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The post-war consensus in Britain, also known as the post-war compromise, spanned approximately from the end of World War II until the late 1970s.
Answer: True
The post-war consensus in Britain is generally understood to have spanned the period from the end of World War II in 1945 until the late 1970s, not the end of World War I.
The post-war consensus officially concluded with the election of Harold Wilson's Labour government in the early 1960s.
Answer: False
The post-war consensus did not conclude with Harold Wilson's government in the early 1960s. It is generally considered to have ended in the late 1970s with the rise of Margaret Thatcher.
Foreign policy during the consensus generally opposed strong ties with the United States ('Atlanticism') and favored rapid decolonization.
Answer: False
Foreign policy during the consensus generally supported strong ties with the United States ('Atlanticism') and a planned process of imperial disengagement (decolonization).
The term 'post-war consensus' is exclusively used to describe the political period in Britain.
Answer: False
The term 'post-war consensus' is not exclusively used for Britain; it is also applied to describe a similar political period in New Zealand's history.
'Embedded liberalism' is a term associated with the post-war consensus paradigm, characterized by market liberalization and deregulation.
Answer: False
'Embedded liberalism' describes the post-war consensus where liberal economic policies were integrated with social welfare provisions and state intervention, not characterized by market liberalization and deregulation.
The 'Attlee Settlement' refers to the economic policies implemented by Margaret Thatcher's government.
Answer: False
The 'Attlee Settlement' refers to the policies enacted by Clement Attlee's post-1945 Labour government, not the economic policies of Margaret Thatcher's government.
A planned process of imperial disengagement, or decolonization, was a foreign policy principle generally supported during the post-war consensus.
Answer: True
The managed process of decolonization was indeed a foreign policy tenet broadly accepted within the framework of the post-war consensus.
What was the approximate timeframe of the post-war consensus in Britain?
Answer: 1945 to the late 1970s
The post-war consensus is generally understood to have spanned the period from the end of World War II in 1945 until the late 1970s.
Which of the following was a generally agreed-upon foreign policy principle during the post-war consensus?
Answer: Strong ties with the United States ('Atlanticism')
Maintaining strong ties with the United States, known as 'Atlanticism,' was a key foreign policy principle generally supported during the post-war consensus.
What was the general approach to European integration during the post-war consensus?
Answer: A cautious or hesitant approach ('reluctant Europeanism')
The approach to European integration during the consensus period was characterized by caution and hesitation, often termed 'reluctant Europeanism'.
The term 'embedded liberalism' is used to describe the post-war paradigm where:
Answer: Liberal economic policies were integrated with social welfare provisions
'Embedded liberalism' signifies a system where liberal market economies were balanced and constrained by social welfare provisions and state intervention, characteristic of the post-war consensus.
What was 'The Attlee Settlement'?
Answer: The set of reforms enacted by Clement Attlee's post-1945 Labour government
'The Attlee Settlement' refers to the significant legislative and policy reforms implemented by Clement Attlee's Labour government following their victory in the 1945 general election.
During the post-war consensus, major British political parties generally agreed on policies favoring nationalization, strong trade unions, significant government regulation, high taxation, and an extensive welfare state.
Answer: True
The consensus period was characterized by broad agreement among major political parties on policies that included nationalization, support for trade unions, extensive government regulation, high taxation, and the development of a comprehensive welfare state.
Fundamental policy pillars of the post-war consensus included a commitment to a mixed economy, Keynesian economics, and the establishment of a comprehensive welfare state.
Answer: True
The consensus was indeed built upon these core tenets: a mixed economy balancing private and public sectors, Keynesian principles for economic management, and a comprehensive welfare state to ensure social security.
Keynesian economics, central to the consensus, advocated for minimal government intervention in the economy.
Answer: False
Keynesian economics, central to the post-war consensus, advocated for an active role for government in managing the economy, not minimal intervention.
A 'mixed economy' within the consensus framework involved a complete absence of private enterprise, with all industries under state control.
Answer: False
A 'mixed economy' within the consensus framework signified a combination of private enterprise and state ownership or control, not a complete absence of private enterprise.
The National Health Service (NHS) was established as a core component of the post-war consensus, providing universal healthcare funded through taxation.
Answer: True
The establishment of the NHS was a landmark achievement of the consensus, embodying the principle of universal, tax-funded healthcare accessible to all citizens.
The Education Act 1944 modernized the British educational system and was considered an integral part of the post-war consensus.
Answer: True
The Education Act 1944 significantly reformed and expanded the educational system, aligning with the consensus's broader goals of social improvement and opportunity.
Nationalisation was a policy generally avoided during the post-war consensus.
