4.4.1 - Case Study of 1979 Election Flashcards
Why was the 1979 General Election called?
A loss of a vote of confidence for Callaghan.
Why was the vote of no confidence lost by Callaghan?
Large-scale industrial unrest with the ‘Winter of Discontent’ proving incredibly important.
How did the Conservatives take control of the ensuing election?
Exploitation of discontent with trade union strike action alongside extensive support from the press.
James Callaghan was personally popular. T/F?
True.
How had Callaghan’s government survived prior to the election?
The support of the Liberal and nationalist parties.
What was the major mistake that Callaghan made in the run-up to the 1979 Election?
In Autumn 1978, he did not call a snap election despite Labour being ahead of the Conservatives in most polls.
How was Callaghan’s government further weakened?
The Liberal and Nationalist parties abandoned the Labour government to vote against them in a vote of no confidence.
What was the famous way the press damaged Callaghan’s reputation?
The Sun misquoted Callaghan, stating “Crisis? What crisis?” despite him never saying this.
This gave the Conservatives a nice basis for an election broadcast.
What was Callaghan’s nickname?
Sunny Jim.
Why did Callaghan earn his nickname?
HIs steady optimism.
Why did Callaghan’s optimism fail to resonate with voters?
- Many felt he was underestimating the way in which trade unions were operating.
- His refusal to accept a crisis in January 1979 made him seem out of touch.
- The 67 year old Callaghan had been in every Labour government since 1964 so many thought he could not stand up to the unions.
What did trade unions do in the run-up to the 1979 Election?
They demanded more pay for their members, driving up the already mounting inflation.
What did the Conservatives focus on prior to the campaigns?
- The Labour inability to control trade union pay claims.
- Inability to bring down inflation.
- Inability to reduce unemployment.
- They focused on their status as a party of national unity with common sense.
How did the press aid Thatcher in her campaign?
- The press reinforced the idea that Thatcher would stand up to the trade unions. More C1, C2 votes went to the Conservatives.
- The opinion polls showing the Conservatives narrowing lead encouraged supporters to turn out and vote. 76% turnout likely helped the Conservatives more than Labour.
Where did the Conservatives gain many votes from?
- The Liberal party that propped up Callaghan in the Lib-Lab Pact, lost much of their traditional middle class support.
- Former leader Jeremy Thorpe stood on trial for conspiracy to murder despite still standing in the election.
