GOV Flashcards
(37 cards)
1
Q
Who were the British Prime Ministers from 1964 to 1979?
A
- Labour: Harold Wilson (1964–70)
- Conservative: Edward Heath (1970–74)
- Labour: Harold Wilson (1974–76)
- Labour: James Callaghan (1976–79)
2
Q
How did Wilson present Labour as a strong choice in 1964?
A
- Labour appeared united despite divisions (e.g. on nuclear policy & Europe).
- Wilson projected himself as a modern, relatable leader from modest origins.
3
Q
What personal appeal did Wilson have?
A
- Grammar school education, Yorkshire roots.
- Contrasted with aristocratic Tory leader Alec Douglas-Home.
4
Q
How did public perception of the Conservatives help Labour win in 1964?
A
- Tories had ruled since 1951 – labelled “Thirteen wasted years.”
- Leadership of 60-year-old Douglas-Home seemed outdated.
- Involvement in scandals: Profumo, Philby, Argyll.
5
Q
How did the revival of the Liberal Party help Labour in 1964?
A
- Middle-class voters moved to Liberals due to Tory weakness.
- 1962 Orpington by-election: Tory majority of 14,000 overturned to a Liberal majority of 7,000.
- This split the anti-Labour vote, handing Labour more seats.
6
Q
What social changes in the 1950s contributed to Labour’s win?
A
- Youth challenging traditional authority.
- Class distinctions less rigid.
- Labour appealed more to young, progressive voters.
7
Q
hat key economic challenges did Labour inherit in 1964?
A
- £800 million balance of payments deficit.
- Low productivity and rising inflation.
- Growing unemployment and poor industrial relations.
8
Q
How did Labour initially respond to these economic challenges?
A
- Created Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) led by George Brown.
- Aimed to plan economic growth via National Plan (1965).
- Attempted to avoid deflation or devaluation.
9
Q
Why was the pound devalued in 1967 and what were the consequences?
A
- Devaluation in Nov 1967: £1 from $2.80 to $2.40.
- Admitted economic failure; Wilson’s credibility damaged.
- Did not solve trade deficit; led to further spending cuts.
10
Q
How did Wilson try to present devaluation politically?
A
- Tried to claim it didn’t mean “the pound in your pocket” was worth less.
- Widely mocked – seen as misleading the public.
11
Q
What industrial issues did Labour face by the late 1960s?
A
- Wildcat strikes by trade unions (unofficial, spontaneous).
- Poor productivity and wage inflation.
- Unions resistant to government interference.
12
Q
What was In Place of Strife and why was it controversial?
A
- 1969 white paper by Barbara Castle proposing to limit strikes.
Included 28-day strike cooling-off period and strike ballots. - Faced backlash from unions and Labour backbenchers.
- Eventually dropped due to pressure (e.g. Callaghan’s opposition).
13
Q
How did Wilson’s government change the education system?
A
- Pushed for expansion of comprehensive schools.
- By 1970, 1 in 3 secondary pupils in comprehensives.
- Introduced Open University (1969) – widened access to higher education.
14
Q
What major social reforms were passed under Wilson’s first government?
A
- 1967 Abortion Act: legalised abortion under certain conditions.
- 1967 Sexual Offences Act: decriminalised homosexuality in private for 21+.
- 1965 & 1968 Race Relations Acts: aimed to reduce discrimination.
15
Q
What were Labour’s key achievements 1964–70?
A
- Modernisation of education and social reform.
- Technological advancement (Ministry of Technology).
- Maintained unity despite internal tensions.
16
Q
What were the main criticisms of the government?
A
- Economic failure: devaluation, inflation, slow growth.
- Poor union relations.
- Public felt disillusioned with lack of promised prosperity.
17
Q
How did Labour’s record contribute to the 1970 Conservative win?
A
- Unemployment over 500,000: highest since 1930s.
- Devaluation damaged economic credibility.
- Union unrest and abandoned “In Place of Strife.”
18
Q
What strengths helped Edward Heath win in 1970?
A
- Presented a clear manifesto: tax reform, union reform, end to state intervention.
- Promised to take Britain into EEC.
- More dynamic than Wilson appeared by 1970.
19
Q
What economic strategy did Heath initially pursue?
A
- Free-market approach: ended prices and incomes policy.
- Aimed to cut public spending, reduce state intervention.
20
Q
What problems did this policy cause?
A
- Inflation rose due to global conditions and lack of wage control.
- Unemployment reached 1 million by 1972
21
Q
What was Heath’s “U-turn” and why did he do it?
A
- Returned to state intervention to reduce unemployment.
- Set up subsidies for Rolls-Royce and Upper Clyde Shipbuilders.
22
Q
What external factors worsened the economic situation?
A
- 1973 Oil Crisis – OPEC raised oil prices 400%.
- Led to inflation, trade deficit, and economic instability
23
Q
How did Heath try to control unions?
A
- Introduced Industrial Relations Act (1971):
- Strike ballots
- 60-day cooling-off period
- National Industrial Relations Court (NIRC)
24
Q
What was the union response to Heath’s controls
A
- Trade unions refused to cooperate.
- Major strikes in coal and rail industries.
- TUC rejected policy – led to conflict and 1972 miners’ strike.
25
What led to the Three-Day Week and when was it?
- 1974
- Miners’ strike and energy crisis.
- Government rationed electricity to three days a week.
26
What was the outcome of the February 1974 election?
- Hung Parliament – no majority.
- Labour formed minority government under Wilson.
27
When and what was the EEC referendum
- 1975
- Labour manifesto promised a vote on EEC membership.
- Wilson allowed Cabinet members to campaign on either side.
28
What was the result of the EEC referendum?
- 67% voted to remain.
- Helped restore short-term unity within Labour.
29
What economic issues continued under Wilson in 1974–76?
- Inflation hit 30% in 1975.
- Unemployment and industrial unrest persisted.
- Trade deficit and falling pound weakened economy.
30
When and what was the IMF crisis
- 1976
- Labour borrowed $3.9 billion from IMF.
- Conditions: £2.5 billion cuts in public spending.
- Seen as national humiliation; damaged Labour’s credibility.
31
How did Callaghan try to handle the economic crisis?
- Accepted IMF terms and reduced spending.
- Maintained agreement with TUC to keep wage rises low.
- Inflation dropped below 10% by 1978.
32
What long-term problems remained after the IMF loan?
- Rising unemployment.
- Public services under pressure.
- Internal divisions over spending cuts.
33
When was the Winter of Discontent?
- 1978 - 79
34
What caused the Winter of Discontent?
- Government limited pay rises to 5%.
- Unions rejected wage restraint.
- Strikes by lorry drivers, refuse collectors, and public sector.
35
What impact did the Winter of Discontent have on Labour?
- Media portrayed chaos, damaged Labour’s image.
- Public lost faith in Labour’s ability to govern.
36
Why did Labour lose the 1979 election?
- Winter of Discontent highlighted union chaos.
- IMF crisis weakened economic credibility.
- Callaghan appeared passive and out of touch.
37
What helped the Conservatives win?
- Margaret Thatcher presented clear leadership.
- Pledged to control inflation and restore order.
- Promised change after years of economic decline.
