Social, Cultural and Leisure Developments – A Level History WJEC Revision

Social Developments

The inter-war period saw significant growth in the trade union movement. In 1919, one in three workers were unionised, and by 1939 this had risen to one in two.
Large-scale unemployment brought about significant hardship and social unrest. The 1936 Jarrow March represents a key moment in this, with unemployed workers marching 300 miles from Jarrow to London to protest their conditions.
The period was also marked by the growth of the Labour Party and the decline of the Liberal Party, reflecting a swing towards socialism and the politics of the working class.

Cultural Developments

In literature and arts, the period is known for the rise of Modernism, with artists and writers reacting to the horrors of war and the changing society around them.
Broadcast radio became widespread, with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) established in 1922. This gave rise to a mass national culture, with emphasis on education and entertainment.
The period saw the birth of British cinema, with notable figures such as Alfred Hitchcock gaining prominence. The British Film Institute was created in 1933 to support and promote British cinema.

Leisure Developments

Rising affluence among some sectors of society resulted in increased leisure time and the ability to engage in a wide range of recreational activities.
Sports, including football and horse racing, were popular, with Wembley Stadium opening in 1923. The 1936 Berlin Olympics also featured numerous British medal-winners, reflective of the investment in sports during this era.
Holidays became an important aspect of life, with the introduction of paid holiday entitlements for workers. British seaside towns flourished as destinations for holidaymakers.
Advances in technology resulted in the mass production of affordable bicycles and cars, changing the way people spent their leisure time and allowing for greater mobility and independence.