Answer: False
Nationalisation was a tolerated or encouraged policy within the post-war consensus, particularly for key industries, not a policy that was generally avoided.
Strong trade unions were generally suppressed during the post-war consensus to maintain economic stability.
Answer: False
Strong trade unions were generally supported or tolerated during the post-war consensus, seen as integral to industrial peace and workers' rights, rather than suppressed.
The welfare state, a key component of the consensus, referred to a system where citizens were primarily responsible for their own social well-being.
Answer: False
The welfare state, a key component of the consensus, involved significant government responsibility for citizens' well-being, not a system where citizens were primarily responsible for themselves.
Which of the following was a core policy pillar of the post-war consensus?
Answer: A comprehensive welfare state
The establishment and expansion of a comprehensive welfare state was a central and defining policy pillar of the post-war consensus.
What was the main objective of Keynesian economics as applied during the post-war consensus?
Answer: To prevent severe recessions and maintain full employment
Keynesian economics aimed to stabilize the economy by managing aggregate demand, thereby preventing severe recessions and ensuring high levels of employment.
What did the term 'mixed economy' signify within the post-war consensus?
Answer: An economy where private enterprise and state ownership coexisted
A 'mixed economy' signified a system that combined elements of private enterprise with state ownership or control, often involving the nationalisation of key industries.
The establishment of which institution was a central achievement and key component of the post-war consensus?
Answer: The National Health Service (NHS)
The creation of the National Health Service (NHS) was a cornerstone of the post-war consensus, representing a commitment to universal healthcare.
Which piece of legislation modernized and expanded the British educational system, becoming part of the consensus?
Answer: The Education Act 1944
The Education Act 1944 significantly reformed the British education system and was considered an integral part of the post-war consensus.
Which of the following best describes the role of nationalisation within the post-war consensus?
Answer: It was a policy applied to key industries deemed crucial for national interest.
Nationalisation was employed during the post-war consensus, typically applied to major industries considered vital for national interest or economic planning.
How were trade unions generally viewed within the post-war consensus framework?
Answer: As integral to maintaining industrial peace and workers' rights
Trade unions were generally viewed as important stakeholders within the consensus, contributing to industrial stability and advocating for workers' rights.
John Maynard Keynes and William Beveridge were key intellectual figures whose ideas laid the groundwork for the post-war consensus.
Answer: True
The economic theories of John Maynard Keynes and the social reform proposals of William Beveridge were foundational to the intellectual framework of the post-war consensus.
The Beveridge Report, published in 1942, proposed a decentralized system of private charities to address social challenges after the war.
Answer: False
The Beveridge Report proposed a comprehensive, state-led welfare system, not a decentralized network of private charities, to tackle social challenges.
William Beveridge identified 'Want', 'Disease', 'Ignorance', 'Squalor', and 'Idleness' as the 'five giants' hindering post-war reconstruction.
Answer: True
Beveridge famously identified these five 'giants' as the primary obstacles to social progress and economic recovery that the welfare state aimed to overcome.
Historian Ralph Miliband criticized the post-war consensus reforms for being too radical and leading to an overly socialist society.
Answer: False
Ralph Miliband, among others, criticized the consensus reforms for being too modest or conservative, arguing they hindered the creation of a fully socialist society, rather than being too radical.
Anthony Crosland's influential book 'The Future of Socialism' argued that nationalisation was the sole defining characteristic of socialism.
Answer: False
Crosland argued that nationalisation was merely a potential means, and that the true defining characteristic of socialism should be the pursuit of greater social equality.
The term 'Butskellism' was used to describe the perceived convergence of economic policy between the Conservative and Labour parties in the 1950s.
Answer: True
'Butskellism' was a satirical term coined to represent the perceived similarity in economic policies between leading figures of the Conservative and Labour parties during the 1950s.
The primary debate among historians regarding the post-war consensus centers on whether it was a universally harmonious period with complete agreement.
Answer: True
A central debate among historians concerns the extent to which a genuine consensus existed, with many questioning its universality and harmony, suggesting it may have been more of a 'myth' or 'illusion'.
Historian Kevin Jeffreys challenges the idea of a broad consensus by citing the Conservative Party's strong support for the National Health Service from its inception.
Answer: False
Kevin Jeffreys challenges the consensus narrative by highlighting the Conservative Party's opposition to the National Health Service, suggesting the consensus was not as broad as sometimes portrayed.
Ben Pimlott viewed the concept of a post-war consensus as a well-established historical reality, providing a stable framework for decades.
Answer: False
Ben Pimlott famously described the post-war consensus as a 'mirage' or 'illusion,' contending that it lacked genuine harmony and was subject to significant disputation.
