Macmillan came across as a war hero following the Suez crisis. He was a
classi Edwardian scholar but suffered from physical and mental pain.
He was very much related to the government he ran
via blood or through marriage. He was related to 35/85
government figures and 7/19 cabinet ministers.
He was known as supermac following a cartoon created by Vicky
Early 1960's he was the focus of satirical attacks, like tv show "that was the week that was"
resignations
Macmillan's various Chancellors carried on the consensus
economics; operating a mixed economy, following - loosely -
Keynsianism, soon Macmillan refused prioritise deflationary
policies over full so 3 coe's resigned.
economy
Generally a time of 'stop-go' economics;
sudden tax rises and cuts to control
spending, Consumer goods became
widespread as Britain became more affluent
Although the government continued the consensus
aim of full employment. Unemployment rose by
over 150,000 during Macmillan's premiership
10 million tv's were owned and consumerism
rose as washing machines and dishwashers
became popular.
Balance of payments worsened from a surplus of
£345 million in 1958 to £258 million deficit in 1960
Inflation rose from 3.6% in the 50's to 5.5% in the 60's
BY 1963, unemployment was
870,000. Average economic
growth shrank by 2% a year.
Balance of payments problem
forced Britain to borrow £714
million from the IMF to support
the value of the pound.
"Britain never had it so good"
decolonization
The "wind of change" ultimately meant that the British Empire's
days were numbered, and on the whole, Britain adopted a policy of
peaceful disengagement from its colonies once stable,
non-Communist governments were available to transfer power to.
Churchill and Eden wanted to maintain the British Empire,
Macmillan realised it could no longer play a major world role
so he emphasised international co-operation with the USA
and advocated entry to the EEC. De Gaulle vetoed Britain
Profumo affair
In june 1963, John Profumo confessed to an affair in 1961
with showgirl Christine Keeler who was also having an
affair with Captain Ivanov a Russian diplomat and spy. His
initial dishonesty made people question the government.
'night of the long knives' mac sacks 7 ministers in 1962