AP European History Flashcards: Contemporary Western Democracies
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Describe the relationship between postwar economic growth and social welfare benefits.
Postwar economic growth directly supported and enabled the expansion of social welfare benefits across Western democracies.
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Describe the relationship between postwar economic growth and social welfare benefits.
Postwar economic growth directly supported and enabled the expansion of social welfare benefits across Western democracies.
What are "cradle-to-grave" social welfare programs?
These are comprehensive state-provided benefits designed to support a citizen throughout their entire life, from birth until death.
What was the primary response to the economic stagnation that affected welfare states in the late 20th century?
The primary response was criticism of the welfare state's high costs and subsequent political movements aimed at the limitation of its benefits.
Summarize the evolution of the welfare state from after WWII to the late 20th century.
It began with a major expansion fueled by economic growth after WWII, but later faced criticism and limitation as economic stagnation in the late 20th century put pressure on national budgets.
If a Western European government in the 1980s faced a shrinking economy, what domestic political issue would likely become more contentious?
The high taxes required to fund the nation's "cradle-to-grave" social welfare programs would likely become a contentious domestic political issue due to budget pressures.
Why did the welfare state, once supported, face criticism later in the 20th century?
It faced criticism because economic stagnation strained national budgets, making the high taxes needed to fund extensive programs a contentious political and economic burden.
What major economic shift in the late 20th century challenged the welfare state?
A period of economic stagnation put European national budgets under pressure, leading to criticism and re-evaluation of extensive welfare programs.
What is the "welfare state" as it developed after World War II?
A system where the state provides for its citizens through comprehensive social benefits, often called "cradle-to-grave" programs, which were supported by postwar economic growth and high taxes.
What economic condition initially allowed for the expansion of welfare benefits in Western democracies after WWII?
Sustained postwar economic growth provided the financial resources necessary to support a significant increase in social welfare benefits for citizens.
How were the expanded welfare states of the post-WWII era typically funded?
The expansion of cradle-to-grave social welfare programs was accompanied by and funded through high taxes.