Lecture Notes: The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007

Key Political Developments

Major Turning Points

• 1951 Election: Initiated 13 years of Conservative rule.
• 1979 Election: Start of Thatcher's 11-year dominance.
• 1997 Election: Began New Labour's dominance.

Political Landscape

• Labour's 1951 Loss: Despite high aggregate votes, Labour lost due to the First Past the Post (FPTP) system.
• Conservative Dominance: Conservatives ruled for 35 of the 46 years between 1951-1997.
• Two-Party System: Labour and Conservatives dominated, aided by the FPTP electoral system.
• Consensus Politics: Narrowed political gulf; both parties shifted towards center, emphasizing national cooperation post-WWII.

Economic Context

Contradictory Trends

• Challenges: Damaged infrastructure, massive debts, decline of staple industries, reliance on US for economic recovery.
• Optimism: Leading economic power, significant sectors like oil and chemicals, rising living standards.

Economic Growth and Decline

• 1951-2007: Slower growth compared to competitors, attempts at modernization often failed.

Social Dynamics

Societal Structure

• Class Divisions: Persistent class distinctions, North-South divide evident.
• Employment: Heavy industry dominance, limited female workforce participation.

Social Mobility

• Post-War Impact: Increased mobility and unity, but class consciousness remained strong.

Foreign Policy

Global Position

• Illusions of Power: Maintained imperial pretenses post-WWII, despite weakening.
• Nuclear Deterrent: Decision to pursue independent nuclear capabilities.
• EEC Relationship: Initial reluctance, sidelined in European integration processes.

Post-War Consensus (1951-1964)

Attlee's Legacy

• Welfare State: Based on Beveridge Report, introduced NHS and National Insurance.
• Nationalization: Government control of key industries, economic direction.
• NATO Contribution: Key role in forming NATO to counter Soviet expansion.

Conservative Adaptation

• Continuing Labour Policies: Acceptance of welfare state and nationalization principles.
• Economic and Social Policies: Conservatives adopted Keynesian economics, maintained consensus politics despite internal divisions.

Period of Affluence (1951-1964)

Economic Boom

• Increased Wages: Rising living standards, growth in consumer goods ownership.
• Housing: Major programs to build new homes post-war.

Political Adaptations

• Conservative Strategies: Leveraged economic boom, strategic election timing, reorganization post-1945.

Challenges and Declines (1964-1990)

Economic Struggles

• Inflation and Unemployment: Significant issues throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
• Industrial Decline: Struggles with modernization, persistent economic crises.

Thatcherism

• Economic Policies: Emphasis on privatization, reducing state intervention, and curbing union power.
• Social Impact: Increased individualism, widened wealth gap, social unrest.

Labour and Conservative Shifts (1990-2007)

Labour Revival

• New Labour: Shift towards the center, reduction of union influence, increased appeal to middle class.
• Blair's Leadership: Emphasized modernization and economic competence.

Conservative Decline

• Internal Divisions: Struggles with European policy, sleaze scandals, lacked clear leadership post-Major.
• Electoral Defeats: Failure to adapt to changing political landscape, loss of traditional support base.

Conclusion

Britain's Evolution

• Economic and Social Change: From post-war rebuilding to Thatcher's reforms and New Labour's modernization.
• Political Landscape: Evolution from two-party dominance to greater political diversity.
• Foreign Policy: Shifts from imperial illusion to European integration and global diplomacy.