Political History Flashcards
(27 cards)
Why did the Conservatives win the 1970 election?
Ted Heath’s strengths (different from the establishment, grammar school educated, prepared policies), Labour’s weaknesses (divided over Europe, trade union struggles, economic difficulties).
What was the ‘Selsdon Park Conference’?
A 1970 Conservative meeting where Heath’s new economic policies (laissez-faire approach, cutting subsidies to ‘lame-duck’ industries) were agreed, symbolising a shift from post-war consensus.
What is meant by ‘Selsdon Man’?
A Labour insult (Harold Wilson) describing selfish Conservative voters rejecting the post-war consensus
Name Heath’s key political and economic priorities in the 1970 manifesto.
Tax reform
• Better law and order
• Trade union reform
• Immigration control
• Cuts to public spending
• Ending subsidies to ‘lame-duck’ industries
What Labour weaknesses contributed to their 1970 defeat?
Divisions over Europe
• Poor trade union relations
• Economic struggles (inflation, poor growth)
• Immigration issues (Kenyan Asians 1968)
What was the 1970 General Election result?
Conservatives: 46.4% (330 seats), Labour: 43.1% (288 seats).
What success did Heath achieve between 1970-1974?
Britain joining the EEC (1973).
Why was Heath’s leadership criticised?
He was seen as honest but lacked political skill; economic and industrial crises led to his downfall by 1974
What led to the rise of Margaret Thatcher?
Conservative dissatisfaction after Heath’s failures; Thatcher championed New Right ideas, free-market policies, and rejected the post-war consensus.
What happened in the February 1974 General Election?
A hung parliament: Conservatives won more votes but fewer seats; Labour formed a minority government.
What caused Wilson to call another election in October 1974?
Struggles of minority government and need for a stronger mandate.
What was the result of the October 1974 General Election?
Labour: 39.2% (319 seats), Conservatives: 35.8% (277 seats).
What three main restrictions faced Wilson’s 1974-1976 government?
Small Commons majority
• Effects of 1973 OPEC Oil Crisis (inflation)
• Trade union struggles
What was the ‘Social Contract’?
Agreement between Labour and trade unions for pay restraint in return for repealing Heath’s Industrial Act
What was the National Enterprise Board (NEB)?
1974 body to administer government shareholdings and provide aid to failing industries.
Why did the ‘Social Contract’ begin to break down?
Wage demands continued; formal pay policies reintroduced by 1975, deepening Labour divisions.
Why did Harold Wilson resign in 1976?
Due to age, strain of office, and possibly to avoid worsening economic troubles.
What major economic problem faced Callaghan’s government?
Stagflation: high inflation (25% in 1975) combined with economic stagnation.
What was Callaghan’s famous 1976 speech quote on economic policy?
We used to think you could spend your way out of a recession… That option no longer exists.”
What was significant about the 1976 IMF Loan?
Britain borrowed £3 billion; required cuts in public spending, causing Labour Party divisions.
How did Labour divisions manifest in 1976?
Left-wing MPs jeered Denis Healey at conference over IMF cuts, showing party split
What was the Lib-Lab Pact (1977)?
An agreement where 12 Liberal MPs supported Labour in return for devolution referendums.
What happened in the Scotland and Wales Devolution Referendums (1979)?
Both failed — Wales voted decisively ‘No’; Scotland had a narrow ‘Yes’ but didn’t meet the 40% threshold.
What was the impact of North Sea Oil (1978)?
Helped economic recovery but unemployment remained high (1.6 million).
