Further Social and Economic Changes in Wales and England after 1918 – A Level History WJEC Revision

1. Social Changes after 1918

The end of World War I brought about a significant shift in society as women were granted the vote and the working classes were increasingly involved in politics and trade unionism.
The 1918 Representation of the People Act granted suffrage to all men over 21 and all women over 30 who met specific property qualifications, with over eight million women enfranchised.
1928 saw the extension of suffrage to all women over 21, marking a significant shift towards gender equality in British society.
The world war had a significant psychological impact on society, with many surviving soldiers suffering from “shell shock”, now recognised as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The British class system saw a notable shake-up during this period, as the working class, empowered by the war and unionisation, began to demand better living and working conditions.

2. Economic Changes after 1918

The end of the war saw the UK government heavily indebted, leading to austerity measures including public spending cuts and high unemployment rates.
The 1930s saw the Great Depression, which led to further economic hardship across the country. Many industries, particularly those in Wales and Northern England, were hit hard.
Despite the depression, this period also saw the growth of new industries, such as electrical goods and car manufacturing. These industries thrived in southern England, resulting in a regional economic divide.
Mass unemployment was a major issue during this period, with the national unemployment rate peaking at around 22% in 1932. Measures such as means-tested Unemployment Assistance were introduced to help, but were often seen as inadequate and stigmatizing.
Alongside high unemployment, the 1930s saw a significant slump in international trade, with the UK’s global share dropping from 15% in 1913 to 10% in 1938, leading to a shift towards a more insular national economic approach.

3. Housing and Public Health Changes

The inter-war period saw an increase in house building, with over 4 million homes being built between 1919 and 1939, often in new suburban areas. The quality of new homes varied significantly, though standards generally improved over time.
The introduction of national health and sanitation measures, such as the 1936 Public Health Act, aimed at improving the general health of the population.
Major outbreak of diseases like smallpox and diphtheria declined; however, tuberculosis remained a significant health issue.
There was also an increase in the provision of social and welfare services, such as the introduction of free school meals and the expansion of maternal and child welfare services.