Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the significant changes that took place in post-war Britain: the establishment of the NHS and the welfare state, the growth of social democracy, the changing role of women and the experience of racism in Britain.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to assess the extent to which the post-war period was a 'New Jerusalem' for people in Britain.

Key Notes

• Clement Attlee talked of creating a 'New Jerusalem' and the new welfare state did improve quality of life for many.
• Key industries were nationalised, creating a mixed economy.
• Many groups, such as women and Caribbean migrants, still experienced significant discrimination.
• One's experience of life in post-war Britain depended on many aspects, including race, gender and class.
• A good assessment of post-war Britain will make a balanced case for its status as a 'New Jerusalem'.

Vocabulary To Learn

• nationalise: to transfer an industry or business from private to government ownership
• New Jerusalem: the phrase used by Attlee to describe the equal and wealthy society that the post-war Labour government wished to create
• welfare state: a system in which the government protects the health and well-being of its citizens by providing grants, pensions and other benefits
• racism: prejudice or discrimination against a person on the basis of their race and ethnicity

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Students might believe rationing ended when the Second World War ended in 1945.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Experiences of racism in Britain Study Guide
• Social democracy and nationalisation in post-war Britain Study Guide
• The aims of the post-war Labour government Study Guide
• The changing role of women in post-war Britain Study Guide
• The NHS and the welfare state Study Guide