‘The Conservatives were politically dominant, in the years 1951 to 1959, because they had effective leaders and policies.’ Assess the validity of this view.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2019
Topic
The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007
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‘The Conservatives were politically dominant, in the years 1951 to 1959, because they had effective leaders and policies.’ Assess the validity of this view.
The Conservatives and Political Dominance, 1951-1959
The assertion that the Conservative Party enjoyed political dominance from 1951 to 1959 due to effective leadership and policies holds a degree of truth, but it necessitates a nuanced exploration. While figures like Churchill and Macmillan, alongside policies fostering economic growth and social reform, contributed to their success, other factors such as Labour's internal divisions and underlying economic weaknesses played a significant role.
Arguments Supporting Conservative Dominance
Effective Leadership: The Conservatives benefited from leaders who embodied different strengths. Churchill, though aging, provided a symbolic link to wartime victory and remained popular. Eden, as Foreign Secretary, exuded charisma, while Butler's competence as Chancellor and later Home Secretary instilled confidence. Macmillan's dynamism, particularly as Housing Minister, resonated with a public aspiring for better living standards. This blend of experience and image-building proved potent.
Post-War Consensus and Economic Prosperity: The continuation of the post-war consensus, with its emphasis on a mixed economy, welfare, and full employment, resonated with a public seeking stability after years of war and austerity. The Conservatives presided over a period of economic boom, fueled by consumer spending and rising wages. This "feel-good factor" was effectively linked to Conservative policies, cementing their image as the party of prosperity. Tax cuts and increased homeownership further solidified this perception.
Policy Achievements: Beyond economics, the Conservatives could point to tangible achievements. Macmillan's housing drive addressed a critical need, while Butler championed liberal reforms, such as those relating to homosexuality and capital punishment. Investment in education, including the first purpose-built comprehensive schools, showcased a commitment to social mobility. The Clean Air Act (1956) demonstrated a concern for quality of life alongside economic growth.
Challenges to the View of Conservative Dominance
Leadership Weaknesses: The image of strong leadership was not without cracks. Churchill, while a symbolic figurehead, was increasingly detached from day-to-day governance due to age and health. This created a power vacuum and fostered tensions within the party, particularly between Eden, Butler, and Macmillan. Eden's premiership, marked by the Suez Crisis, exposed his lack of experience in domestic affairs and ultimately led to his downfall.
Economic Concerns: While the surface appeared bright, underlying economic issues festered. The "stop-go" economic policies, characterized by alternating periods of expansion and contraction, proved ineffective in addressing structural weaknesses. Unemployment, while lower than in previous decades, remained a persistent issue. The rising affluence was partly built on borrowing, consumer credit, and short-term pre-election manipulations, masking deeper vulnerabilities.
Labour's Internal Divisions: Conservative dominance cannot be divorced from Labour's own struggles. The party was deeply divided, notably between the Bevanite and Gaitskell factions. This split weakened Labour's electoral appeal and allowed the Conservatives to capitalize on a divided opposition, winning by default rather than overwhelming support for their own policies.
Conclusion
The Conservatives undoubtedly benefited from effective leaders, particularly in terms of public image and presentation. Their embrace of the post-war consensus and economic policies that ushered in an era of affluence resonated deeply with the electorate. However, this dominance was not solely due to their own strengths. Labour's internal divisions provided a significant advantage, and the long-term sustainability of the economic boom was questionable. While the Conservatives skillfully cultivated an image of competence and prosperity, their dominance should be viewed in the context of a complex political landscape where their success was as much a result of circumstance as it was of their own making.
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Essay Outline: Conservative Dominance, 1951-1959
This essay will assess the validity of the view that the Conservatives were politically dominant from 1951 to 1959 due to their effective leadership and policies.
Arguments Supporting the View
Leadership:
• Churchill's Popularity: 1951 saw Churchill as a war hero, commanding public respect and trust.
• Effective Ministers: Presence of strong leaders like Eden, Butler, Macmillan, and Maudling who contributed to various policy areas.
Policies:
• Post-War Consensus: Maintenance of a mixed economy, welfare, and full employment resonated well with the electorate.
• Economic Boom: Conservative policies contributed to a 'feel-good' factor and rising living standards.
• Housing Policies: Macmillan's initiatives created a 'property owning democracy'.
