Final answer:
Labour might have lost the 1959 general election due to an association with old-style nationalism at a time of affluence and social change. The 1950s involved both economic prosperity and challenges to traditional social structures, which Labour failed to adequately address.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the period during which Labour might have lost an election due to their perceived association with old-style nationalism despite increasing affluence. The possible answer options provided are 1945, 1951, 1959, and 1964. Considering the context provided, and without explicit mention of a particular election, it is challenging to determine the exact date. However, Labour's loss in the 1959 general election could be attributed to a variety of factors, including a booming post-war economy that benefited the Conservative party's pro-affluence image and the perceived outdated nationalist policies of the Labour Party. The 1950s were marked by both prosperity and social challenges, such as the beginning of deindustrialization and the desire for new types of social reform, all of which Labour struggled to navigate effectively.
Furthermore, it is significant to note the shift in politics from the late 1950s to the 1960s. As economic issues gave way to social ones, a political realignment occurred, resulting in some Democrats in the United States shifting to the Republican Party. This shift continued into the 1980s and was characterized by the rise of the evangelical movement, which had implications for the Democratic Party's support base. Although this information pertains more to US politics, similar dynamics regarding shifts in political allegiance due to changing priorities could be applied to Labour's challenges during the same era in the UK.