1964 - 1970 Flashcards
(174 cards)
1
Q
Who were the two candidates in the 1964 election?
A
Alec Douglas Home and Harold Wilson
2
Q
Why did Home seem out of date and traditional?
A
Old Etonian, renounced his lordship through a peerage act, didn’t win leadership through any kind of party election
3
Q
Why did Wilson appear Classless?
A
He went to a state secondary school
4
Q
What did Wilson want to do away with?
A
Privilege, and replace it with purpose/drive
5
Q
What were 5 tensions and key concerns for the Labour government?
A
- The economy
- Europe
- Trade unions
- Northern Ireland
- International issues
6
Q
What is a trade union?
A
A group that exists to protect workers rights
7
Q
What did the election results show?
A
As the conservatives lost almost 6% of the vote shar while Labour only gained 0.3% it showed that people were losing trust and support in the Conservatives, rather than increasing support for Labour
8
Q
What was Labours majority?
A
Labour only had a small Majority over the conservatives of 13 seats and only won the popular vote by 200,000 votes
9
Q
How did Wilson come to be leader of the Labour party?
A
He beat George brown in the leadership election after the death of Hugh Gaitskell in 1963.
10
Q
How old was Wilson?
A
Wilson was in his early 40’s, fitting the trend of younger world leaders like Kennedy
11
Q
Where was Wilson on the political spectrum?
A
He was originally a Bevanites on the left, but later was in Hugh Gaitskell’s cabinet, before later challenging him for leadership from the left (although he lost)
12
Q
What was Wilsons outlook on trade unions and the nuclear deterrent?
A
He supported Britain’s nuclear deterrent, and wanted to reform the trade unions - many called him an opportunist.
13
Q
What were the reasons labour won the 1964 election?
A
Wilson cleverly played with the contrast between him and the ageing and out of date Douglas home
Labour presented themselves as a force for progress and change standing against an out of date establishment
Labour was seen as a more youthful, with it. type of party
Wilson was seen as more dynamic and youthful than home
14
Q
What are the reasons the conservatives lost the 1964 election?
A
Weariness and a lack of changing spirit undermined the conservatives
The scandals in 1964-1964 weakened the integrity and credit and competence of the labour party
The old outdated system had put Home as PM without a vote, damaging the conservatives attempts to present a modern image
Unemployment had reached 800,000 despite Macmillan’s claim of never had it so good
The failure of the EEC had shown how much Britain had fallen internationally under the conservatives
Problems with stop go economics and a lack of real growth compared to other first world nations
15
Q
What are the reasons the conservatives lost the 1964 election?
A
Weariness and a lack of changing spirit undermined the conservatives
The scandals in 1964-1964 weakened the integrity and credit and competence of the labour party
The old outdated system had put Home as PM without a vote, damaging the conservatives attempts to present a modern image
Unemployment had reached 800,000 despite Macmillan’s claim of never had it so good
The failure of the EEC had shown how much Britain had fallen internationally under the conservatives
Problems with stop go economics and a lack of real growth compared to other first world nations
16
Q
What did Wilson want to happen with the UK economy?
A
He wanted to modernise the economy and was desperate to end the stop go economic problems with Macmillan so that the UK could catch up to countries like Japan and west Germany.
17
Q
What was the Deficit Wilson inherited?
A
an £800 million deficit.
18
Q
What department was set up by George Brown to encourage faster economic growth?
A
The department of Economic affairs (DEA) charged with making a national plan to encourage faster economic growth.
19
Q
What were the labour governments 2 main options on reducing the deficit?
A
Devaluation of the pound or import controls or accept deflation
20
Q
What did Wilson want to do with the balance of payments issue?
A
Wilson did not want to Devalue the pound and instead insisted on a 15% tariff on key imports
21
Q
In what ways did Wilsons decision to avoid devaluation backfire?
A
Further economic crisis continued forcing deflationary policies on the government and in the summer of 1966 the national plan was abandoned, Wilsons Hesitancy to devalue the pound ultimately ended up humiliating when devaluation years later in 1967 ended up working and resulting in a £700 million surplus
22
Q
What is Devaluation?
