Introduction to Making Modern Britain, \(1951–1979\)

Welcome to your study notes for Component 2S: The Making of Modern Britain. This depth study explores how Britain transformed from a nation recovering from World War II into the modern society we recognize today. We will look at how people’s lives changed, how the economy fluctuated, and how the "political consensus" that held the country together eventually began to break apart.

Because this is a Depth Study, you aren't just memorizing names and dates. You are looking closely at why things happened and how to evaluate primary sources (documents from the time) to understand the past. Let's dive into the three key eras of this period.


1. The Affluent Society, \(1951–1964\)

This period is often called the "Thirteen Years of Tory Rule." After the hardships of the \(1940s\), Britain entered a time of incredible economic growth and rising living standards.

The Conservative Dominance

The Conservatives won three consecutive elections (\(1951\), \(1955\), and \(1959\)). Leaders like Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, and Harold Macmillan benefited from a "feel-good factor." Macmillan famously told the public in \(1957\), "most of our people have never had it so good."

Key Features of "Affluence":

  • End of Rationing: Wartime food rationing finally ended in \(1954\).
  • The Housing Boom: The government met targets to build \(300,000\) new houses a year, helping people move out of war-damaged slums.
  • Consumer Credit: For the first time, ordinary families could use "hire purchase" (paying in installments) to buy televisions, washing machines, and refrigerators.
  • Full Employment: In the \(1950s\), unemployment was consistently low (often below \(2\%\)).

The "Post-War Consensus"

During this time, both the Conservative and Labour parties generally agreed on the same main goals. This is called the Post-War Consensus (or "Butskellism"). They agreed on:
1. Maintaining Full Employment.
2. Supporting the NHS and the Welfare State.
3. Working with Trade Unions to keep industrial peace.

Quick Review: Why did the Conservatives stay in power so long? Mainly because the economy was booming, and they didn't try to dismantle the popular Welfare State built by Labour after the war.


2. The Sixties, \(1964–1970\)

In \(1964\), the Labour Party returned to power under Harold Wilson. The mood of the country was changing from traditional and stuffy to modern and "swinging."

"The White Heat of Technology"

Wilson promised to forge a "New Britain" through the "white heat of the technological revolution." He wanted to modernize the economy and move away from old-fashioned industries. However, he faced major economic problems, specifically a "Balance of Payments" deficit (Britain was importing more than it was exporting).

Social Reform and the "Liberal Society"

While the economy struggled, the \(1960s\) saw massive changes in how people lived. Under Home Secretary Roy Jenkins, several landmark laws were passed:
- The Abortion Act (\(1967\)): Legalised abortion under certain conditions.
- Sexual Offences Act (\(1967\)): Decriminalised homosexual acts in private between consenting adults.
- The Race Relations Acts: Made it illegal to discriminate based on race in public places and housing.

Education and Youth Culture

The government promoted Comprehensive Schools to give all children the same type of education, regardless of their ability. The Open University was also created to allow adults to study via television and post. This was a time when "youth culture" exploded, with teenagers having their own music (The Beatles), fashion, and more disposable income than ever before.

Key Takeaway: The \(1960s\) was a "double-edged sword." Socially, it was a time of liberation and excitement; economically, it was a time of crisis, leading to the Devaluation of the Pound in \(1967\).


3. The End of Post-War Consensus, \(1970–1979\)

This decade was characterized by industrial conflict, economic "stagflation" (high inflation plus low growth), and a sense that the old ways of governing were no longer working.

Edward Heath and the EEC (\(1970–1974\))

Conservative leader Edward Heath won in \(1970\). His biggest achievement was taking Britain into the European Economic Community (EEC) in \(1973\). However, his time was dominated by battles with Trade Unions.
- The Miners' Strike (\(1974\)): Led to the "Three-Day Week," where the government restricted electricity use to conserve coal.
- Heath asked the public, "Who governs Britain?" in a snap election... and he lost.

Labour's Return and the "Winter of Discontent"

Labour returned under Wilson (who retired in \(1976\)) and then James Callaghan. They struggled with massive inflation and strikes.
- The Winter of Discontent (\(1978–79\)): Public sector workers (including bin men and even gravediggers) went on strike. Piles of rubbish built up in the streets.
- This signaled the final collapse of the "Post-War Consensus." People felt the government and unions could no longer work together.

Did you know? The chaos of the late \(1970s\) paved the way for Margaret Thatcher's victory in \(1979\), as she promised to "break" the power of the unions and move to a free-market economy.


Exam Skills for Component 2S

As an AS student, you will face two types of questions in this Depth Study. Don't worry if these seem tricky; they just require practice!

Section A: Evaluating Primary Sources (AO2)

You will be given two sources from the period (e.g., a speech by Macmillan or a newspaper article about a strike). You must assess their value to a historian.
- Provenance: Who wrote it? When? Why? Does the person have a motive to lie or exaggerate?
- Tone: Is it angry? Professional? Biased?
- Content and Context: Use your own knowledge to explain why the source says what it does. If a source from \(1974\) mentions power cuts, explain the Miners' Strike!

Section B: Essay Judgements (AO1)

You will be asked to "assess the validity" of a statement. For example: "The \(1950s\) were a period of nothing but prosperity."
- Balanced Argument: You must provide evidence for the statement (rising wages, new houses) and evidence against it (Suez Crisis, underlying economic weakness).
- Conclusion: Always reach a clear judgement. Was it mostly valid or hardly valid?

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just tell the "story" of what happened. Always link your facts back to the question. If the question asks about social change, don't spend three paragraphs talking only about the economy!


Quick Review Box
  • \(1951–1964\): Affluence, Tory dominance, "Never had it so good," Consensus.
  • \(1964–1970\): Labour, social reform (liberalisation), technological hope vs. economic reality.
  • \(1970–1979\): Economic crisis, entry into Europe, industrial strikes, end of Consensus.