Britain since 1945 — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover Britain since 1945, part of the A long and illustrious history chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
Who pioneered IVF treatment in Britain?
- ✓ Sir Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe — Correct answer
- Sir Frank Whittle and Alan Turing
- John MacLeod and Francis Crick
- Sir Bernard Lovell and Sir Peter Mansfield
IVF treatment in Britain was pioneered by Sir Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe. It was used to treat infertility.
Who invented the World Wide Web?
- ✓ Sir Tim Berners-Lee — Correct answer
- Sir Peter Mansfield
- Sir Christopher Cockerell
- James Goodfellow
Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. The first successful transfer of information via the web happened on 25 December 1990.
Who became Prime Minister in the coalition government formed in 2010?
- ✓ David Cameron — Correct answer
- Gordon Brown
- Theresa May
- Keir Starmer
David Cameron became Prime Minister when the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition in 2010. It was the first time since February 1974 that no party won an overall majority.
Which government was elected in 1945?
- A Conservative government
- A coalition of the Empire
- ✓ A Labour government — Correct answer
- A Liberal government
In 1945 the British people elected a Labour government. Clement Attlee became Prime Minister after that election.
Which countries formed the European Economic Community in 1957?
- UK, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland
- ✓ West Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands — Correct answer
- France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus
- England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
West Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands formed the European Economic Community in 1957. The UK did not join at first.
Which aircraft was developed by Britain and France?
- ✓ Concorde — Correct answer
- Hovercraft
- Harrier jump jet
- Helicopter
Britain and France developed Concorde. It was the world’s only supersonic passenger aircraft.
Where was Roald Dahl born?
- Lincolnshire
- ✓ Wales — Correct answer
- Manchester
- Scotland
Roald Dahl was born in Wales to Norwegian parents. He later served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
What did the National Health Service guarantee?
- Free housing for every worker
- Free travel throughout the UK
- A pension for all children
- ✓ A minimum standard of health care for all, free at the point of use — Correct answer
The National Health Service guaranteed a minimum standard of health care for all, free at the point of use. It was part of the new welfare state.