ATTLEE GOVERNEMENT

PERIOD 1 = 1945-51

LABOUR GOVERNMENT OF CLEMENT ATTLEE

WHY THIS PERIOD BEGINS?

1945 Election

LABOUR STRENGTHS

CONSERVATIVE WEAKNESSES

Attlee had become well known as deputy prime minister in the wartime and therefore increased his popularity.

Complacency kicked in, they thought they were going to win regardless so they knew few policies and placed faith in personality.

Attlee had a strong campaign, travelling up and down the country with his wife.

Churchill exceeded in foreign policies yet lacked heavily in domestic policies.

Labour were promising very appealing policies such as the Beveridge Report. There was a belief that the government needed to help.

Blunder of the ‘Gestapo’ speech. It was very insulting after the war.

Press support – The Daily Mirror supported Labour before the war and influenced voters.

1930’s had had huge problems and the conservative government were still being blamed for it.

There was a sense of desire for change amongst the public including the injured war veterans.

Unprepared to make the same concessions as labour, instead of government aid there was a belief of ‘class party’ and ‘representing class’

Attlees response to the Gestapo speech.

Instead of running a campaign boosting Conservative qualities they run a negative campaign about…