Ge Flashcards
(19 cards)
Why was the 1979 General Election considered a political watershed?
It marked the end of the post-war political consensus and ushered in Thatcherism.
What were the key features of the post-war consensus that ended in 1979?
Agreement on the mixed economy, union influence, incomes policy, and state provision of public services.
Why was Labour Prime Minister Jim Callaghan forced to call an election?
His government lost a vote of confidence in March 1979.
When did Jim Callaghan succeed Harold Wilson as Prime Minister?
April 1976.
What was the Lib-Lab Pact, and when did it end?
An agreement between Labour and the Liberals to keep the government in power, which ended in August 1978.
What was the Winter of Discontent?
A period of widespread strikes in 1978-79 due to pay disputes in the public sector.
Why did public sector strikes escalate in early 1979?
Callaghan aimed to keep pay rises under 5%, but tanker drivers forced a 14% increase, leading to further demands.
How did Callaghan’s response to the Winter of Discontent damage him?
Returning from a summit, he denied a crisis existed, leading to The Sun’s famous headline: “Crisis? What Crisis?”
What role did the devolution referenda play in Labour’s downfall?
Wales rejected devolution, and Scotland’s vote was too low to be binding, leading the SNP to withdraw support from Labour.
What triggered the formal collapse of the Labour government?
A vote of no confidence on 28 March 1979, forcing the election.
Who was the Conservative Party leader in 1979?
Margaret Thatcher.
What was the Conservative Party’s main attack on Labour?
Blaming the Winter of Discontent and economic mismanagement on Callaghan’s government.
Why did Thatcher avoid a Weekend World TV debate with Callaghan and Steel?
To control media appearances and avoid direct confrontation.
How did the 1979 election campaign use television differently from past elections?
All parties held daily press conferences specifically coordinated for TV coverage.
What famous advertising slogan was used by the Conservatives?
“Labour isn’t working”, created by Saatchi & Saatchi.
What policy areas did the Labour manifesto focus on?
Increasing pensions and tax cuts.
What key policies were in the Conservative manifesto?
Controlling inflation and limiting trade union power.
What was the campaign gaffe made by Harold Wilson?
He suggested his wife might vote Conservative because Thatcher was a woman.
What was Labour’s biggest concern about Thatcher?
The answer is incomplete in the provided text.
