The inter-war years and the Great Depression

Study note

In the 1920s many people's living conditions improved, with new housing built in many towns. In 1929, however, the world entered the Great Depression, and some parts of the UK suffered mass unemployment, especially in heavy industries such as shipbuilding. New industries, including cars and aviation, grew, and car ownership doubled between 1930 and 1939. The BBC began radio broadcasts in 1922 and the first regular television service in 1936.

Memory tip: 1929 Great Depression: shipbuilding suffers, but car and aviation industries grow; BBC radio from 1922.