1974-79 - political Flashcards
What majority were Labour elected with?
A 6 seat majority and the smallest share of the vote a majority government has had for 60 years
When did Wilson resign?
March 1976
What were the impacts of Wilson’s resignation?
His resignation came as a surprise, he had been the leader of the party for 13 years, 8 of which he was the Prime Minister
Key figures on the left becoming increasingly problematic for Callaghan
What happened to Labour’s majority under Callaghan?
By-elections cancelled out Labour’s 3 seat majority
When was the end of the Lib-Lab Pact?
Autumn 1978
What ended the Lib-Lab Pact?
The SNP withdrew its support due to the lack of devolution (giving the Scottish government greater control)
How do many people think Callaghan missed an opportunity?
Many thought Callaghan should have called an election following his somewhat successful handling of the IMF Crisis
When was the vote of no confidence in Callaghan?
March 1979
What was the result of the vote of no confidence?
Thatcher called the vote of no confidence which she won by 1 vote
How was Thatcher’s campaign effective?
Ran a campaign on the slogan “Labour isn’t working” - reflecting Labour’s failure to implement successful, ideological policy.
How were Thatcher’s politics different?
She offered a decisive break in the post-war consensus. She was a member of the “New Right”, and believed that the consensus politics that had operated since 1945 was a form of creeping socialism.
How did Thatcher aim to restore the health of Britain’s economic life?
By controlling inflation and striking a fair balance between the rights and duties of the trade union movement
What were Thatcher’s aims for work?
To restore incentives so that hard work pays, success is rewarded and genuine new jobs are created in an expanding economy
What was Thatcher’s foreign policy?
to strengthen Britain’s defences and work with allies to protect Britain’s interests in an increasingly threatening world.
How did Thatcher propose to support family life?
By helping people to become home-owners, raising the standards of their children’s education and concentrating welfare services on the effective support of the old, the sick, the disabled and those who are in real need.
