Social democracy and nationalisation in post-war Britain
I can explain why the post-war Labour government nationalised key industries and describe the effects of this process.
Social democracy and nationalisation in post-war Britain
I can explain why the post-war Labour government nationalised key industries and describe the effects of this process.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Due to their belief in social democracy, the Labour government were committed to a programme of nationalisation.
- They believed that this would lead to lower prices and create more jobs, with better working conditions.
- By 1951, key industries were nationalised: the coal mines; iron, gas and steel industries; and the railways.
- The Conservatives, critics of nationalisation, took over in 1951, but allowed these industries to remain nationalised.
- Output increased and more places were connected by rail but the process only artificially helped declining industries.
Keywords
Social democracy - a democratic welfare state that incorporates both capitalist and socialist practices
Nationalise - to transfer an industry or business from private to government ownership
Common misconception
Pupils might think that the people had control of nationalised industries.
The first chairman of the National Coal Board (NCB) was the former owner of the largest coal company in Britain.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Social democracy and nationalisation in post-war Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Social democracy and nationalisation in post-war Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Post-war Britain: for whom did the United Kingdom become a ‘New Jerusalem'? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
ensured that children were properly cared for and housed
provided insurance in the case of workplace injuries
gave extra support to some disabled, elderly and unemployed people