A
Devaluation is the lowering of a currencies value in relation to others
23
Q
How does devaluation improve the BoP deficit?
A
Devaluation causes a country’s’ exports to be less expensive making them more competitive on the global market, while also imports become more expensive, encouraging consumers to buy british while manufacturers export.
24
Q
When did Wilson devalue the pound?
A
In November 1967, Wilson reluctantly decided to devalue the pound to avoid further economic troubles
25
How much was the pound devalued by?
The pound was devalued from $2.80 -> $2.40
26
Why did Wilson create the national plan instead of taking other measures?
Wilson believed that the defecit could be solved with careful management and planning rather than deflation or devaluation.
27
Why did Wilson want to avoid deflation?
It would go against the Labour governments manifesto to spend more on technology and Welfare.
28
What did the DEA lead to the creation of?
The National Plan
29
What were the aims of the national plan?
Aimed at:
- Modernising the economy
- Increase industrial output by encouraging cooperation between government, employers and trade unions.
30
What happened to the national plan?
Little of its targets had been met and it was quietly abandoned in 1967.
31
What happened in the 1966 general election?
Labour won a majority of 110 seats as voters were impressed with the modernisation of the economy.
32
Why did the national plan fail?
Brown and the DEA were in competition with Callaghan and it didn't have proper government support
33
What was Wilsons approach to inflation?
Wilson thought the deficit and inflation were Britain's two biggest problems so he thought wage and salary increases needed to be kept in check.
34
What did Wilson to do deal with inflation?
He thought the large majority he was given in the 66 election gave him a mandate to enact his pay pausing policies and so he established a price and incomes board that had the ability to regulate pay settlements.
35
How did the Trade unions react to the price and incomes boards' establishment?
The left and trade unions were angry, as they expected labour being in power would benefit them,
The leader of the transport and general workers union Frank Cousins resigned as the gap between labour and trade unions widened
There were a series of strikes in 1966 and 1967 by sea men's and the dockers union
Wilson described these actions as extremists Marxist attacks on Britain's industrial well being.
36
What was Wilson forced to do on top of devaluation?
Wilson had to approach the IMF for another loan after receiving a £1billion loan 3 years earlier
Many saw this as the government losing control of their finances, while Wilson blamed the Trade unions and strikers, claiming the Economic problems were almost over until the seamen's and dockers strike
37
What was a reason Wilson was so against devaluation?
Atlee had devalued the pound in 1949 and he didn't want labour to be the party associated with devaluation.
38
Why was the Devaluation a greater failure than it needed to be?
If it was done earlier and in a less theatrical manner (Wilson announced it on TV) It could've been blamed on the conservatives or played down as a minor financial adjustment, the trade unions were also furious they were blamed for the governments failings.
39
What happened with Britain and the EEC under Wilson?
Because of Devaluation and other economic fears Wilson was prompted to apply to the EEC but once again DeGalle vetoed on behalf of France, and the rest of the EEC were not happy with Frances actions.
40
When was in place of strife produced?
1969.
41
Which MP Produced in place of strife?
Barbara Castle Employment minister.
42
What is a white paper?
A statement of the governments plans in relations to a bill it intends to introduce.
43
What was the aim of in place of strife and how did it intend to do this?
To prevent future strikes aimed at a series of legal restrictions on the right to strike and by allowing employees to keep arrangements and consult the unions when large decisions were being made
44
Why did the Trade unions despise in place of strife?
They saw the restrictions on employers as obvious attempts to win over the support of employees by the government that would distract them from the strike controls.
45
Who was Roy Jenkins?
Jenkins replaced Callaghan after he resigned as chancellor following the devaluation of the pound
46
How did Jenkins Reduce the deficit?
He introudced deflationary measures, he:
- increased taxes
- tightened government spending
- made improving BoP the top economic priority
47
Was Jenkins sucessful in reducing the deficit?
Yes, The £800million deficit became a £700million surplus
48
In what ways did Jenkins not help the economy?
By 1970, inflation was still high at 12%
49
What was Wilson's Liberal reforming legislation driven by ?
Driven by Roy Jemkins and his support for private members bills
50
Who was Roy Jenkins when Legislation was being passed?
