Proved that Lab fit to govern by pursing moderate policies
Foregin policy contributed to better international relations, not afraid to confront difficult issues eg Indian Independence
By leading NG he put "country before party" + advanced notion of concensus politics
Can be CRITICISED for:
Held on as Pm for too long-> end bit of an embarrassment "ramshackle Mac"
Split labour party in 1931, not re-elected in 1945
No genuine answers to economic problems that were the MAIN issue
Refused to consider alternative solutions to econ problems-> stuck to orthodox economics
1 of 3
SB 1935-37
Should take CREDIT for:
Policy of "masterly activity" + pipe-smoking calmness attractive at time of crisis to voters
Ensured Tory support for NG = main reason for NG's stabillity. Even when RMD PM SB was a stabilising influence
Handled the abdication crisis well- advising King to abdicate but did not pass judg on him
Arguably helped britain avoid political extremism
Wanted class divisions eradicated from British politics-> some Cons in his party branded his ideas as "half socialism"
Can be CRITICISED for:
Laissez faire attitude to econ policy even in darkest days of depression.
Even if econ policies were the right thing for GB in 1930s (some historians and economists argue) His gov offered little MITIGATING solutions to depressed regions of the north-west.
Econ recovery of 1930s mostly factors beyond gov's control (Rearmament, Housing Boom, New industries)
2 of 3
NC 1937-40
Should take CREDIT for:
Wide ministerial experience before becoming PM
Active part in diplomacy to prevent outbreak of war
Began rearmament in earnest
Can be CRITICISED for:
Lacked personal appeal fo RMD and SB
Intolerant of criticism within party
Over-confident of his own ability to persuade dictators to keep their word
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