What was the economic situation of families and how did they survive?

unemployment Also unemployment exceeded by 1 million in 1972 and had risen even higher by the time the end of the decade was in sight meaning families struggled to provide for themselves and live a comfortable life due to their poor economic situation. Another problem was that young men had to go to the army for at least 2 years this meant there was no one to provide for the families, this ended in the 1960’s The human and material losses of the World War II in Britain were enormous. Britain in turn owed the U.S. billions in loan repayments due to the recourses the U.S provided during the war.

Impact of the cold war on the Source: http://www.economist.com/node/326557 Impact of the cold war on the British economy The cold war also had a huge impact on the British economy. Despite the creation of the National Health Service, Britain was spending on welfare as a proportion of GDP was actually low compared with its main European allies, whereas its spending on defence and warfare was the highest of the big European powers. There was an enormous concentration by government on defence-related research and development, however several of these weapon programmes were costly flops and were cancelled in 1960s.

In 1945 Taxes were increased, industries were nationalised, and a welfare state with national health, pensions, and social security was created. By 1959, tax cuts had helped boost living standards and allow for a strong economy and low unemployment. In 1948 the NHS was launched at Park Hospital in Manchester (today known as Trafford General Hospital). Even though the NHS is completely free, Prescription charges of one shilling (5p) were still introduced in 1952 and a flat rate of £1 for ordinary dental treatment is also brought in 1952. Prescription charges are abolished in 1965 and prescriptions remain free until June 1968, when the charges are re introduced.

Post war Albania. The damages Albania The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration reported about 30,000 Albanian war dead, 200 destroyed villages, 18,000 destroyed houses, and about 100,000 people left homeless. After Enver Halil Hoxha became leader there were rules and serious consequences, such as if anyone defied or questioned the Albanian government they would get prosecuted and their relatives would be sent to the poorer ends of Albania and live on farming for the rest of their life. No one was allowed to leave Albania or come in otherwise it would be counted as disrespect and it would mean you were a traitor, men had to work whilst women had to stay in kitchens or sow carpets as a job. Children only had education about how great their leader was, there were only 2 programmes on TV all about the government. Enver Halil Hoxha Source: interview with my parents