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

The idea

The Second World War profoundly impacted British society, leading to post-war austerity marked by continued rationing and housing shortages. However, the 1950s ushered in a post-war boom and unprecedented affluence, driving a surge in consumerism with the mass purchase of televisions and white goods. This prosperity altered social dynamics: women experienced shifting expectations as wartime employment gave way to domestic consumer roles, while teenagers emerged as a distinct demographic with disposable income and unique subcultures. Concurrently, post-war immigration from the New Commonwealth filled labour shortages but sparked significant racial tensions, culminating in the 1958 Notting Hill riots and subsequent restrictive legislation.

What earns the marks

• Assess the social impact of the Second World War and the subsequent period of austerity under the Attlee government.
• Evaluate the extent to which the post-war boom and rising wages created a genuinely affluent, consumer-driven society.
• Analyse the changing position of women, contrasting wartime employment opportunities with the 1950s emphasis on domesticity and consumerism.
• Explain the emergence of youth culture, driven by full employment, disposable income, and new commercial markets.
• Examine the causes and consequences of New Commonwealth immigration, including the escalation of racial tensions and the 1958 Notting Hill riots.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming the 1950s boom benefited everyone equally.

  Put it right by acknowledging persistent pockets of poverty and regional disparities in affluence.

• Claiming women's liberation was achieved in this period.

  Put it right by noting that while consumer goods eased domestic chores, societal expectations largely confined women to the home.

• Treating post-war immigration as universally welcomed by the government.

  Put it right by highlighting the underlying political anxieties and the eventual passing of the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act.

Exam tips

• Use specific examples of consumerism, such as the proliferation of televisions before the 1953 Coronation, to illustrate the growth of affluence.
• When discussing youth culture, explicitly link the emergence of groups like the Teddy Boys or Mods and Rockers to the economic context of the post-war boom.
• Connect the issue of immigration to both economic needs, such as filling labour shortages in the NHS and transport, and the resulting social divisions and racial tensions.