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K
Kate Rutherford
29/11/2025
History
Section 1 Topic 1 Conservative Governments
153
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29 Nov 2025
•
Conservative Governments in Modern Britain - AQA A Level Notes
K
Kate Rutherford
@katerutherford_eltd
1 / 3
Conservative Political Dominance (1951-1955)
Churchill's unexpected return to power in 1951 came despite Labour actually winning more votes - the quirks of our electoral system gave the Tories more seats with 48.0% of the vote versus Labour's 48.8%. Labour was also dealing with the Bevanite Quarrel, a damaging split when Aneurin Bevan resigned over prescription charges being introduced.
Churchill brought serious wartime credibility but struggled with domestic politics after 1951. At 77, he was often ill (including a major stroke in 1953 that was kept secret) and spent more time travelling abroad than actually running the country. His approach was quite unconventional - he even tried to get Liberal politicians into his Conservative cabinet because he saw himself as above party politics.
The day-to-day running of government fell to three key figures: Anthony Eden (the expected successor), R.A. Butler (Chancellor who worked well with trade unions), and Harold Macmillan . However, these three didn't get along particularly well, creating underlying tensions that would last throughout the Conservative years.
Key Insight: Churchill's leadership style meant he was more of a figurehead whilst his deputies actually ran domestic policy - quite different from how we expect Prime Ministers to operate today.
Eden and Macmillan's Leadership (1955-1963)
Anthony Eden initially looked promising when he finally became PM in 1955, even increasing the Conservative majority by 43 seats in that year's election. However, his expertise was in foreign policy, and he quickly showed he was completely out of his depth with domestic issues and economic decisions.
The Suez Crisis of 1956 absolutely destroyed Eden's career. He secretly planned with France and Israel for Israel to invade Egypt, then lied to Parliament about Britain's involvement. When the Americans forced Britain to back down, it exposed just how financially weak the country had become. Eden resigned in 1957, officially due to "ill health" but really because his reputation was in tatters.
Harold Macmillan took over and proved much more successful initially. He restored party unity and benefited from the post-war economic boom - unemployment was low and living standards were rising. His confident media presence earned him the nickname "Supermac," and in 1959 he won a landslide election victory with the famous slogan about people having "never had it so good."
The Conservatives largely accepted Labour's earlier reforms, creating what became known as the post-war consensus - both parties agreed on supporting the NHS, working with trade unions, maintaining full employment, and having a mixed economy with both state and private sectors.
Key Insight: The "Butskellism" concept (combining Butler and Labour's Gaitskell) showed how similar the main parties had become on major policy issues during this period.
Labour's Internal Struggles and Conservative Decline
Labour's defeat in 1951 was particularly frustrating because they'd actually won 14 million votes - more than in their previous victories. The party was torn apart by a bitter rivalry between Aneurin Bevan and Hugh Gaitskell (representing the party's right wing). This split completely undermined Labour's effectiveness as an opposition.
The divisions got worse after their 1955 leadership contest, with arguments over nuclear weapons and how socialist the party should be. When Frank Cousins became leader of the massive Transport Workers Union, he led fierce opposition to Gaitskell's more moderate approach. Things only improved after 1960 when Harold Wilson emerged as a unifying figure.
Meanwhile, Macmillan's government began falling apart in the early 1960s. A series of disasters hit: Britain's application to join the European Economic Community was rejected, several spy scandals embarrassed the government, and the Profumo Affair (where a cabinet minister lied about his relationship with a woman who was also involved with a Soviet spy) made the Tories look completely out of touch.
The final blow came when Macmillan became seriously ill and resigned in 1963. The Conservatives chose Lord Home as his replacement - an aristocrat who had to give up his peerage to sit in the House of Commons. This made the party look like it was stuck in the past, setting them up perfectly for defeat by Labour's more modern-looking Harold Wilson in 1964.
Key Insight: The Conservative decline shows how quickly political fortunes can change - from "Supermac" at his peak to a party that looked completely outdated within just a few years.
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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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
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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
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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!
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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.
