The roles of the Conservative Party and the National Government during the 'Phoney War', September 1939 to May 1940

Johnson, Nigel Anthony Peter (2002). The roles of the Conservative Party and the National Government during the 'Phoney War', September 1939 to May 1940. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This thesis is a detailed study of the interaction between the Conservative party and the National government during the nine months of the 'phoney war'. It concentrates on the potential strength of Chamberlain's position and the Conservative party at the outbreak of war. The Conservative party entered the Second World War full of confidence. The party dominated British politics at a national level. However, Chamberlain's failure to widen the government damaged his credibility as a wartime leader when Labour's leaders rejected his offer of key seats in the war cabinet of the National government. This thesis sets out to analyse to what extent the Conservative dominated National government was serious about co-operation with Labour and the Liberals. It will also seek to consider the way in which Chamberlain sought to construct an efficient working war cabinet and how his failure to do so undermined his position as Prime Minister. Chamberlain wanted to fight the war and believed that Nazism had to be destroyed, but those who sort to expand the theatre of war and those who wanted a peace accord with Nazi Germany weakened his position as Prime Minister and helped create the perception that he was not a serious wartime leader.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

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