Major 1990 - 1997 Flashcards
(33 cards)
Who succeeded Margaret Thatcher as UK Prime Minister in 1990?
John Major.
What was John Major’s political background before becoming Prime Minister?
Chancellor of the Exchequer under Thatcher and known as a moderate Conservative.
What nickname did the media give John Major upon his becoming PM?
‘Gray Man’ for his low-key, uncharismatic style.
What economic crisis occurred shortly after Major became PM?
The UK was forced to withdraw from the ERM in 1992, known as ‘Black Wednesday.’
What caused Black Wednesday?
Speculative attacks on the pound, forcing the UK to exit the European Exchange Rate Mechanism.
What was the immediate political impact of Black Wednesday?
Huge loss of Conservative credibility and a boost for Labour in the polls.
How did Major’s government recover economically after Black Wednesday?
The UK economy grew strongly after leaving the ERM, with falling inflation and rising employment.
What was Major’s approach to the economy?
Pragmatic, focusing on controlling inflation and public spending, and promoting ‘back to basics’ values.
What was the ‘Back to Basics’ campaign?
A 1993 Conservative campaign promoting traditional values, morality, and responsibility.
Why did the ‘Back to Basics’ campaign backfire?
A series of scandals involving Conservative MPs undermined the moral message.
How did Major manage divisions within the Conservative Party?
Tried to balance Eurosceptics and Europhiles, but infighting over Europe grew.
What major issue split Major’s party?
The European Union and the Maastricht Treaty.
What was the Maastricht Treaty?
A 1992 EU treaty that deepened European integration and created the EU.
How did Eurosceptics in Major’s party respond to the Maastricht Treaty?
They rebelled in Parliament, causing several close votes and damaging party unity.
What was Major’s leadership style?
Low-profile, consensus-building, but seen as weak and indecisive by critics.
How did Major’s government handle public services?
Introduced the ‘Citizen’s Charter’ to improve public service standards.
What was the Citizen’s Charter?
A policy aimed at improving accountability and standards in public services.
What scandals damaged Major’s government?
Cash-for-questions, ‘sleaze’ involving MPs’ personal misconduct, and ‘homes-for-votes’ allegations.
What were the ‘sleaze’ scandals?
Numerous Conservative MPs involved in bribery, sex scandals, and unethical behavior during the 1990s.
How did ‘sleaze’ affect public opinion?
It severely damaged trust in the Conservative Party.
What was the Poll Tax issue during Major’s time?
The unpopular Community Charge was replaced by the Council Tax in 1993.
How did the Conservatives fare in the 1992 general election?
Surprisingly won under Major, with a small majority.
What factors helped the Conservatives win the 1992 election?
Major’s personal appeal, Labour’s unpopularity under Neil Kinnock, and economic optimism post-recession.
What role did Labour’s leadership play in the early 1990s?
Labour struggled with divisions and an outdated image before Tony Blair’s leadership.