Dennis Kavanagh and Peter Morris defend the consensus concept by highlighting major continuities in policies related to the economy, welfare, and foreign affairs.
Answer: True
Kavanagh and Morris support the idea of a consensus by pointing to significant policy continuities across major areas such as the economy, welfare provision, and foreign policy during the period.
Dean Blackburn suggested the consensus stemmed primarily from shared ideological beliefs about desired political 'ends'.
Answer: False
Dean Blackburn proposed that the consensus might have originated more from shared epistemological assumptions and ideas about appropriate political conduct, rather than solely from shared ideological beliefs about desired political 'ends'.
Economists Broadberry and Crafts argued that the post-war consensus hindered economic efficiency by discouraging competition.
Answer: True
Broadberry and Crafts suggested that certain structural elements within the post-war consensus, potentially by discouraging competition, may have impeded optimal economic efficiency.
Paul Addison's thesis argues the post-war consensus was a coherent package of policies developed in the 1930s and solidified during WWII.
Answer: True
Paul Addison's scholarship posits that the consensus was not merely a post-war phenomenon but had roots in earlier decades and was consolidated during the wartime period.
Who were the primary intellectual figures credited with laying the groundwork for the post-war consensus?
Answer: John Maynard Keynes and William Beveridge
The economic theories of John Maynard Keynes and the social reform proposals of William Beveridge were foundational to the intellectual framework of the post-war consensus.
The Beveridge Report identified five key challenges to post-war reconstruction, collectively known as:
Answer: The Five Giants
William Beveridge famously identified 'Want', 'Disease', 'Ignorance', 'Squalor', and 'Idleness' as the 'five giants' that needed to be conquered to build a better post-war society.
Which of the following was NOT one of the 'five giants' identified by William Beveridge?
Answer: Bureaucracy (excessive administration)
The 'five giants' identified by Beveridge were Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor, and Idleness. Bureaucracy was not among them.
Anthony Crosland, in 'The Future of Socialism', argued that the primary goal of socialism should be:
Answer: The pursuit of greater social equality
Crosland argued that the fundamental goal of socialism was the achievement of greater social equality, distinguishing this 'end' from the 'means' such as nationalisation.
What did the term 'Butskellism' satirically represent?
Answer: The convergence of economic policy between Labour and Conservatives
'Butskellism' was a satirical term used to denote the perceived similarity and convergence of economic policies between the Conservative and Labour parties in the 1950s.
Which historian described the post-war consensus as a 'mirage' or 'illusion' that fades upon closer examination?
Answer: Ben Pimlott
Historian Ben Pimlott critically assessed the post-war consensus, describing it as a 'mirage' or 'illusion' that lacked substantial agreement upon closer scrutiny.
The economic problems of the 1970s, such as high inflation and unemployment, strengthened the belief in Keynesian policies.
Answer: False
The economic problems of the 1970s, often termed 'stagflation,' undermined confidence in Keynesian policies and led to a search for alternative economic approaches.
In the 1970s, Monetarism, championed by Milton Friedman, gained influence as an alternative to Keynesian economics.
Answer: True
As Keynesian economics faced challenges in the 1970s, Monetarism, advocating for control of the money supply, gained significant traction as a competing economic philosophy.
The 'Barber Boom' of 1972, initiated by tax cuts, successfully led to sustained economic growth without inflation.
Answer: False
The 'Barber Boom' ultimately resulted in stagflation (high inflation and stagnant growth) and a devaluation of the pound, rather than sustained, non-inflationary growth.
The 1973 oil crisis was a global event that eased economic pressure on Britain during the 1970s.
Answer: False
The 1973 oil crisis significantly increased energy prices globally, exacerbating economic pressures on Britain and contributing to the challenges faced by the post-war consensus.
The sterling crisis of 1976 forced the British government to request a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Answer: True
A severe sterling crisis in 1976, marked by a sharp fall in the pound's value and depleted foreign reserves, compelled the British government to seek a substantial loan from the IMF.
The IMF loan conditions in 1976 required the British government to increase public spending and reduce taxes.
Answer: False
IMF loan conditions typically involve austerity measures; in 1976, Britain was required to implement significant government spending cuts and tighten monetary policy.
Prime Minister James Callaghan declared in 1976 that the previous approach of spending one's way out of recession was still viable.
Answer: False
In 1976, James Callaghan famously stated that the strategy of stimulating the economy through spending was no longer viable, acknowledging its inflationary consequences.
The economic crises of the 1970s, including the 1973 oil crisis, helped to end the post-war economic boom and challenged the consensus.
