S06 E30 – Norman Lowe: The Rise and Fall of British Consensus (1951-1979)

In this episode of CSS Breakdown: Book by Book, Season 06, Episode 30, we break down Chapter 30 of Norman Lowe's 'Mastering Modern British History'. This chapter thoroughly examines the significant period of British politics from 1951 to 1979.

Listeners can expect to explore the main concept of consensus politics, which largely characterized the era from 1951 to the early 1970s. This involved a surprising degree of fundamental policy similarity between the Labour and Conservative parties, often termed "Butskellism," focusing on a Keynesian approach, safeguarding the welfare state, full employment, and a mixed economy.

The episode will then detail:

• The thirteen years of Conservative government (1951-1964) under Prime Ministers like Churchill, Eden, and Macmillan, highlighting both the period of perceived prosperity and rising living standards, alongside criticisms of inconsistent economic "stop-go" policies, a failure to join the EEC at the outset, and damaging political scandals.

• The Labour governments of Harold Wilson (1964-1970), analyzing their struggles with economic problems, including a significant balance of payments deficit and the controversial devaluation of the pound, as well as their failed attempts to reform trade unions, notably the "In Place of Strife" proposals.

• Edward Heath's Conservative government (1970-1974), its successful entry into the European Economic Community (EEC), and its tumultuous confrontations with powerful trade unions, particularly the miners, which culminated in the "Who governs Britain?" general election of February 1974.

• The return of Labour to power under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan (1974-1979), discussing the severe economic crises marked by high inflation and unemployment, the national referendum on EEC membership, the implementation of the "Social Contract," and the devastating "Winter of Discontent" that ultimately led to the fall of the Labour government.

• An overarching analysis of the economic problems plaguing Britain throughout these decades, including declining industrial efficiency, the impact of the oil crisis, and the ongoing debate among historians regarding whether this period truly represented a "British decline" or an era of unique social well-being and prosperity for the British people.

This episode will provide a deep dive into the political shifts, economic struggles, and social changes that shaped modern Britain, leading to the decisive election of Margaret Thatcher in 1979 and the end of the consensus era.