To what extent had the post-war social consensus been undermined by 1975?

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view 18 essays on British History: Monarchy & Politics that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

To what extent had the post-war social consensus been undermined by 1975?

Post-war consensus by 1975 had fragmented as British society became polarised. The Conservative and Labour Government's inability to tackle the economic decline subsequently led to the post-war consensus being threatened. Wilson in 1964 tried to resolve the problems by promising an equal and fairer society based on meritocracy and a 'planned revolution' but by 1968 it was clear Wilson was incapable of this and further undermined the post-war consensus. By 1975 the public had lost faith in the two established traditional parties and began to question the foundations of post-war consensus as to whether Consensus politics is efficient anymore. By enabling economic decline to go unchecked the alienated working classes' position deteriorated increasing the violent tension towards immigrants as unemployment rose and poverty was rife in the inner cities, calling into question the tolerant society Wilson promised in 1964.

By 1964 post-war social consensus was beginning to crack, hence why Wilson promised a 'classless society' to curb the internal issues plaguing Britain and give the people hope of a better future. Throughout the 1950's the Conservative's promoted consumer spending to maintain high living standards, but