Roy Jenkins was Home secretary under Wilson from 1965 - 1967.
51
What are private members bills?
Backbench MP's could propose legislation through private members bills, Jenkins wash sympathetic and allowed parliament to have more time for Parliament for reforms to be passed, once keeping parliament going through the night.
52
What were Wilsons Liberal Legislation reforms (6?)
- The end of Capital punishment 1965/1969
- The divorce reform 1969
- The legalisation of abortion 1967
- Decriminalisation of homosexual relations 1967
- Educational reform
- The open university
53
What was public opinion on Capital punishment like at the time?
Sharply divided, The anti hanging campaign recieved a boost from the cmapaign of Ruth Ellis, a mother who murdered her unfaithful husband in 1955. In 1957, the Tories reduced the number of sentences leading to death, but many were in support of total abolishment.
54
How was the end of capital punishment brought about?
In 1965 during a free vote (a vote where MP's do not have too vote in line with party policy) hanging was abolished for a period of five years and in 1969, this was made permanent.
55
What other legislation also progressed the justice system?
In 1967 Jenkins refused the authorisation of beating prisoners, and also made it that in court only a majority verdict would need to be reached, rather than unanimity (only 10/12 jurors had to agree on a verdict rather than all 12)
56
When did capital punishment end in the UK?
In 1965 it was put on a trial period, before permanently being abolished in 1969
57
When was the Divorce reform act?
1969
58
Pre - Wilson what was Divorce like?
Until the 60s, divorce could only occur if there was evidence that one member had committed adultery, but this was often impossible as evidence was hard to gain, especially for the poor, who couldn't afford cameras, Jenkins thought this was out of date and the divorce reform act was passed in 1969.
59
What was the Divorce reform act?
The divorce reform act allowed for a 'No fault' divorce which meant that couples could divorce if:
- They had lived apart for two years and both partners wanted a divorce
- They had lived apart for five years and one partner wanted a divorce
60
How much did the number of divorces go up after the divorce reform act?
1950: 2 divorces per 1000 marriages
mid 1970's: 10 per 1000 marriages
Divorces had increased 5x
61
However in what ways was the divorce reform act not as significant as it seem?
It could be argued the increase in divorce was due to rising female independence
women in abusive toxic relationships would still have to wait at least 2 years to legally divorce
62
What was Abortion like Pre - Wilson?
Unless on medical grounds, Abortion was illegal, with the only way to get one was to go to a private clinic or go to a backstreet abortionist which was often dangerous.
63
How many backstreet abortions happened per year and what did it lead to?
between 100,000 and 200,000 backstreet abortions occured, causing 35,000 women to be admitted to hospital with complications following the procedures
- between 1958 - 1960, 82 women died from backstreet abortions
64
What two pressures swayed public opinion to support abortion?
The abortion law reform association had campaigned for reform since 1945
The thalidomide disaster of 1952 -1962
65
What was the Thalidomide disaster and how did it change public opinion?
During the early 1960s the drug thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women with morning sickness, but instead it ended up producing congenital deformities in children when taken early, some children were born without bones or limbs. and as a result, public opinion polls began to show a majority in favour of abortions when abnormalities had been detected in the foetus.
66
How was the Abortion act pushed through parliament?
The Liberal MP David Steel led the reform campaign in Parliament and Roy Jenkins ensured an all night commons sitting in order to pass the bill.
67
When was the abortion act passed?
1967
68
What was the abortion act?
Allowed for the legal termination of a pregnancy within 28 weeks, under medical supervision and with the written consent of two doctors
The only justification needed was the 'mental suffering of the pregnant woman' - nothing to do with physical health like before.
69
How much did the rate of abortion increase after the Abortion act?
1968 : 4 births per 100 were abortions
1975 : 17.6 births per 100 were abortions
35,000 abortions in 1968 compared to 141,000 abortions in 1975
70
When was the sexual offences act passed?
