The changing political landscape in Britain from 1918-79was marked... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
54
0
A
Aria Hamidi
17/08/2025
History
A changing political landscape notes
1,058
•
17 Aug 2025
•
Changing Political Landscape Britain 1918-79 Notes, Quizlet, PDF & Free Info for Kids
A
Aria Hamidi
@ariahamidi_zhwu
The National Government, 1931-1945
The Great Depression and formation of the National Government dominated British politics in the 1930s.
Economic Crisis and National Government
The 1929 Wall Street Crash led to a global economic decline. Labour Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald faced pressure to cut government spending, including unemployment benefits. This was deeply unpopular within the Labour Party.
Highlight: In 1931, MacDonald formed a "National Government" coalition backed by the Conservatives to address the economic crisis. This split the Labour Party and led to a landslide victory for the National Government in the 1931 election.
Baldwin and Foreign Policy
Stanley Baldwin replaced MacDonald as Prime Minister in 1935. He faced foreign policy challenges including:
- The Abyssinia Crisis and failure of appeasement towards fascist Italy
- Growing threat from Nazi Germany leading to increased rearmament
Vocabulary: Appeasement - The policy of making concessions to an aggressive power in order to avoid conflict.
Baldwin's handling of these issues shaped British foreign policy in the lead-up to World War II.
The National Government Formation (1931-1945)
The Wall Street Crash of 1929 precipitated major political changes in Britain, leading to the formation of a National Government. This period saw the rise of extremist movements and the challenges of managing economic crisis.
Vocabulary: The 'National Government' was a coalition of all major parties formed to handle the economic crisis.
Highlight: The economic crisis forced cuts in government spending, including a 10% reduction in unemployment benefits.
The Rise of Political Extremism (1931-1939)
This period witnessed the emergence of fascist movements in Britain, notably Oswald Mosley's initiatives. The government responded with legislation to curb extremist activities.
Quote: "Mosley Memorandum demanded co-ordinated national economic plans to deal with the crisis."
Definition: The British Union of Fascists (BUF) was an attempt to unite all fascist organizations under one banner.
Wartime Politics and Churchill's Leadership
The period saw significant political developments during World War II, with Churchill's leadership being central to Britain's war effort.
Quote: "Blood, toil, tears and sweat" became Churchill's famous wartime rallying cry.
Highlight: The debate between Halifax and Churchill over negotiating with Germany represented a crucial moment in British wartime policy.
Post-War Consensus Politics (1945-1979)
The Labour Party's historic 1945 victory established the foundation for post-war consensus politics. This period saw the implementation of major social reforms and the establishment of the welfare state.
Definition: The post-war consensus included commitment to full employment, mixed economy, and the NHS.
Example: The creation of the NHS in 1948 exemplified Labour's commitment to social reform.
Changing Party Fortunes, 1918-1931
The period from 1918 to 1931 saw dramatic changes in British politics, with the decline of the Liberal Party and the rise of Labour and the Conservatives.
Decline of the Liberal Party
World War I created divisions within the Liberal Party. David Lloyd George supported measures like conscription and rationing, while Herbert Asquith and others disagreed. The "Maurice Debate" further split the party when Lloyd George was accused of lying about troop numbers.
Highlight: The 1918 "Coupon" election saw Lloyd George form a coalition with Conservative Andrew Bonar Law, dividing the Liberals into two camps and paving the way for Conservative dominance.
The 1918 Representation of the People Act expanded the electorate, with 80% now made up of the industrial working class. This growing class consciousness benefited Labour.
Conservative Success
Several factors contributed to Conservative Party success:
- Electoral advantages like the "plural vote" system benefited Conservative-leaning voters
- The first-past-the-post system helped Conservatives convert votes to seats more efficiently
- Irish independence removed many nationalist MPs who had opposed Conservatives
Example: In 1918, it took an average of 15,943 votes to elect a Conservative MP, compared to 29,868 for a Labour MP.
Rise of Labour
The Labour Party gained support due to:
- Growing working class consciousness and demands for social improvements
- Increased trade union membership and funding
- New working class voters enfranchised in 1918
- Disillusionment after World War I when promised reforms didn't materialize
Highlight: Ramsay MacDonald became the first Labour Prime Minister in 1924, helping establish Labour as a credible governing party.
