X8
XBritain between the Wars, 1919–1939
X
A British newspaper from 1926 reporting on the General Strike. Caption
Useful terms
om pa ny
of
Ire la n
d
In this chapter we will examine the economic and social problems faced by successive governments in Britain in the inter war period. The most important of these were industrial unrest, the decline in traditional industries such as coal mining and the impact of the Great Depression.
Conservative Party: Political party that strongly supported the empire and favoured little role for the government in the economy. Strongly supported by wealthier people.
Exports: Goods and services sold to other countries.
Free trade: No taxes placed on imported goods – traditional British trade policy.
General strike: When trade unions join together to stage a nationwide strike, as happened in 1926 in Britain.
Gold standard: Traditional British policy whereby money issued was backed by gold.
Imports: Goods or services bought from other countries.
Labour Party: Moderate socialist party in favour of a fairer society, greater government spending and government control of major industries, such as coal mining.
na l
at io
uc
Ed
Liberal Party: Until 1918, one of the ‘big two’ in British politics. Favoured moderate reform and free trade. It went into decline after World War I as it lost votes to the Labour Party.
Th
e
C
©
Introduction
In the 19th century Britain had been the world’s leading economic and political power, with a vast empire spanning the globe. By the turn of the 20th century, Britain had been overtaken economically by both the US and Germany. Nonetheless, Britain was still a major force in the world economy and London was a major financial and banking centre. Many in Britain believed that the reasons for their economic success were based on a number of factors. One was sound financial management of the nation’s finances.
BRITAIN BETWEEN THE WARS, 1919–1939 ❘ 81
Dictatorship and Democracy_Case Study C_2.indd 81
24/01/2022 11:55