1967, pushed through by LEo Abse (a labour backbencher)
71
What was the 1967 sexual offences act?
it did not fully decriminalise homosexual relations byt allowedthem when three conditions were met:
- It had to be in private
- Both had to be over the age of 21
- Both partners had to consent
72
How was The sexual offences act pushed through parliament?
the Conservative government rejected decriminalising homosexual relations in 1964, and Wilson was left divided on the issue, but Leo Abse with the backing of Roy Jenkins managed to push it through.
72
How was The sexual offences act pushed through parliament?
the Conservative government rejected decriminalising homosexual relations in 1964, and Wilson was left divided on the issue, but Leo Abse with the backing of Roy Jenkins managed to push it through.
73
What were the drawbacks of the sexual offences act?
The act of it being 'in private' was sometimes interpreted as when no one else was in the same building so it did not mean complete progress
Many in society remained homophobic.
74
Pre Wilson, what were the three types of schools in Britain?
Grammar school
Secondary technical school
Secondary modern school
75
How were the 3 types of school perceived?
The whole system was divisive, Secondary modern students were seen as failures, while those at grammar schools were full of the middle class
76
Who were responsible for schools?
LEA's (Local education authorities)
77
What was a comprehensive school?
A secondary school which provided secondary education for all in an area, with no exclusion or selection of students.
78
How many people attended comprehensive schools in 1964?
In 1964, only 1 in 10 attended comprehensive schools
79
Who was Tony Crossland?
A Labour MP who was in support of comprehensive schools and had become minister of education
80
How did Tony Crossland accelerate the move to comprehensive schools?
In 1965 he issues circular 10/65 to all LEA's
81
What was circular 10/65?
Circular 10/65 was a government circular issued in 1965 by the Department of Education and Science (DES) requesting Local Education Authorities (LEAs) in England and Wales to begin converting their secondary schools to the Comprehensive System.
82
Was circular 10/65 compulsory?
It was not compulsory for all LEA's to become comprehensive, however they were heavily incentivised to do so, as as the government made money for old school buildings, so long as they drew up plans to become comprehensive
83
How many LEA's became comprehensive by 1970?
By 1970 Only 8 LEA's had failed to become comprehensive, so there were 1145 comprehensive secondary schools.
84
How many students went to comprehensive schools by the end of 1970?
1 in 3 went to comprehensive schools.
85
In what ways was the development of comprehensive schools a failure?
- The mergers and changes in schools caused considerable disruption in the early days, although Wilson justified this as 'Grammar school education for all'
- Many middle class parents were unconvinced by this claim, and turned to direct grant schools (Old grammar schools which admitted most students on scholarships from LEA's)
- Many parents also still sent their children to independent school, which means the idea of a 'true comprehensive system' that Wilson wanted was unachievable and flawed from the start.
86
What was the Robbins report and what did it find?
Fears that the UK was falling behind in the science and technology sector led to the creation of the Robbins committee and the Robbins report which found that the UK lagged behind France and W Germany and the USA in the Provision of University Places and that too many students followed art related courses rather than STEM ones.
87
What were the three key things Labour did to expand higher education?
- Polytechnics replaced colleges of technology, with their focus to be on applied education for work and science, they would focus on teaching rather than research.
- Nine colleges of advanced technology became full universities
- 'New universities' would be created and charters would be given to some
88
What were the three key things Labour did to expand higher education?
- Polytechnics replaced colleges of technology, with their focus to be on applied education for work and science, they would focus on teaching rather than research.
- Nine colleges of advanced technology became full universities
- 'New universities' would be created and charters would be given to some
89
By 1968, how much had higher education expanded?
By 1968, there were 30 polytechnics and 56 universities and a wider variety and skills and opportunities were available to learn(More courses) allowing for many whose families had not attended universities before to join
However many of the old universities remained dominated by middle class children so many remained hesitant about joining.
90
What did Wilson want to be remembered most for?
His creation of the Open University.
91
What was the open university?
It was a higher education centre that offered high quality degree level learning in arts and sciences for people who never had the chance to attend campuses.
92
When was the open university and when did people start learning?
In September 1969, The OU headquarters were established in Milton Keynes and by Jan 1971, there were enough applicants that the first students began their studies there, with it being a rapid success.
93
How did the OU teach?
It used innovative TV and Radio learning
94
In what ways was the Creation of the OU a success?
