Economic developments: increased state role in wartime; problems of staple industries and mines; General Strike; Gold Standard; Depression
The First World War forced the government to take direct control of the economy. Afterwards, outdated industries, bad financial decisions, and global collapse pushed Britain into severe economic crisis.
Real World
Britain's return to the Gold Standard in 1925 at the pre-war rate of $4.86 made British exports roughly 10% overpriced overnight — Churchill himself later called it the biggest mistake of his career, and it directly deepened the crisis in coal that triggered the 1926 General Strike.
Exam Focus
Link economic decisions causally: Gold Standard → overpriced exports → wage cuts → General Strike; examiners reward developed chains of consequence.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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