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Anna Melton 15/12/03 Historical Skills Essay 1
Q: How Beneficial was Nationalisation in the Period 1945-51 to the British Economy and British People?
July 1945 saw the Labour Party sweep to power after achieving a considerable victory
against the Conservatives, despite the positive support Winston Churchill had received
during the Second World War. ... However despite this great influx of reforms, this period remained one of austerity
as the full impact of the War became evident on Britain’s industry and economy. There has
been a great amount of debate amongst historian’s and other interested parties as to
whether Attlee’s Labour government brought marked improvement to post war Britain or
contributed to further hardships, this essay will attempt to analyse one of Labour’s primary
reforms, the Nationalisation of much of Britain’s industry, and answer how beneficial this
policy proved.
By 1945 Britain found herself in a considerably weakened position, the War had cost an
enormous amount and also meant a loss in the export markets whom she had relied
heavily on. British exports in 1945 stood at a third of their already low 1939 level and the
ensuing spell of legislation covered three main areas, nationalisation and economic
planning, social welfare and trade union law. ... Arguably the largest reforms in the Labour period include the
founding of the National Health Service in 1946, the introduction of National Insurance Act
and the Nationalisation of many industries such as Coal, Electricity and the Railways
under the supervision of Herbert Morrison. Many of the mechanisms of state planning and
control had already been set up during the war, the object was to promote a healthy
economy by increasing Britains gross domestic production and export potential via four
civil service committees; manpower, materials, balance of payments and capital
investment. ... The nationalisation did not affect operations within the bank
but arguably highlighted Labours commitment to controlling the economy for the benefit of
the country, whereas private investments had often proved a hindrance to progress and
modernisation. ... By 1945 both
had become dilapidated after being starved of investment for many years, they were
unprofitable and run by many companies paying poor wages with bad safety records. Even
many mine owners recognised some form of centralised control was necessary and public
opinion was in favour of nationalisation here. ...
Labours programme of nationalisation was extensive and bold; the coal, gas and
electricity industries had been taken under state control within the first two years of their
election.
Approximate Word count = 2062
Approximate Pages = 8.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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