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.
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.
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.
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
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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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