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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
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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
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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
Conservative Governments in Modern Britain - AQA A Level Notes
K
Kate Rutherford
@katerutherford_eltd
Ever wondered how the Conservatives managed to stay in power for 13 straight years after World War II? From 1951 to 1964, Britain saw four different Conservative Prime Ministers navigate everything from post-war recovery to major political scandals that would... Show more
Conservative Political Dominance (1951-1955)
Churchill's unexpected return to power in 1951 came despite Labour actually winning more votes - the quirks of our electoral system gave the Tories more seats with 48.0% of the vote versus Labour's 48.8%. Labour was also dealing with the Bevanite Quarrel, a damaging split when Aneurin Bevan resigned over prescription charges being introduced.
Churchill brought serious wartime credibility but struggled with domestic politics after 1951. At 77, he was often ill (including a major stroke in 1953 that was kept secret) and spent more time travelling abroad than actually running the country. His approach was quite unconventional - he even tried to get Liberal politicians into his Conservative cabinet because he saw himself as above party politics.
The day-to-day running of government fell to three key figures: Anthony Eden (the expected successor), R.A. Butler (Chancellor who worked well with trade unions), and Harold Macmillan . However, these three didn't get along particularly well, creating underlying tensions that would last throughout the Conservative years.
Key Insight: Churchill's leadership style meant he was more of a figurehead whilst his deputies actually ran domestic policy - quite different from how we expect Prime Ministers to operate today.
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Eden and Macmillan's Leadership (1955-1963)
Anthony Eden initially looked promising when he finally became PM in 1955, even increasing the Conservative majority by 43 seats in that year's election. However, his expertise was in foreign policy, and he quickly showed he was completely out of his depth with domestic issues and economic decisions.
The Suez Crisis of 1956 absolutely destroyed Eden's career. He secretly planned with France and Israel for Israel to invade Egypt, then lied to Parliament about Britain's involvement. When the Americans forced Britain to back down, it exposed just how financially weak the country had become. Eden resigned in 1957, officially due to "ill health" but really because his reputation was in tatters.
Harold Macmillan took over and proved much more successful initially. He restored party unity and benefited from the post-war economic boom - unemployment was low and living standards were rising. His confident media presence earned him the nickname "Supermac," and in 1959 he won a landslide election victory with the famous slogan about people having "never had it so good."
The Conservatives largely accepted Labour's earlier reforms, creating what became known as the post-war consensus - both parties agreed on supporting the NHS, working with trade unions, maintaining full employment, and having a mixed economy with both state and private sectors.
Key Insight: The "Butskellism" concept (combining Butler and Labour's Gaitskell) showed how similar the main parties had become on major policy issues during this period.
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
Labour's Internal Struggles and Conservative Decline
Labour's defeat in 1951 was particularly frustrating because they'd actually won 14 million votes - more than in their previous victories. The party was torn apart by a bitter rivalry between Aneurin Bevan and Hugh Gaitskell (representing the party's right wing). This split completely undermined Labour's effectiveness as an opposition.
The divisions got worse after their 1955 leadership contest, with arguments over nuclear weapons and how socialist the party should be. When Frank Cousins became leader of the massive Transport Workers Union, he led fierce opposition to Gaitskell's more moderate approach. Things only improved after 1960 when Harold Wilson emerged as a unifying figure.
Meanwhile, Macmillan's government began falling apart in the early 1960s. A series of disasters hit: Britain's application to join the European Economic Community was rejected, several spy scandals embarrassed the government, and the Profumo Affair (where a cabinet minister lied about his relationship with a woman who was also involved with a Soviet spy) made the Tories look completely out of touch.
The final blow came when Macmillan became seriously ill and resigned in 1963. The Conservatives chose Lord Home as his replacement - an aristocrat who had to give up his peerage to sit in the House of Commons. This made the party look like it was stuck in the past, setting them up perfectly for defeat by Labour's more modern-looking Harold Wilson in 1964.
Key Insight: The Conservative decline shows how quickly political fortunes can change - from "Supermac" at his peak to a party that looked completely outdated within just a few years.
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?
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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