Britain Transformed 1918-1979
(not including political landscape and Thatcher)
Top Tips
1.For each sub unit in a topic you only really need to learn 3 pieces of evidence you
can use in a paragraph.
2.These notes are in a lot of detail so pick out key points as History can be very broad
which can make it overwhelming so here's a guide.
3. Finally, as someone who struggled initially with each essay, you keep getting better
even if it isn't shown by the mark and grade because you learn more from feedback
each time.
,These structures gave me a guide on structure when I didn't have one that worked for me
Structure for factor question
Introduction
Briefly outline the times in the essay what was going on then , then address your points and
your judgment how are you judging this against long term impact how many impacted
Point
Evidence ( i often used numbers to keep it relevant what supports your argument dont story
tell.)
Explanation
Evidence
Explanation
Link/evaluation - in this 2nd 3rd and 4th paragraph you have to compare it to the other points
and see what is like the main point to answer . And do like how many were affected if it was ST
or LT .
Source question
Source 1
Look at what the source is saying does it agree with the question or disagree
Pick out 2/ 3 things and talk about how they link to the question: how does this source support it
using your own knowledge.
Eg thatcher did reduce inflation this is true then back it with a stat
then if the extract has it, argue something that isn't right eg saying she rolled back the state for
law enforcement cause she didnt actually and you prove this argument by using your own
knowledge like the increase in the number of police
Provenance - look at the year , book title it may show what kinda view they have if the book is
eg thatcher revolution yk they think she did make a huge difference , or who it was written by
and their profession
Then repeat the same for extract 2
Then in conclusion your answering the question
State what your judgment is and then about what extract 1 says then extract 2 like what their
clear message is then way up your argument and make sure its evidence driven
,Name five economic challenges in 1918 and post war
● War debt was £8 billion by 1920
● Britain had been cut off from many of its most valuable export markets by German U
boats which sank 40% of British merchant shipping.
In 1914 british exports accounted for ⅓ of britains total wealth and in 1918 was only ⅕.
● Unemployment increased in 1921 employment rate was 23.4% this was largely due to
the Geddes Axe which reduced public spending and increased job losses.
● By 1918 the country had lost over ¾ of a million men who were essential for the
economic output
● Rise of income tax this increased as in 1908 the standard rate of income tax was 5%
and in 1924 it was 25% this increase was needed to repay nations debts.
What caused the post war boom of 1918-1920? (4)
● During the war the production focused much on weapons, there was also much rationing
during the war so when war ended there was an increase in consumer spending and
business investments. However this led to inflation.
● Many had money saved in banks so an huge increase in new shares in 1918 £65 million
this increased to £384 million in 1920.
● Government spending -war time industries shifted to peace production so this meant the
government initially maintained high levels of spending especially on housing with the
Addison Act 1919 which established a framework to expand council houses and to build
‘homes fit for heroes’ after WW1.
● Britain hoped to reclaim global markets in coal and steel many believed that Britain
would return to predominance in world trade which therefore meant many investors were
keen to buy shipyards and coal mines.
Why did the boom collapse?
● Loss of export and trade - global economy was changed by the war and Britain no longer
dominated, they lost their textile market to Japan during the war and began to supply
India and south east asia with cotton and silk causing the textile industry in the northwest
of England to decline.
● Inflation and Rising Interest Rates Inflation reached 25% in 1920. raised interest rates to
control inflation this meant borrowing became more expensive so investment dropped.
● Government Spending Cuts – £87 million cut from public spending This led to job losses
in the public sector and worsened recession.
● Unemployment Peaked at 2 million (17%) in 1921.Traditional industries hit hardest: coal,
steel,. By 1920 there was a growing number of manufacturers who were importing steel
from America as it was cheaper and better quality. By 1937 britain steel foundries were
, producing around 83,000 tonnes whereas American foundries were producing 210,000
tonnes and Germany was producing 125,000 tonnes of steel.
What were the attempts to solve economic problems in 1921-24?
