GE 1979 Flashcards
(20 cards)
When was the 1979 UK General Election held?
3 May 1979.
Why was the 1979 General Election called?
After Labour government lost a vote of no confidence on 1 March 1979.
What was the voter turnout in the 1979 General Election?
About 76%.
How many seats did the Conservatives win in 1979?
339 seats.
Who became Prime Minister after the 1979 election?
Margaret Thatcher.
What major event weakened Labour’s campaign in 1979?
The Winter of Discontent strikes (1978-79).
What was the main Conservative campaign slogan in 1979?
“Labour Isn’t Working”.
What economic issues dominated the 1979 election?
High inflation, unemployment, and slow growth.
How did the media influence the 1979 election?
Negative coverage of Labour’s handling of strikes and economy boosted Conservative support.
Which media outlets openly supported the Conservatives in 1979?
The Sun and Daily Mail.
How did television affect public perception during the 1979 campaign?
Thatcher appeared strong and decisive; Callaghan seemed weak and cautious.
What was the political context during the 1979 election?
Economic crisis, industrial unrest, and Labour’s minority government struggles.
Who was the Labour leader during the 1979 election?
James Callaghan.
Describe the Conservative party’s platform in 1979.
Free-market economics, reducing state intervention, curbing unions.
How did class affect voting behaviour in 1979?
Some working-class voters shifted from Labour to Conservative due to economic hardship and union strikes.
Which age group tended to support Labour in 1979?
Younger voters.
Which regions swung heavily to the Conservatives in 1979?
England and Wales.
How did union influence impact Labour’s vote in 1979?
Declining union loyalty and militant strikes alienated some Labour voters.
What role did the Liberals play in the 1979 election?
Positioned as moderate third party but had limited electoral success.
What was the outcome of the 1979 General Election?
Conservative majority government, beginning 18 years of Conservative rule.
