **long-term political issue** remained unresolved in **Britain and Ireland**?
Irish question ## Footnote Tensions between Northern Ireland and the Republic continued.
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