It attracted many women to learn higher level degrees
Boosted the self esteem and employability of those previously seen as failures
Improved the intellect and STEM sector of the UK
By 1980, The OU had 70,000 students and had already awarded more degrees than Oxford and Cambridge combined.
95
What was the Education system before Wilson (Grammar, Sec technical, sec modern) called?
The tripartite system.
96
In What ways was the Wilson Government the beginning of the end for post war consensus?
Heath and the conservatives were:
- Doubting the efficacy of the consensus
- identifying the need for trade union reform
- Questioning whether the state should interfere in the economy as much as it had.
97
Why did Labour lose the 1970 election?
Enoch Powell's (Conservative) 'River of blood' speech warned against further immigration encouraged many voters to switch to conservative, away from Labour (around 50% of the voters who switched to Conservatives were Powellites)
The devaluation of the pound was seen as embarrassing and humiliating (especially after the last time labour was in power, Atlee also devalued the pound)
The lack of control over trade unions
Failure to join/attempts to join the EEC (somewhat)
98
What were the reasons the Conservatives won the 1970 election?
Heath was perceived as very hard working, conscientious and competent (but some perceived him as dull)
Enoch Powell's rivers of blood speech (Despite Heath sacking him after the election).
99
What did Surveys in North London show what attitudes to race and immigration were like?
in 1965 it showed that:
- 1 in 5 objected to working with black or Asian people
- 1 in 2 disapproved of living next door to a black person
- 9 in 10 disapproved of mixed marriages
100
What was 1960s society sometimes reffered to as?
The permissive society.
101
What is a 'permissive society'?
a society in which some social norms become increasingly liberal, especially with regard to sexual freedom. Due to bands like the Beatles, there were changes in public and private morals and a new sense of openness with earlier private information.
102
What was the race relation act of 1965/1968?
The race relation act forbade discrimination in public places on the grounds of 'colour, race, ethnicity or national origin.'
Discrimination in housing and employment were excluded, but later in 1968 the act was expanded upon to include these
It also set up the race relations board, where complaints were sent to whose job was to conciliate between two parties.
103
What was the 1968 commonwealth immigration act?
After the independence of Kenya, the Kenyan government forced residents who weren't citizens to apply for citizenship in Britain, targeting Indian and Pakistanis who wanted to keep British passports.
The Commonwealth immigration act limited the right of return to Britain for non white commonwealth citizens, with Callaghan worried about the number of Kenyan Asians that might arrive, estimating it would be around 200,000.
104
What was the 'Rivers of Blood' Speech?
High up Conservative Enoch Powell delivered a speech which outlined a vision for the future of Britain that had been shattered by racial conflict, and the speech was condemned from all political sides, and Edward Heath was obliged to sack him from the shadow cabinet. This effectively ruined his chance of holding office ever again, but it did make Powell a popular figure for some working class groups like the London Dockers.
105
What was the Race relations board 1966?
The Race relations board was set up in 1966 to consider discrimination complaints and to take part in publicity, research, finance and other aspects of race relations. It was not effective as they couldn't get witnesses to step forward and appear at trial,
Out of 982 complaints in 19967, 734 of them were dismissed through lack of evidence.
It was given more powers in 1968, but it still only upheld 10% of the 1241 complaints it received up until 1972, the number of complaints continually decreased and lowered as victims had less and less faith about getting results.
106
What were some positive aspects of race and immigration in 1960s society?
Communities mostly lived together without problem, and the annual noting hill carnival saw little violence. Here, Asia corner shops and Chinese Takeaways gained popularity and much of youth culture drew from ethnic communities in music, fashion and street life. Many listened to west Indian music Ska or jazz.
107
Why did the use of soft drugs increase?
Bands like the Beatles and hippies promoted drug culture, with the beatles using LSD
108
Why was the Catholic church hostile towards the pill?
The Catholic church was very anti pill as they thought it was against the natural flow of life as god intended, they considered any prevention of life as homicide.
109
How did the media fuel the 'permissive society'?
The media fuelled it through uncensored novels and explicit teen magazines, previously taboo subjects were discussed in books, radio and television
As a result STD infections were up by the end of the 1960s
110
Who was Mary Whitehouse?
