Thatcher 1979-1990 Flashcards
(16 cards)
What was the 1970 Poll Tax?
This made it so a person would be taxed a fixed amount, regardless of their income or property value
This eventually led to the Poll Tax crisis
What did Thatcher do as PM?
-Used Thatcherism
-Took free milk from school children (why?)
-Used privatisation
-Sold off the majority of British industry
-Made the government radical (far right)
-Used less government spending
-Made London the major banking capital of the world
How many days were lost to strikes in 1979?
Almost 30 million
What is Thatcherism?
A political ideology that shifted away from the post-war consensus
What did Thatcherism do?
-Made a laissez-faire attitude
-Put government as far right on the political spectrum
-Focused on less government intervention
What were the economic visions of Thatcherism?
Thatcher’s economic policies:
-Privatisation
-Less direct tax
-Free market
-Deregulation
-Globalisation
-Monetarism
How did Thatcherism impact the conservative party?
It split between two sides:
-Wets - centrist/right
-Dries - Far right
Who was Thatcherism popular with?
-The middle class (provided opportunities)
-Businesses (made more money off deregulation)
-Traditionalists who thought the youth were out of control
Who was Thatcherism unpopular with?
-Trade Unions and working class
-Those unable to buy council houses
-Industrial parts of the UK
What were the aims of Thatcher’s economic policies?
To lower inflation, cut public expenditure, improve the economy and limit union power
What were Thatcher’s economic policies?
-Right to buy
-National curriculum + GCSEs
-NHS
What were the aims of Thatcher’s social policies?
To create a hard working society with a more efficient NHS and more regulated school system
What was Thatcher’s approach to dealing with unions?
Wanted to crush them through her own approach:
-Unions went against her ideology as she was extremely anti-socialist and anti-communism
What lead to Thatcher resigning?
She alienated conservative voters with the Poll Tax and her cabinet persuaded her to resign
What was the Poll Tax crisis?
The Poll Tax law was seen as unfair and regressive, leading to civil obedience and violence. This culminated with Thatcher resigning.
How did Thatcher win 3 elections in a row?
-Public didn’t want Labour back due to their failures
-Middle class had large resentment towards strikes and trade unions
-Victory in Falklands War
-Consistently had more seats
