UK National Government

In the United Kingdom the term National Government is in an abstract sense used to refer to a coalition of some or all major political parties. In a historical sense it usually refers primarily to the governments of Ramsay MacDonald, Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain which held office from 1931 until 1940.

The government of Neville Chamberlain

Neville Chamberlain was seen by many as the only possible successor to Baldwin, and his appointment as Prime Minister was widely credited with bringing a new dynamism to the government. With a strong track record as a radical Minister of Health and competent Chancellor of the Exchequer many expected Chamberlain to provide a strong lead in domestic affairs and here the government had a number of successes, such as over the nationalisation of coal mining royalties, the curtailing of excess working hours by the Factory Act and much slum clearance. Further reforms were curtailed by the increased international tension which came to occupy most of his time.

Related Topics:
Neville Chamberlain - Minister of Health - Chancellor of the Exchequer

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In foreign affairs the government sought to increase Britain's armaments, whilst maintaining the unity of the British Empire and Dominions and preventing any one power from becoming dominant on the continent of Europe. These proved increasingly difficult to reconcile as many Dominions were reluctant to support Britain in the event of her going to war, and so military action risked splitting the Empire. Chamberlain took a strong personal lead in foreign affairs and sought to bring about peaceful revision of European frontiers in areas where many commentators had long acknowledged grievances. In this he received much popular support at the time, but the policy has been much attacked since. The most prominent point in the policy of appeasement came in September 1938 when the Munich Agreement was negotiated. Following the agreement the government speeded up the rearmament process in the hope of being ready for war when it came. At the same time it took a tougher line in foreign affairs, including making a guarantee to defend Poland against Germany.

Related Topics:
Appeasement - September - 1938 - Munich Agreement - Poland - Germany

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