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 describe how the post-war Labour government created the modern welfare state, including National Insurance and the NHS.

Key Notes

• The government increased general taxation to pay for child allowances to alleviate child poverty.
• The government introduced National Insurance, to which all workers contributed from their salary.
• The National Insurance scheme would give people state support if they became ill or lost their job.
• In 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) was created which was universal and free at the point of use.
• Reforms introduced by the government formed the basis of the modern welfare state.

Vocabulary To Learn

• welfare state: a system in which the government protects the health and well-being of its citizens by providing grants, pensions and other benefits
• taxation: the system of routinely paying money to the government

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Every element of the NHS was free for a considerable time after its creation.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• British society after WWII, 1945-1970 Study Guide
• 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