key general elections Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the context of the 1997 election?
ended 18 yrs of worst con govt. Lab leader was Blair, Con leader was Major, LibDem was Paddy Ashdown con had presided over economic catastrophe- Black Wednesday ERM cash, Blair new lab leader re-write clause 4, abandoning left-wing ideology
What was black wednesday?-1997
UK part of ERM- countries of EU linked currency, by sept 1992, value of pound starting to fall down lower safety net.
in attempt to prop up value of pound, UK government spent £3.3bil in a day and raised interest rate to 15%, caused disastrous economic recession from 92-95.
What were the repercussions of black Wednesday?-1997
By 97 economy was flourishing again but voters could not forgive cons for economic recession.
major factor people switched from voting con in 92 to labour in 97,
What was the leadership style of John Major?-1997
Major was a likeable, but band and uninspiring character. This was a pleasant change of pace after Thatcher’s abrasive character.
What was the leadership of Tony Blair?-1997
Had a great impression on the British public, compared to Major Blair was younger and captured the publics attention, spreading the campaign of “New labour” in 1997.
How was the media used by labour party?-1997
“New labour, new life for Britain”-used as a way to promote labours new centrist approach. Reinvented itself as a modern party that would sweep away conservatives holding Britain back.
Who were spin doctors?-1997
Politicians employed by press advisors for many years, these people would manipulate press and media, have story ready to go.
What was the sociological model like?-1997
men 45% lab, 31% con/ women 44%lab, 32%con/ labour ahead in every age bracket, labour led in all ethnicity categories/ 82% black voters voted labour.
What were the election results like?-1997
labour seats won-418/ conservative seats won-165 and 30.7%
labour had largest winners bonus ever, disproportional for LibDem
turnout-71%
What is the context of the 1983 general election?
Followed Falkland war 1982, Thatcher’s 2nd election victory in 1983 one of most decisive in post war Britain.
Labour leader Michael Foot, LibDem leader was David Steel, con was Thatcher.
“Gang of four”-formed SDP, most unpopular PM on record
What was the issues with the new labour leader Michael foot?-1983
labour party led by Foot since resignation of former PM James Callaghan, new policies were considered more left wing then before- advocated unilateral nuclear disarmament.
Labour further harmed by promise to withdraw from European economic community, which alienated European groups.
What was the labour manifesto labelled as?-1983
“The longest suicide note in history”
What else was significant to this election?-1983
modern times no single “issue” affected the result of an election more than the Falkland war.
How did the media influence the 1983 election?
Thatcher was casted as Britannia/ iron lady/right wing papers labelled .labour the “Looney left”
Why was the 1979 election called?
When SNP withdrew support for Scotland act 1978,vote of no confidence held and passed by one vote in 1979, forcing Callaghan to call a GE.
What was the context of the 1979 GE?
unemployment now well in excess of 1,000,000 people compared to 600,000 at start of decade. 76, labour party was forced to apply to IMF for loan of nearly 4 million, by September 1978, unemployment was 1,500,000
What were the key issues of the 1979 GE?
Callaghan government, pound came under pressure and he was forced to create harsh temporary measures to demonstrate control of economy. includes delaying all government building projects.
Winter of discontent, nov78-feb 79.
How did the medias influence the 1979 election?
Callaghan’s government period labelled “Winter of discontent”, Conservatives created the “Labour isn’t working” poster
What was the leadership style like in 2979 GE?
Thatcher-autocratic leadership- authoritarian approach taking on most of decision making responsibilities
Callaghan- generally popular but damaged by “Winter of discontent”- not strong enough and too dominated by unions
What was the sociological model like in the 1979 GE?
Con had 3% lead w men and 12% w women., con most popular w all age groups but only narrowly with younger,, 35% lead w ABC 1 voters.
Thatcher successfully played on Britain’s economic decline
