Question 1

Why did the Liberal Party decline and Labour rise in early 20th century Britain?

Accepted Answer

The Liberal Party split over issues like Home Rule for Ireland and conscription in WWI, while Labour gained support from trade unions and working-class voters. The 1918 Representation of the People Act expanded the electorate to include many working-class men and women, who tended to vote Labour. By 1922, Labour had become the official opposition, and in 1924 formed its first government under Ramsay MacDonald.

Question 2

What was the impact of the 1926 General Strike?

Accepted Answer

The General Strike lasted nine days (4-12 May 1926) and involved over 1.5 million workers supporting coal miners facing pay cuts. It ended in failure for the unions due to lack of preparation and government use of volunteers and emergency powers. The Trade Disputes Act 1927 made sympathetic strikes illegal, weakening union power. However, it also highlighted class tensions and the government's willingness to confront organised labour.

Question 3

How did WWII change the role of women in Britain?

Accepted Answer

During WWII, women were conscripted into war work (e.g., munitions factories, Land Army, auxiliary services) from 1941. This challenged traditional gender roles and led to greater independence. After the war, many women were expected to return to domestic life, but the experience contributed to changing attitudes, eventually leading to the 1970 Equal Pay Act and the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act.

Question 4

Why was the 1945 general election a landslide for Labour?

Accepted Answer

The 1945 election saw Labour win 393 seats to the Conservatives' 197. Key reasons: the public associated the Conservatives with pre-war unemployment and appeasement; Labour's manifesto 'Let Us Face the Future' promised social reform and full employment; and wartime experiences fostered a desire for change, as seen in the popularity of the Beveridge Report. Churchill's personal popularity did not transfer to his party.

Question 5

What caused the 'Winter of Discontent' in 1978-79?

Accepted Answer

The Winter of Discontent was a series of strikes by public sector workers (e.g., gravediggers, refuse collectors) in protest against the Labour government's pay restraint policy (5% limit). The strikes caused widespread disruption and were heavily criticised in the media. It severely damaged Labour's reputation for managing the economy and contributed to their defeat in the 1979 election, paving the way for Thatcher's Conservative government.

Question 6

How did immigration change Britain after WWII?

Accepted Answer

Post-war immigration was driven by labour shortages and the 1948 British Nationality Act, which gave Commonwealth citizens the right to settle. The Empire Windrush brought the first large group from the Caribbean in 1948. Immigrants filled jobs in transport, health, and manufacturing. However, they faced racial discrimination and tensions, leading to the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act restricting entry. By the 1970s, Britain had become a multi-ethnic society, influencing culture, politics, and social policies.

Britain in the 20th century

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