CHAPTER 1
Two formative periods in post-war British politics

The first period was led by the Labor Government from 1946 to 1951 whose Prime Minister was Clement Attlee. This government set up a certain number of policies based on Keynesianism and Welfare State. This post-war settlement put in place a system of full employment and a system of social services. Within this context, Attlee’s government undertook the nationalization of major industries and public utilities and the creation of the National Health Service. The Conservatives were opposed to Keynesianism in the first place, but then this settlement was accepted by all parties.
From this period to the early 70s, there was a global consensus/agreement between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. But during the 1970’s there was a worldwide depression which led to the disensus.
The second period was led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, from 1979 to 1990. She set up a new set of policies which is called ‘Thatcherism’.
> Two consensus: Keynesian welfare State and Shumpeterian workare state
1946-1951: Clement Attle
1951-1955: Churchill
1955-1977: Anthony Eden
1957-1963: Harold Mac Millan
1964-1970: Harold Wilson
1970-1974: Edward Heath
I – The First Period : the Keynesian Welfare State.
Keynesian welfare state
A welfare state is a concept of government where the state plays a key role in the protection and the promotion of the economy and social well-being of its citizen. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth and public responsability. It was characterized by :
Concept of a mixed economy : full collectivist ideas, full capitalistic model. Private and public sectors are both remained. The state has nationalized all means of production and