ПАРЛАМЕНТСЬКІ ВИБОРИ У ВЕЛИКІЙ БРИТАНІЇ 1945 РОКУ: АНАЛІЗ ПОРАЗКИ КОНСЕРВАТИВНОЇ ПАРТІЇ В КОНТЕКСТІ ЗМІНИ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ПОТРЕБ СУСПІЛЬСТВА ПІСЛЯ ДРУГОЇ СВІТОВОЇ ВІЙНИ

Abstract

The article covers an analysis of the 1945 parliamentary elections in Great Britain as a pivotal moment in the country’s development following World War II. It offers a detailed examination of the historical context preceding the elections, considering the socio-political situation marked by post-war reconstruction and shifting social paradigms. The article analyzes the strategies and programs of key political parties, revealing their contrasting visions for post-war Britain. Additionally, it examines societal attitudes and changing public expectations, which significantly influenced electoral outcomes, highlighting a growing demand from voters for comprehensive social reforms and economic stability. Central to the article is the analysis of the Conservative Party’s defeat, which is explained by several factors, including their perception of societal needs, leadership dynamics, and demographic changes among voters. The article thoroughly explores the Conservatives’ response to the challenges of the post-war period, comparing it with the Labour Party’s agenda focused on social welfare policy and economic reconstruction. The article discusses the outcomes of the 1945 parliamentary elections in Great Britain and their impact on the nation’s social needs post-war. The loss of seats by the Conservatives and the rise in Labour representation signify a shift in the political landscape and societal attitudes. The article examines the underestimation of social needs, which led to the Conservative Party’s defeat. Post-war, destroyed cities and economic difficulties created radical changes in social needs, particularly in housing policy and social protection. The Conservative approach was less socially oriented compared to Labour’s programs. Furthermore, the insufficient emphasis by the Conservatives on economic stability and social protection, which did not align with voters’ demands, is noted. The public image of the Conservatives no longer matched the requirements of the time, and the gap between elites and ordinary citizens became a problem. The impact of leadership and the public image of party leaders on the results of the 1945 elections is also analyzed, noting that the leadership of Winston Churchill was based on wartime merits but was not able to effectively respond to social and economic changes.