However, the Campbell Case and Zinoviev Letter controversies in 1924 allowed the Conservatives to recover power.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Changing Political Landscape Britain 1918-79 Notes, Quizlet, PDF & Free Info for Kids
A
Aria Hamidi
@ariahamidi_zhwu
The changing political landscape in Britain from 1918-79 was marked by significant shifts between the Conservative Party and Labour Party, with the decline of the Liberal Party. This period saw the rise of consensus politics, economic challenges, and evolving... Show more
The National Government, 1931-1945
The Great Depression and formation of the National Government dominated British politics in the 1930s.
Economic Crisis and National Government
The 1929 Wall Street Crash led to a global economic decline. Labour Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald faced pressure to cut government spending, including unemployment benefits. This was deeply unpopular within the Labour Party.
Highlight: In 1931, MacDonald formed a "National Government" coalition backed by the Conservatives to address the economic crisis. This split the Labour Party and led to a landslide victory for the National Government in the 1931 election.
Baldwin and Foreign Policy
Stanley Baldwin replaced MacDonald as Prime Minister in 1935. He faced foreign policy challenges including:
- The Abyssinia Crisis and failure of appeasement towards fascist Italy
- Growing threat from Nazi Germany leading to increased rearmament
Vocabulary: Appeasement - The policy of making concessions to an aggressive power in order to avoid conflict.
Baldwin's handling of these issues shaped British foreign policy in the lead-up to World War II.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The National Government Formation (1931-1945)
The Wall Street Crash of 1929 precipitated major political changes in Britain, leading to the formation of a National Government. This period saw the rise of extremist movements and the challenges of managing economic crisis.
Vocabulary: The 'National Government' was a coalition of all major parties formed to handle the economic crisis.
Highlight: The economic crisis forced cuts in government spending, including a 10% reduction in unemployment benefits.
The Rise of Political Extremism (1931-1939)
This period witnessed the emergence of fascist movements in Britain, notably Oswald Mosley's initiatives. The government responded with legislation to curb extremist activities.
Quote: "Mosley Memorandum demanded co-ordinated national economic plans to deal with the crisis."
Definition: The British Union of Fascists (BUF) was an attempt to unite all fascist organizations under one banner.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Wartime Politics and Churchill's Leadership
The period saw significant political developments during World War II, with Churchill's leadership being central to Britain's war effort.
Quote: "Blood, toil, tears and sweat" became Churchill's famous wartime rallying cry.
Highlight: The debate between Halifax and Churchill over negotiating with Germany represented a crucial moment in British wartime policy.
Post-War Consensus Politics (1945-1979)
The Labour Party's historic 1945 victory established the foundation for post-war consensus politics. This period saw the implementation of major social reforms and the establishment of the welfare state.
Definition: The post-war consensus included commitment to full employment, mixed economy, and the NHS.
Example: The creation of the NHS in 1948 exemplified Labour's commitment to social reform.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Changing Party Fortunes, 1918-1931
The period from 1918 to 1931 saw dramatic changes in British politics, with the decline of the Liberal Party and the rise of Labour and the Conservatives.
Decline of the Liberal Party
World War I created divisions within the Liberal Party. David Lloyd George supported measures like conscription and rationing, while Herbert Asquith and others disagreed. The "Maurice Debate" further split the party when Lloyd George was accused of lying about troop numbers.
Highlight: The 1918 "Coupon" election saw Lloyd George form a coalition with Conservative Andrew Bonar Law, dividing the Liberals into two camps and paving the way for Conservative dominance.
The 1918 Representation of the People Act expanded the electorate, with 80% now made up of the industrial working class. This growing class consciousness benefited Labour.
Conservative Success
Several factors contributed to Conservative Party success:
- Electoral advantages like the "plural vote" system benefited Conservative-leaning voters
- The first-past-the-post system helped Conservatives convert votes to seats more efficiently
- Irish independence removed many nationalist MPs who had opposed Conservatives
Example: In 1918, it took an average of 15,943 votes to elect a Conservative MP, compared to 29,868 for a Labour MP.
Rise of Labour
The Labour Party gained support due to:
- Growing working class consciousness and demands for social improvements
- Increased trade union membership and funding
- New working class voters enfranchised in 1918
- Disillusionment after World War I when promised reforms didn't materialize
Highlight: Ramsay MacDonald became the first Labour Prime Minister in 1924, helping establish Labour as a credible governing party.
However, the Campbell Case and Zinoviev Letter controversies in 1924 allowed the Conservatives to recover power.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user