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Post-war Wales (1945-60)
Home » Themes » Post-war Wales (1945-60)Post-war Wales (1945-60)
The years following the end of the Second World War were a period of optimism for the people of Wales. Dubbed as ‘the building of a new Jerusalem’, politicians presented the post-war project as one of recovery and regeneration.
This new optimism was reflected by success on the rugby pitch. In 1950 Wales won its first Grand Slam in nearly forty years, followed by another in 1952 and a victory over the New Zealand All Blacks in 1953. The star of the national team at that time was Cliff Morgan, who played fly-half for Cardiff.
Rugby wasn't the only sport that attracted popular interest during this period. In 1958 Wales proudly hosted the Commonwealth Games and the national soccer team reached the World Cup finals for the first time.
In many ways, the Welsh nation that was emerging in the mid-20th century was markedly different from the Wales that entered the two world wars.
What happened next?
Changes in lifestyle (1960-80)
Sources
Peter Stead, ‘Popular Culture’ in T. Herbert and G. E. Jones (eds.) Post-war Wales, (Cardiff, 1995)