A moral campaigner who was concerned by the changes to society like taboo subjects being discussed in books on the tv and radio, she created the national viewers and listeners association in 1965 and it quickly reached up to 100,000 members.
111
Why was the Dangerous drugs act of 1967 needed?
Cocaine and heroine addicts became 10x more prevalent, than it had in the first half of the 60s, with the hippie lifestyle and many bands promoting the use of drugs
112
What was the dangerous drugs act 1967?
It made it illegal to posses drugs like cocaine and cannabis, and gave power for the police
to search and detain persons suspected of having committed an offence under drug laws.
113
What was Wilson's policy towards the Empire?
The Labour Gov Continued Macmillans policy of decolonisation.
114
Why did the withdrawal 'East of Suez' have to occur?
economic reasons:
- Dennis Healey defence minister, had to introduce a series of spending cuts that would reduce the defence budget by 2 billion
115
WHat did Healey's Defence white paper set out?
That there would be a withdrawal of troops from:
- The middle east
- Adan (yemen)
- Malaysia
- Singapore
116
What did Wilson believe about Britain's status as a world power and the nuclear deterrent?
He believed in the Atlantic alliance and wanted Britain to continue to have a world role, so getting rid of the nuclear deterrent was out of the question Despite its costs and he also made a plan to upgrade the Polaris missile system in 1967
117
What rapidly accelerated the withdrawal east of Suez and debates about the nuclear deterrent?
The drastic spending cuts and devaluation crisis, the withdrawal of troops rapidly sped up, the plans to upgrade Polaris were abandoned and much to Healeys and Wilsons dismay, the development of the high tech TSR2 war plane was abandoned because it was too costly.
118
What was Rhodesia before it broke up?
The federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was one entity before it broke up into 3 entities in 1963.
119
What did the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland break up into?
Northern Rhodesia became Zambia and Nyasaland broke up into Malawi and southern Rhodesia.
120
Why was Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) not granted independence from Britain?
Britain would not allow it to gain independence unless a majority rule replaced the political domination of the white population.
121
Who was Ian Smith?
The white leader (Born in southern rhodesia) who was prime minister of Southern Rhodesia.
122
What did Ian Smith issue in 1965?
A unilateral declaration of independence for Rhodesia without a Black majority rule, a direct action in stead of Britain.
123
Provide evidence that Southern Rhodesia was not Racially just?
There were 220,000 White Rhodesians while there were 4 million black Rhodesians, despite this , the government was full of white nationalists who made racist policies that did not follow Wilson's policy of decolonisation.
124
How did Wilson try solve the Rhodesia problem?
He wanted to solve it quickly through negotiations.
Wilson and Smith met on HMS tiger off of Gibraltar, the talks had reportedly made good progress, but as soon as smith returned to Rhodesia, he dissolved all he said.
125
What was Wilson forced to do and how well did this work?
Wilson placed oil sanctions on Rhodesia, but to little effect, as they imported oil from the nearby Portuguese colony of Mozambique, additionally many oil companies ignored the sanctions and South Africa continued to trade with Rhodesia.
126
When had Northern Ireland been created and after what event?
NI had been created in 1922 after the Irish war for independence.
127
What had Ireland been divided into after the Irish war for independence?
6 counties of Ulster in the north and 26 in the south
128
What is a unionist?
A supporter of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland's position in it.
129
What is a nationalist?
Someone who was in favour of a united Ireland, outside of the United Kingdom.
130
What was the religious makeup of Northern Ireland?
Ireland as a whole was Majority Catholic, but in Northern Ireland, the majority was protestant, Meaning the political system in NI was dominated by Protestants in Stormont.
131
What was the RUC?
Royal ulster Constabulary, the NI police force
132
Why were tensions between catholics and protestants in NI mounting?
There was evidence to suggest Catholics were being discriminated upon in employment and housing and that gerrymandering of electoral boundaries had occurred.
133
What is gerrymandering?
the manipulation of an electoral constituency's boundaries so as to favour one party, class or religion.
134
What is the IRA?
