Labour and Conservative Governments, 1964-79 Flashcards
Why the Conservatives lost the election of 1964?
- Conservative Leader: Sir Alec Douglas-Home – out of touch with modern electorate – Scottish aristocrat – 60 years old – no match for young Wilson (47).
- Can be overstated – many found him more trustworthy than Labour’s Harold Wilson.
- The conservatives were blamed for growing economic problems in 1660s – accusations of Britain having ‘thirteen wasted years’ – fallen behind others – lots of talk of inflation, unemployment and manufacturing areas.
- Reality: Conservatives had cut income tax in ’63 – CotE Maudling cut taxes in 1963 budget – cuts led to a trade deficit of 800 million – however helped out narrow the gap between the parties as earnings rose and unemployment fell
- E.g. dropped from 900,000 unemployed in Feb 1963 to 300,000 unemployed ion July 1964.
- Bad press from Profumo scandal – upper class sex scandal – not a big impact on traditional tory supporters – older voters and women interviewed in opinions polls continued to prefer the conservatives.
Why Labour Won the election of 1964?
- Harold Wilson – break from public-school educated political leaders since 1945.
- Not to be exaggerated – not that charismatic.
- Less internal tensions in Party – seemed more united – yet few had been in gov before – voters doubted their ability to handle crises – especially international – Conservatives continued to be regarded as more reliable on defence.
- Appeal to those wanting modernisation – Wilson appealed for economic planning to use the technological revolution to take Britain forward.
- However, lack of clarity about ‘technical revolution’ meaning.
- Campaign – broader - more carefully targeted than in the past.
- E.g. – election manifesto offered social progress – did not stress nationalisation of industry – as it was not popular.
- Labour did not actually gain many more votes – many voters concerned with Labour’s left wing and the influence of the trade unions.
- Lost votes in some areas – voters disliked immigration – thought Tories more likely to control it. – Most notorious result in Smethwick constituency near Birmingham – conservative candidate ran an overtly racist campaign and succeeded in turning and 3500 Labour majority into a Tory victory by 1700 votes.
Outcome of 1964 election - changes in society?
- 13 years – time for changes – especially younger voters – had only know conservative rule – however few young people actually voted.
- Improvement of living standards – more money meant more independence – people less willing to accept traditional authority – encouraged my cultural changes- plays, TV and movies satirized politicians and pop music and cinema challenged trad attitudes to sex.
- Grammar schools – bright pupils from lower class backgrounds – more opportunity – university etc.
- Inspired ideas of new modern classless Britain – professional scientific competence.
- Labour significantly more popular with voters under 44 – benefited from mood of the young.
- Considerable changes in Britain since 1951 – excitement about technology, space exploration, travel opportunities – rapidly changing – Labour seemed more in tune with a new society that the traditional Tories.
Outcome of 1964 election - Liberal vote?
- Few voters switched from conservative to Labour – more voted Liberal.
- Shown in election results in middle class Orpington in 1962 – conservative majority of 14,700 overturned by victorious liberal candidate with 7850 majority.
- Although Liberals won only 3 more seats than in 1959 – the split in some marginal constituencies between Conservatives and Liberals was significant in Bringing about Labour in constituencies which they have not taken in 1959.
- Liberal revival – more publicity – increased funding – talented new candidates.
- Able to contests in many more seats in 1964 than in ’59.
- Gained only 3 more seats – but almost doubled their vote.
- Helped Labour victory even though over all Labour vote fell a little.
Problems faced by Wilson, 1964-70?
- Stagflation and other economic issues.
- Britain’s growth slow compared to other countries.
- High defence costs – prevent domestic investment.
- Changes in society – not reflected in existing laws – education systems did not offer high quality tech and scientific training – or widespread opportunities for higher education.
What did Wilson achieve 1964-70 - Social reforms?
o Roy Jenkins- secretary – policy of modernisation – significant domestic changes of the century.
o Race relations law – discrimination illegal.
o Voting age from 21 to 18.
o Capital punishment ended - MURDER ACT - 1965 - SUSPENDED DEATH PENALTY FOR MURDER FOR 5 YEARS – DECISION MADE PERMENANT IN 1969.
o Equal pay law – men and woman – had to receive same pay for same work.
o Abortion legalised - more contraception available. Abortion act – 1967.
o Homosexuality between consenting adults in private – legalized. – Sexual Offences Act – 1967.
What did Wilson achieve 1964-70 - Education?
o Comprehensive system expanded.
o Open university established – give higher education to people of all ages.
o 1963 – Robbins Report on Higher Education – number of universities increased.
What did Wilson achieve 1964-70 - Economic policy?
o Balance of payments deficit improving by 1969.
o Value of sterling maintained – benefited Britain’s financial sector.
o Gov encouraged industrial developments in South Wales and Merseyside – developments in road transport and motorways built in the north.
What did Wilson Fail to achieve 1964-70 - the economy?
o Continuation of economic problems meant government had to abandon policies – e.g. raising school leaving age and free prescription.
o Continued issues with balance of payment deficit – rising prices – forced introduction of higher taxes and spending cuts.
o Unemployment – 1967 – post war high – 2.5 million.
o Britain forced to devalue the pound in 1967 – lack of over overseas confidence in the economy.
o The National Plan Sep 1965:-Wilson creates Dept of Economic Affairs (DEA) -Target 3.8% growth over 6 years -Treasury did not work with the DE -Deflation undermined the National Plan - Failed but ‘coherent visions for the future’=did increase popularity in ’66.
