1979 Flashcards
(21 cards)
Why was the general election called?
Callaghans minority Labour government lost a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons.
What was the turnout, majority and popular vote?
76%
43
43.6%
What was the change in votes for Labour, liberal democracts and conservatives?
Labour lost 50 seats
Conservatives gained 62
Liberals received 13.8 of the popular vote but won 11 seats
What was the winter of discontent?
1979 governments attempt to impose a 5% limit on pay increases collapses due to strikes by lorry drivers, health workers and in one local authoriity gravediggers
Why did the winter of discontent undermine Labour and help conservatives due to the media?
Media showed images of a miserable strike Bound Britain. This gave the conservatives the country needed a new direction using the slogan ‘Labour isn’t working’
Why is the political context important?
Labour looked weak as the election was triggered by a withdrawal of support from nationalist parties after the results of referendums of Scottish and Welsh devolution went against the government
How did the conservatives perform across class?
Dominated upper/middle class while making gains among the working class for the first time (11%C2 9%DE).
Why did the conservatives appeal to working class increase?
Thatchers ‘Essex man’ straregy with politicised such as Right to Buy council houses
Why was rational choice and issue voting important?
Conservatives’ manifesto of tax cuts and the right to buy scheme offered a radical change to voters following the post-war consensus
Why did conservatives perform better in the campaign?
Adopted modern advertising techniques guided by two publicity specialists lists, Gordon Reece and Rim bell
Describe the campaign
Uneventful with Labour starting far behind
How did thatcher use photo opportunities and the media?
Photos of her holding a newborn Foote which presented her effectively in the media
