Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils analyse the ways in which Britain changed after the Second World War. They learn about the creation of the NHS, the experiences of the Windrush generation and the technological and social changes that took place in the 1960s.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how the Second World War led to the creation of the NHS and the impact this had on the people of Britain.

Key Notes

• Before WWII, healthcare was not run by the government and varied greatly from place to place.
• Many people, especially women, were unable to afford healthcare and childhood illness was a big problem.
• Although the government ran schemes for workers to access free healthcare, this was mainly for men.
• During the war, the government took control of hospitals and this showed how much better things could be.
• In 1948, the National Health Service was set up offering free healthcare to everyone, improving the nation's health.

Vocabulary To Learn

• healthcare: healthcare refers to the system of medical services provided to individuals
• welfare state: a welfare state is when a government provides basic services for the people in the country to help protect their well-being

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Students may think that National Insurance before WWII allowed men to receive healthcare without paying for it.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Social and cultural change in the 1960s Study Guide
• The condition of Britain at the end of the Second World War Study Guide
• The impact of rapidly changing technology Study Guide
• The ways in which Britain changed after the Second World War Study Guide
• The Windrush generation Study Guide