What did Wilson Fail to achieve 1964-70 - Trade unions?
o Plan for long-term reform of the Unions in 1967 – Barbara Castles ‘In Place of Strife’ – unions would have ballot members before calling strikes. -very unpopular with Labour left and trade unions – abandoned.
o Seamen’s strike in 1966 – damaged economy – loss of confidence – brought about devaluation.
o Economic growth damaged by high costs of union practices – overmanning in manufacturing industry.
o TU membership – fell decline of traditional manufacturing.
Why did Labour lose the election of 1970?
- Willson’s Complacency:
-a suggested that Wilson had 51% approval compared to conservative 28% for Edward Heath.
-Wilson too relaxed during campaign.
-Publication of poor trade figures just before election day undermined Labors claim of the economy doing well. - Disillusionment of the Labour Supporters:
-Defeat in 1970 may be due to labor supporters not bothering to vote.
-Barbara Castle noted a “under current of detachment among our own activists and party audiences.”
-Party membership dropped from 830,000 in 1964 to 680,000 in 1970.
-Many activist and MPs viewed the Lab gov as to right wing:
-Britain’s foreign policy supportive of USA, especially Vietnam war.
-Too much spent on defense, not enough on welfare, education, economic regeneration.
-Working class made poorer by govs policies.
-Abandoned historic interest in socialism and working class - attempting to curb trade union power ‘In place of strife’.
-1970 Equal Pay act, attempted to get the vote of politically motivated young people - they were more preoccupied protesting Vietnam war. - Failure of “In Place of Strife”
-White paper written in ‘69 proposing an act to reduce power of trade union - never passed.
-Lost voters who had voted for Wilsons promise to modernise Britain.
-Showed Trade unions as more powerful that gov.
Why did Conservative win the election of 1970?
- Policy Proposals
-Industrial relations law - reformed to reduce number of disruptive strikes + inflationary pay settlements.
-Less state intervention in industry, especially if enterprises were loss-making.
-attempts to control prices and incomes by law would end.
-Britain would apply to join EEC.
These policies challenged assumptions that had been accepted by both parties at end of WW2. gave them novelty. - Edward Heath’s Leadership
-Relentless attack on economic record of Lab gov. e.g. Since 1964 Retail Price Index (measure of inflation) had risen 33%, unemployment risen by over 200,000).
-Press unanimously attributed conserve win - Heath’s leadership. Daily mail ‘guts and leadership’
-Dealt firmly with major challenge to his authority - sacked Enoch Powell who opposed commonwealth immigration + govs race relation legislations. Powell gave speech predicting race riots - popular with white working class - threatened by immigrant work force.
-Heath disagreed and fired him firmly, despite Powells popularity - heath was supported by con party.
Problems faced by Heaths government 1970-74?
- Inflation – difficult control – war in Middle East in 1973 raised oil prices.
- 1971- America changed policy of fixed exchange rates – lets the value of the dollar fall – makes British Exports more expensive in the USA.
- Government obliged to subsidise failing industries – protect jobs.
- Entering EEC – successful – Britain had to accept some unfavourable terms.
- Number of working days lost in strikes increased – 1970 – 10.6 million, 1972 – 23 million.
- Difficult to stop inflation caused by high government spending and external factors – so industrial relations policy was important to stop wage-led inflation.
What did Heath achieve 1970-74?
- 1971 – Industrial Relations Act – gave government right to insists for a 60 day cool off period before a strike was called and to insist on a 60-day cooling period – all trade unionist balloted before a potential strike.
- Industrial Relations Commission and National Industrial Relations Court - negotiate and avoid strikes.
- Entering EEC – successful – Britain had to accept some unfavourable terms:
o Sacrifice any remaining preferential trade deal with the Commonwealth.
o Accept the EEC’s policy of heavily subsiding French farmers.
o Entry – little immediate impact of Britain’s economy.
What did Heath fail to achieve 1970-74:
Problems with the coal industry under Heath:
- 1972 – 280,000 coal miners went on strike.
o Power cuts threatened heating and power supply.
o Miners were asking for a 47% pay rise.
o Government surrendered - pay rise higher than the inflation rate.
o Weakened government strategy to reduce inflation.
o Showed power of miners + effectiveness of their methods.
o Many Conservatives saw the rule of law being challenged.
o Other workers inspired by miners – followed suit.
- The clash of 1973
o 1973 – oil crisis led to high price rises – miners banned overtime.
o Egypt and Syria went to war with Israel – Middle East Oil-producing countries – cut back oil supply – angry at Western Support of Israel – problem as 50% of Britain’s energy needs depended on oil.
o Heath had to introduce emergency powers to avoid further strikes or give in to further pay rise.
o Industry and businesses – only had electricity 3 days a week.
o TV - stop broadcasting at 10.30.
o Cut down on petrol – cars no faster than 50 mph. - Failure of Industrial relations act:
o Unpopular with Labour.
o TUC – attempted to make Act unworkable – encouraged union members to deregister from IRC.
o Legal judgment in 1972 – ordered release of dock workers who had refused to appear before NIRC – credibility of Act challenged. - Election of 1974 – called by Heath in order to gain decisive support for Policies - Labour got 4 more seats than Conservatives.
- Labour votes: 11.9 million.
- Conservative: 11.6 million.