Irish republican army, it was a unionist organisation that fought for independence in the Irish war for independence, it did not accept the partition of Ireland.
135
What happened as a result of discrimination against Catholics?
Fears that the IRA would launch a new campaign started
Civil rights marches in 1968 marched against Catholic discrimination
Catholics complained that the RUC failed to protect them
136
What happened in 1969 that deteriorated the NI situation further?
The apprentice boys went ahead with their annual march in Derry and were attack by nationalists in the catholic area of the Bogisde.
137
Who were the apprentice boys?
A loyalist group who marched annually in Derry to commemorate the closing of the city gates to Catholics in 1688 by 13 apprentice boys.
138
What was the battle of the bogside?
After the apprentice boys marched through the catholic bog side area, 2 days of rioting broke out and images of RUC beating Catholics spread across the world. Rioting also broke out in other cities in NI.
139
What did Wilson do in response to the Violence in Northern Ireland?
In August 1969, Wilson sent in British army troops into Norther Ireland in an attempt to keep the peace.
140
Who were the orange order?
Named after William of Orange, Orangemen swear to uphold the catholic faith with marches taking place annually to commemorate the faith which sometimes broke out in violence.
141
Who were the UVF?
Ulster Volunteer Force, Existed to try and resit Irish republics, they were the main opposition of the IRA and were responsible for the deaths of many Catholics.
142
What wave of Feminism erupted in the 1960s?
Second wave feminism started in the USA with Betty Friedan's book 'the feminine mystique' in 1963
143
What % of Women were in higher class education in 1970?
Only 28%
144
What was the 1967 family planning act?
The NHS allowed local authorities to provide contraceptives and contraceptive advice for the first time. Despite this the number of illegitimate births rose from 5.8% in 1960 to 8.2% due to more sexually liberating social attitudes. The number of divorces also increased thanks to the divorce reform act.
145
What was the Women's national coordination committee?
After a rally in 1969, the Women's national coordination committee was established with the first conference held in Ruskin College in 1970, where 4 demands were put forward.
146
What were the 4 Demands put forward by the Women's national coordination committee at Ruskin college?
- equal pay
- Free contraception and abortion upon request
- Equal education and job opportunities
- Free 24hr childcare
147
What was the matrimonial property act 1970?
Established that the work of a wife, whether payed employment or at home, should be taken into account in a divorce settlement.
148
What was the 1970 Equal pay act?
Established the principle of equal pay for work, but the act did not come into force for a further five years.
149
What is some evidence there was increasing growth in leisure activities?
- DIY became increasingly popular among men
- Gardening saw a massive growth in popularity alongside tv shows like Gardeners world
- by 1969, TV accounted for 23% of Leisure time
- Live theatre and attendance to football matches shrunk rapidly
- Travel by car account for 77% of Journeys by 1974
- Holiday destinations like Butlins and Blackpool made way for caravanning, the caravan club saw its membership double in the 60s
- Package holidays abroad rose rapidly, but it was still very expensive
150
Why was the Vietnam war so controversial?
By the mid 1960’s the threat of the worldwide spread of communism had diminished, making justifying the Vietnam war more difficult. Wilson did not want to take part in the war, but instead wanted to negotiate a way out and to be a restraining influence on the USA. Dissatisfaction with Wilsons handling of the Vietnam war increased, particularly from the Labour left, but Wilson could not just abandon the war entirely, as loans from America were currently keeping the Welfare state afloat and kept the British economy stable.
151
Lots of examples of many anti Vietnam war riots?
On 17th march 1968, there was violence at an anti-Vietnam war riot in war demonstrations in London, near the American Embassy in Grosvenor square. Then on the 28th March 1968, there was a much more violent protest in the same place that turned into the Battle of Grosvenor Square. As a result of this violent demonstration, over 200 people were arrested. Later, in October 1968, 30,000 people took part in a much more peaceful protest.
At Sussex, an American speaker on the Vietnam war (from the American Embassy) was covered in red paint. And, in Essex two conservative MPs were physically attacked. The Labour defence secretary Denis Healey nearly had his car overturned by students in Cambridge, and the Labour secretary for Education and science was shouted down while making a speech in Manchester.
