Post War Consensus

Question 1

5 elements of the consensus

Answer 1

Full employment at risk of inflation
Mixed economy
welfare state with an NHS
Cooperation between gov, industry and TU’s
A pro American, anti soviet foreign policy

Question 2

Why the consensus existed between 1951 and 1979

Answer 2

1. A mixed economy (half nationalised, half private)
2. The existence of the welfare state
3. Good relations between industry, the government, and trade unions
4. Full employment, although with inflation.

Question 3

Why did the consensus continue?

Harold Macmillan

Answer 3

Harold Macmillan shocked by the suffering of his constituents in the 1930’s and wrote a book ‘the middle way’ in which Britain should adopt radical solutions like those of Attlee.

Question 4

Why did the consensus continue?

NHS

Answer 4

Winston Churchill returning as PM in 1951 refused to overturn Attlees reforms especially the NHS as it had become engrained in British culture