The Conservative party themselves:
- Reorganisation of the Conservative party.
- Internal disputes within the Labour party - infighting between the Bevanites and the Gaitskellites weakened the Labour party.
- 1951 marked the end of "austerity" and the start of the long post-war boom.
- The Conservatives recognised the extent of public approval for the legacy of the Attlee government.
- They didn't outright reject the welfare state or totally reverse nationalisation.
- New attitudes towards the trade unions.
- Recovered very quickly after the Suez crisis - managed to change leaders after Eden's downfall without a power struggle.
Economy:
- Conservatives came to power just as the economy was recovering.
- Men's weekly wages were rising, there was a massive increase in private savings and a boom in car ownership.
- Harold Macmillan managed to build 300,000 houses per year as promised by the Conservative government.
- Farmers did well financially.
- Food rationing had ended.
- Conservatives declared more tax cuts before the elections.
Social:
- Butler was able to boost conservative election prospects through TV.
- The national press where in favour of the Conservatives.
- Voters were content and happy with their rising living standards.
- "Feel good factor."
Individuals - Harold Macmillan :
- Macmillan had great political success as the housing minister.
- Was seen as a showman.
- Had full control of political affairs.
- Was very popular with the media - became known as "supermac."
- Had a theatrical style.
- Had a very good team around him.
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