Britain, c1851–1964 – Transformation and change, 1939–1964 (A-level only):…

The idea

Between 1951 and 1964, British politics was defined by Conservative dominance, underpinned by a post-war political consensus. The Conservatives accepted the mixed economy and welfare state, securing consecutive victories under Churchill, Eden, and Macmillan. Conversely, the Labour Party suffered deep internal divisions between Bevanite left-wingers and Gaitskellite revisionists over issues like nuclear disarmament and Clause IV. However, by the early 1960s, the Conservative government appeared out of touch, tainted by scandals like the Profumo affair and associated with an outdated 'Establishment'. This shifting cultural landscape enabled Harold Wilson to secure a narrow Labour victory in 1964 by promising modernisation and technological progress.

What earns the marks

• Analyse the concept of the post-war consensus and how Conservative acceptance of Labour's reforms ensured their electoral dominance from 1951.
• Evaluate the impact of internal Labour Party divisions, specifically the split between Bevanites and Gaitskellites, on their electoral failures in the 1950s.
• Assess the changing perception of Conservatism and its links to the 'Establishment', particularly in light of the Profumo affair and the satire boom.
• Examine the factors leading to the 1964 Labour victory, focusing on Harold Wilson's modernising appeal compared to Alec Douglas-Home's traditional image.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming the post-war consensus meant identical party policies.

  Put it right: There were still significant differences over taxation and the extent of nationalisation.

• Stating that Labour lost the 1951 election due to a collapse in votes.

  Put it right: Labour actually won more popular votes than the Conservatives but lost on seat distribution.

• Attributing the 1964 Labour victory solely to Conservative scandals.

  Put it right: Wilson's positive campaign focusing on technological modernisation was equally crucial.

Exam tips

• Use the term 'Butskellism' to illustrate the economic consensus between Conservative R.A. Butler and Labour's Hugh Gaitskell.
• When discussing the decline of the Conservatives, link the concept of the 'Establishment' to the emergence of a more deferential-lacking youth culture.
• Contrast the leadership styles of Macmillan ('Supermac') in 1959 with Douglas-Home in 1964 to explain the shift in Conservative fortunes.