• Liberal Reforms: Butler's reforms, such as on homosexuality and the death penalty, enhanced popularity.
• Progressive Education and Social Policies: Investment in education and the Clean Air Act added to their appeal.
Arguments Challenging the View
Leadership Weaknesses:
• Churchill's Ineffectiveness: Ageing, health issues, and absenteeism limited his leadership.
• Eden's Failure: Lack of domestic experience and the Suez Crisis damaged his premiership.
Economic Policy Criticisms:
• Underlying Economic Weakness: 'Stop-go' economics masked structural issues and led to 'stagflation' later on.
• Unemployment and Borrowing: Despite rising standards, unemployment and government borrowing were continued concerns.
Alternative Explanations:
• Labour Divisions: Internal conflicts within Labour, particularly the Bevan-Gaitskell split, weakened their position.
• Lack of Clear Alternative: In 1951, Labour's electoral performance suggested the Conservatives' dominance was not a foregone conclusion.
Conclusion
While the Conservatives' effective leadership and policies played a significant role, other factors, such as Labour divisions and the absence of a clear alternative, also contributed to their dominance. The Conservative Party's ability to present a modern image and claim economic success was crucial. Ultimately, a balanced view acknowledges the complexity of factors leading to their dominance from 1951 to 1959.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Arguments Supporting Conservative Dominance (1951-1959)
Arguments supporting the view that the Conservatives were politically dominant from 1951 to 1959 due to effective leaders and policies include:
⭐Churchill's Popularity: In 1951, Churchill remained a popular figure, seen as the hero who led Britain to victory in World War II.
⭐Popular Ministers: Other popular ministers contributed to Conservative dominance:
⭐Eden, as a charismatic Foreign Secretary (1951–55)
⭐Butler, as Chancellor (1951–55) and Home Secretary (1957)
⭐Macmillan, particularly as Housing Minister (1951–54) and Prime Minister (1957) – "Supermac"
⭐Maudling, in various ministerial posts
⭐Post-war Consensus: The decision to continue the post-war consensus – a mixed economy, welfare, and full employment – resonated positively with the electorate.
⭐Economic Boom: The Conservatives presided over a post-war boom, creating a "feel-good" factor. Affluence was associated with the Conservatives, fueled by rising wages, high living standards, and income tax cuts.
⭐Policy Achievements: Other policy achievements contributed to Conservative dominance/popularity:
⭐Housing: Macmillan's policies led to a "property-owning democracy."
⭐Liberal Reforms: Butler championed reforms like the legalization of homosexuality and abolition of the death penalty.
⭐Education: Progressive education policies led to the construction of the first purpose-built comprehensive schools.
⭐Social Reforms: The Clean Air Act (1956) and Factory Acts addressed social issues.
Arguments Challenging Conservative Dominance
Arguments challenging the view that the Conservatives were dominant due to effective leaders and policies include:
⭐Churchill's Ineffectiveness: Churchill was largely ineffective as leader, acting as a figurehead. His ageing and health issues led to absenteeism, creating a day-to-day vacuum filled by other ministers. Tensions existed between Churchill, Eden, Butler, and Macmillan.
⭐Eden's Failure: Eden proved an unsuccessful successor to Churchill, lacking experience in domestic affairs and leading Britain into the disastrous Suez intervention.
⭐Economic Weaknesses: Increasing affluence hid underlying structural weaknesses in the economy. Conservative "stop-go" economics failed to address these weaknesses, leading to "stagflation" in the long term.
⭐Economic Policy Criticisms: Unemployment remained a problem, and high living standards were based on heavy government borrowing, consumer credit, and pre-election tax manipulation.
⭐Labour Divisions: Internal Labour divisions, particularly the Bevan-Gaitskell split, may have played a larger role in Conservative dominance than Conservative effectiveness.
⭐1951 Election: Labour won more votes than the Conservatives in the 1951 election, suggesting Conservative dominance wasn't immediately obvious.
Conclusion
The Conservative dominance in the 1950s can be attributed to a combination of factors, including effective presentation by leaders like Macmillan and Churchill, economic policies that created a sense of prosperity, and Labour divisions. While the Conservatives' economic policies had some weaknesses, they were able to convince the public that Britons had "never had it so good." In the absence of a strong alternative, the Conservatives dominated almost by default.