One time, when visiting Cambridge, a violent riot attacked Wilson’s car, throwing eggs, damaging the aerials, damaging the wheels and seriously injured a policeman.
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What were the impacts of the Anti Vietnam war riots?
Wilson’s support from within the party fell, but at the polls little changed, as it was believed ordinary people (unlike the youth voters) did not care much about foreign affairs, and cared much more about domestic issues.
While the protests/riots were in no way as severe as the ones occurring in the US, it did have a significant effect on the labour party, dividing the party further.
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What showed Wilsons drive for improved technology?
His 'White heat of technology' speech while in Scarborough.
154
What was Britain's spending on R+D under Wilson compared to to other nations?
2.3% of GDP
Compared to
3% USAand USSR
1.5% West Germany
1.5%France
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What did TV ownership change by under Wilson?
the % of people who owned a television in their home increased from 75% to 91%
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What were the developments to aerospace?
Development of the jet engine to power military and commercial aircraft became an international phenomenon, leading the way was the De Haviland company based in Herefordshire, the de Haviland comet jetliner pioneered civil aviation
And the implementation of a much cheaper jet plane service revolutionised leisure opportunities in the UK.
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How were chemicals developed in the 1960s?
Britain's chemical giant, imperial chemicals industries led the way with the production of synthetic materials like Perspex, crimplene and lycra as well as a large range of pharmaceuticals which included breakthrough treatments for malaria, heart disease and certain cancers, plus advanced forms of anaesthetics, disinfectants and pesticides
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What were the developments of Atomic energy?
After making a n A bomb in 1952 and H bomb in 1957, it was taken into civilian use, in 1962, the first nuclear power reactor was opened in Dounreay
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What did Wilson most wanted to be remembered for?
The creation of the Open university.
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What were the developments in Motor cars in the 1960s?
The first stretch of the m1 opened in 1959 from London to Leeds opened
The Beeching report recommended closures tote rail system in 1963, resulting in the closure of 1/3 of Britain's railway, cutting it from 13,000 to just 9,000 miles
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What was the expansion of mass media?
Through the 60s, there was a massive increase in newspapers and magazines, including the sun in 1964 and the private eye in 1961
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by the end of the 1960s, how many households owned a TV?
90%
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How Did the increasing ownership of TVs in the 60s change society?
Created a uniformity of culture, which ended the isolation of people in distant communities, it also meant less people got their news from the newspaper
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When was BBC 2 Launched?
1964 - it was the first channel to broadcast in colour
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What was youth culture like in the 60s as a summary?
Teenagers were getting more rowdy and clashing wealth parents more often, increasing living standards, improved education and growth of leisure time all meant a more defined youth culture.
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In what ways were the youth less promiscuous than they seemed?
Alcohol and tobacco was used more than illegal drugs,
According to a 1969 survey, youths spent more time listening to music in their room rather than going to concerts.
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What two main things defined youth culture in the 60s?
Music and Fashion
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How did Music influence youth culture in the 1960s?
Bands like the Beatles and rolling stones were very popular
pop was popular, but there was a large increase in rock and blues rock
The youth listened to music through radio stations or from 1967 onwards BBC radio one
New technology allowed record players and records, making music more accessible and easy to listen to.
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How did Fashion influence youth sub culture in the 1960s?
- Shorter skirts, bright colours and geometric patterns
- Changes of fashion overridden social divides between genders, women wore trousers and men worse brighter clothing
- By the mid 1960s, young people spent over 60% of their income on clothes.
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How did Fashion influence youth sub culture in the 1960s?
- Shorter skirts, bright colours and geometric patterns
- Changes of fashion overridden social divides between genders, women wore trousers and men worse brighter clothing
- By the mid 1960s, young people spent over 60% of their income on clothes.
171
What two new youth subcultures had emerged?
- Skinheads had emerged from the mods characterised by their shaven heads and Doc martens boots
- Hippies embraced 'flower power' which favoured alternative lifestyles with emphasis on environmentalism and peace
172
WHat did the membership of the caravan club increase by in the 1970s?
It doubled
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What % of voters in the 1970 election who swapped to conservatives (from labour) were Powellites?
50%