● The Geddes Axe (1921-22)
Gov appointed Sir Eric Geddes to lead a committee on public expenditure mainly public
expenditure cuts,as high taxes were blamed on high spending and lloyd george hoped
tax cuts would stimulate the economy.Geddes recommended a cut of £87 million cuts
which mainly came from Govs military budget and the health welfare and housing
budgets were reduced from £205.8 million in 1920-21 to £182 million in 1922-23.
-This worsened unemployment as public sectors were cut and demand was suppressed.
-contributed to stagflation especially in industrial regions such as the North west of
England
● Unemployment insurance act 1921.
Unemployment insurance covered more workers (11 million workers were covered) with
weekly payments of 15 shillings for men and 12 shillings for women.
-attempt to lessen the worst effects of mass unemployment however payments were low
and conditions and there was a stigma development around claiming this.This further
shows limited willingness to support unemployed as tusi was act was driven by social
pressures rather than long term planning
● Limited public works and housing
Aimed to reduce unemployment by stimulating construction and address the post war
house shortage. The Housing Act of 1923 was passed that paid for private builders to
build houses for sale which would stimulate the economy. The impact was very limited
as there was an increase in building but impact was regional and to a very small scale
this meant it did not significantly reduce unemployment. This shows a very hesitant
move towards government intervention but still very cautious as it had a small scale
impact.
● No major industrial modernisation- there was a growing awareness of Britain's industries
inefficiency however very little was done to modernise industries (coal, textiles and steel)
these industries were undermechanised co mpared to competitors the USA and
Germany.However GOV was reluctant to get directly involved as believed in laissez faire
economics (this was limited GOV intervention allowing markets force to regulate supply
and demand.This shows that structural weakness and that economic decline was treated
as a temporary problem when it required long term reforms which politicians were
unwilling to do.
What were some of the economic policies and challenges during the years 1924-29?
● Return to the gold standard- this took place during stanley baldwins 2nd time in office
however this decision was made by winston churchill who was chancellor of exchequer.
This meant returning the pre war value of the £ to $4.86 this made british exports more
expensive
(not including political landscape and Thatcher)
Top Tips
1.For each sub unit in a topic you only really need to learn 3 pieces of evidence you
can use in a paragraph.
2.These notes are in a lot of detail so pick out key points as History can be very broad
which can make it overwhelming so here's a guide.
3. Finally, as someone who struggled initially with each essay, you keep getting better
even if it isn't shown by the mark and grade because you learn more from feedback
each time.
,These structures gave me a guide on structure when I didn't have one that worked for me
Structure for factor question
Introduction
Briefly outline the times in the essay what was going on then , then address your points and
your judgment how are you judging this against long term impact how many impacted
Point
Evidence ( i often used numbers to keep it relevant what supports your argument dont story
tell.)
Explanation
Evidence
Explanation
Link/evaluation - in this 2nd 3rd and 4th paragraph you have to compare it to the other points
and see what is like the main point to answer . And do like how many were affected if it was ST
or LT .
Source question
Source 1
Look at what the source is saying does it agree with the question or disagree
Pick out 2/ 3 things and talk about how they link to the question: how does this source support it
using your own knowledge.
Eg thatcher did reduce inflation this is true then back it with a stat
then if the extract has it, argue something that isn't right eg saying she rolled back the state for
law enforcement cause she didnt actually and you prove this argument by using your own
knowledge like the increase in the number of police
Provenance - look at the year , book title it may show what kinda view they have if the book is
eg thatcher revolution yk they think she did make a huge difference , or who it was written by
and their profession
Then repeat the same for extract 2
Then in conclusion your answering the question
State what your judgment is and then about what extract 1 says then extract 2 like what their
clear message is then way up your argument and make sure its evidence driven
,Name five economic challenges in 1918 and post war
● War debt was £8 billion by 1920
● Britain had been cut off from many of its most valuable export markets by German U
boats which sank 40% of British merchant shipping.
In 1914 british exports accounted for ⅓ of britains total wealth and in 1918 was only ⅕.
