Paper 1 – Theme 1 - A Changing Political and Economic Environment – 1918-
1979
1a. A Changing Political Landscape
Britain Transformed 1918-1979
Liberal Labour Conservatives
A Note:
£3.2 b of war debts to USA = serious economic problems
The Liberal Party 1918
Believed in free trade and a limited role for government.
Implemented state pensions, unemployment relief and state provided
healthcare.
Growing unrest eg; women’s suffrage (paused during war).
After 1918 the unrest continued and traditional, middle and artisan voters
declined.
Why War Divided the Liberals
War = coalition with Conservatives (1915).
Liberals believed LG (PM) abandoned Liberal principles of the party, too
close with Conservatives.
The Labour Party 1918
Close with unions.
After 1911, became easier for workers to be elected in Parliament = politics
was not just for rich, people were represented.