Question 1

Why did the post-war consensus break down in the 1970s?

Accepted Answer

The post-war consensus broke down due to economic crises, particularly the 1973 oil shock, which led to high inflation and unemployment (stagflation). The Labour government's inability to control trade unions, culminating in the Winter of Discontent (1978-79), discredited Keynesian economics. Additionally, the rise of neoliberal ideas, championed by Margaret Thatcher, offered an alternative based on free markets and reducing state intervention.

Question 2

How did immigration from the Commonwealth change British society?

Accepted Answer

Immigration from the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, and other Commonwealth countries after WWII transformed British society by creating a multi-ethnic population. Migrants filled labour shortages in transport, health, and manufacturing. This led to cultural diversity in food, music, and religion, but also to racial tensions, such as the 1958 Notting Hill riots and the rise of the National Front. The 1960s-70s saw legislation to restrict immigration and promote race relations.

Question 3

What was the impact of Thatcher's privatisation policy?

Accepted Answer

Thatcher's privatisation of state-owned industries (e.g., British Telecom, British Gas, British Airways) aimed to increase efficiency and spread share ownership. It reduced the power of trade unions and raised revenue for the government. However, critics argue it led to job losses, higher prices for consumers, and a decline in public services. The policy also widened inequality, as profits went to shareholders while workers faced insecurity.

Question 4

Why did the UK join the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973?

Accepted Answer

The UK joined the EEC primarily for economic reasons: to access a larger market for trade, attract investment, and reverse relative economic decline. Politically, membership was seen as a way to regain influence after the loss of empire. However, the decision was controversial, leading to a 1975 referendum where 67% voted to stay. The terms of membership were renegotiated by Harold Wilson, and the issue remained divisive, culminating in the 2016 Brexit vote.

Question 5

How did the role of women change between 1919 and 1990?

Accepted Answer

Women's roles changed significantly: the 1918 Representation of the People Act gave some women the vote, and full equality in voting came in 1928. WWII opened up jobs in factories and the military, but after the war, many returned to domestic roles. The 1960s saw the women's liberation movement, the contraceptive pill, and the Equal Pay Act (1970). By 1990, more women worked, but they still faced a gender pay gap and underrepresentation in top jobs.

Question 6

What caused the decline of the British Empire after WWII?

Accepted Answer

The decline of the British Empire after WWII was driven by several factors: the economic cost of the war made it difficult to maintain colonies; the rise of nationalist movements in India, Africa, and the Caribbean demanded independence; the USA and USSR pressured Britain to decolonise; and the Suez Crisis (1956) exposed Britain's diminished power. Decolonisation was often rapid, with many countries gaining independence in the 1960s.

The Development of the UK, 1919-1990

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