● Unemployment increased in 1921 employment rate was 23.4% this was largely due to
the Geddes Axe which reduced public spending and increased job losses.
● By 1918 the country had lost over ¾ of a million men who were essential for the
economic output
● Rise of income tax this increased as in 1908 the standard rate of income tax was 5%
and in 1924 it was 25% this increase was needed to repay nations debts.
What caused the post war boom of 1918-1920? (4)
● During the war the production focused much on weapons, there was also much rationing
during the war so when war ended there was an increase in consumer spending and
business investments. However this led to inflation.
● Many had money saved in banks so an huge increase in new shares in 1918 £65 million
this increased to £384 million in 1920.
● Government spending -war time industries shifted to peace production so this meant the
government initially maintained high levels of spending especially on housing with the
Addison Act 1919 which established a framework to expand council houses and to build
‘homes fit for heroes’ after WW1.
● Britain hoped to reclaim global markets in coal and steel many believed that Britain
would return to predominance in world trade which therefore meant many investors were
keen to buy shipyards and coal mines.
Why did the boom collapse?
● Loss of export and trade - global economy was changed by the war and Britain no longer
dominated, they lost their textile market to Japan during the war and began to supply
India and south east asia with cotton and silk causing the textile industry in the northwest
of England to decline.
● Inflation and Rising Interest Rates Inflation reached 25% in 1920. raised interest rates to
control inflation this meant borrowing became more expensive so investment dropped.
● Government Spending Cuts – £87 million cut from public spending This led to job losses
in the public sector and worsened recession.
● Unemployment Peaked at 2 million (17%) in 1921.Traditional industries hit hardest: coal,
steel,. By 1920 there was a growing number of manufacturers who were importing steel
from America as it was cheaper and better quality. By 1937 britain steel foundries were
, producing around 83,000 tonnes whereas American foundries were producing 210,000
tonnes and Germany was producing 125,000 tonnes of steel.
What were the attempts to solve economic problems in 1921-24?
● The Geddes Axe (1921-22)
Gov appointed Sir Eric Geddes to lead a committee on public expenditure mainly public
expenditure cuts,as high taxes were blamed on high spending and lloyd george hoped
tax cuts would stimulate the economy.Geddes recommended a cut of £87 million cuts
which mainly came from Govs military budget and the health welfare and housing
budgets were reduced from £205.8 million in 1920-21 to £182 million in 1922-23.
-This worsened unemployment as public sectors were cut and demand was suppressed.
-contributed to stagflation especially in industrial regions such as the North west of
England
● Unemployment insurance act 1921.
Unemployment insurance covered more workers (11 million workers were covered) with
weekly payments of 15 shillings for men and 12 shillings for women.
-attempt to lessen the worst effects of mass unemployment however payments were low
and conditions and there was a stigma development around claiming this.This further
shows limited willingness to support unemployed as tusi was act was driven by social
pressures rather than long term planning
● Limited public works and housing
Aimed to reduce unemployment by stimulating construction and address the post war
house shortage. The Housing Act of 1923 was passed that paid for private builders to
build houses for sale which would stimulate the economy. The impact was very limited
as there was an increase in building but impact was regional and to a very small scale
this meant it did not significantly reduce unemployment. This shows a very hesitant
move towards government intervention but still very cautious as it had a small scale
impact.
● No major industrial modernisation- there was a growing awareness of Britain's industries
inefficiency however very little was done to modernise industries (coal, textiles and steel)
these industries were undermechanised co mpared to competitors the USA and
Germany.However GOV was reluctant to get directly involved as believed in laissez faire
economics (this was limited GOV intervention allowing markets force to regulate supply
and demand.This shows that structural weakness and that economic decline was treated
as a temporary problem when it required long term reforms which politicians were
unwilling to do.
What were some of the economic policies and challenges during the years 1924-29?
● Return to the gold standard- this took place during stanley baldwins 2nd time in office
however this decision was made by winston churchill who was chancellor of exchequer.
This meant returning the pre war value of the £ to $4.86 this made british exports more
expensive