Answer: True
The economic turbulence of the 1970s, marked by events like the oil crisis and domestic inflation, significantly disrupted the post-war economic prosperity and questioned the viability of the prevailing consensus.
The pound sterling's status changed from a pegged currency to a floating currency during the 1976 crisis.
Answer: True
The 1976 sterling crisis led to the abandonment of the pegged exchange rate system, and the pound began to float freely against other currencies.
What major economic issues in the 1970s led to widespread questioning of the post-war consensus policies?
Answer: Economic stagnation and high inflation ('stagflation')
The phenomenon of 'stagflation'—a combination of stagnant economic growth and high inflation—severely challenged the effectiveness of the economic policies underpinning the post-war consensus.
Which economic theory gained prominence in the 1970s as an alternative to Keynesianism, emphasizing control of the money supply?
Answer: Monetarism
Monetarism, with its focus on controlling the money supply, emerged as a significant alternative to Keynesian economics during the economic difficulties of the 1970s.
What global event in 1973 significantly pressured the economic stability underpinning the post-war consensus?
Answer: The oil crisis leading to increased energy prices
The 1973 oil crisis, which caused a dramatic surge in energy prices, placed considerable strain on the economic foundations of the post-war consensus.
Why did the British government request a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1976?
Answer: Due to a sterling crisis and depleted foreign reserves
The UK sought an IMF loan in 1976 primarily because of a severe sterling crisis, which depleted the nation's foreign currency reserves.
What was a key condition imposed by the IMF for the 1976 loan to Britain?
Answer: Significant government spending cuts
A primary condition of the 1976 IMF loan was that the British government implement substantial cuts in public spending.
The Conservative Party fully rejected all fundamental changes introduced by the post-war Labour government, promising to reverse them.
Answer: False
The Conservative Party largely accepted many of the fundamental changes introduced by the Labour government and promised not to reverse them, indicating a degree of consensus even among opposition.
The 'Winter of Discontent' in 1978-1979 involved widespread strikes that bolstered support for the collectivist consensus.
Answer: False
The 'Winter of Discontent' is widely seen as having damaged public support for the collectivist consensus and discredited the prevailing economic and industrial relations model.
The 'state overload thesis' suggests that the consensus period led to an imbalance where government demands exceeded its delivery capacity.
Answer: True
The state overload thesis posits that the extensive reach and demands placed upon government during the consensus era eventually outstripped its capacity to deliver effectively, contributing to its breakdown.
Margaret Thatcher's Housing Act 1980 allowed tenants the right to buy their council homes, reversing a key aspect of state provision.
Answer: True
The Housing Act 1980 introduced the 'right to buy' policy, enabling council house tenants to purchase their homes, which represented a significant shift away from state provision.
Margaret Thatcher dismantled the National Health Service entirely, replacing it with private healthcare providers.
Answer: False
While Thatcher's government introduced reforms, it did not dismantle the NHS entirely. The principle of universal, tax-funded healthcare was largely maintained.
Margaret Thatcher's election victory in 1979 marked the definitive end of the post-war consensus.
Answer: True
Margaret Thatcher's rise to power in 1979 is widely regarded as a pivotal moment that signaled the end of the post-war consensus and ushered in a new era of political and economic ideology.
The 'Winter of Discontent' in 1978-1979 is significant because it:
Answer: Destroyed the collectivist consensus and discredited the welfare state
The widespread industrial action during the 'Winter of Discontent' significantly eroded public trust in the collectivist model and the welfare state, contributing to the end of the consensus era.
Margaret Thatcher's Housing Act 1980 is notable for introducing:
Answer: The right for council house residents to buy their homes
The Housing Act 1980 granted council house tenants the right to purchase their homes, a significant policy shift away from state housing provision.
Despite challenging many consensus policies, Margaret Thatcher maintained which key aspect of the post-war settlement?
Answer: The principle of universal, tax-funded healthcare (NHS)
Margaret Thatcher's governments largely maintained the principle of the National Health Service (NHS) as a universal, tax-funded healthcare system.
What does the 'state overload thesis' suggest contributed to the breakdown of the post-war consensus?
Answer: An imbalance between government demands and its delivery capacity
The state overload thesis argues that the consensus period created an unsustainable situation where government demands and public expectations exceeded the state's capacity to deliver, leading to its breakdown.
In New Zealand, the post-war consensus was built around a 'historic compromise' involving government-guaranteed rights for workers in exchange for union-employer cooperation.
Answer: True
New Zealand's post-war era featured a 'historic compromise' where the government guaranteed worker rights and security in return for cooperation between unions and employers.