Towards a New Consensus 1987-97

Question 1

What was the immediate cause of Margaret Thatcher’s resignation in 1990?

Answer 1

Thatcher’s resignation was primarily triggered by a leadership challenge from Michael Heseltine after the widespread unpopularity of the Poll Tax

Question 2

What was the “Westland Affair” and its significance for Thatcher’s government?

Answer 2

The Westland Affair was a cabinet dispute in 1986 over the sale of a British helicopter company. It led to Michael Heseltine’s resignation and exposed early cracks in Thatcher’s authority

Question 3

What was the public reaction to the Poll Tax (Community Charge)?

Answer 3

The Poll Tax provoked widespread public anger and large-scale protests, including a significant riot in London in March 1990, due to its regressive nature

Question 4

Who was Nigel Lawson and why did he resign from Thatcher’s government?

Answer 4

Nigel Lawson was Chancellor.
He resigned in 1989 due to a public dispute with Thatcher over economic policy, particularly the influence of her personal economic adviser

Question 5

Who was Sir Geoffrey Howe and what was the significance of his resignation?

Answer 5

Sir Geoffrey Howe was Deputy Prime Minister and former Chancellor.
His highly critical resignation speech in 1990, particularly concerning Thatcher’s European policy, was a key catalyst for the leadership challenge that led to her downfall

Question 6

What was the overall assessment of Thatcher’s legacy in the period immediately after her resignation?

Answer 6

Her legacy was viewed as transformative but highly divisive, with recognition of her economic changes alongside criticism for social inequality and her confrontational style

Question 7

Who succeeded Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister in 1990?

Answer 7

John Major succeeded Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister in November 1990

Question 8

What was the key feature of John Major’s government in terms of continuity and change from Thatcherism?

Answer 8

Major’s government represented “continuity without conviction”, seeking a more consensual style while largely maintaining Thatcherite economic policies

Question 9

What was the “Citizen’s Charter” introduced by John Major’s government?

Answer 9

The Citizen’s Charter was a policy initiative launched in 1991 aiming to improve public services by setting standards, promoting accountability, and offering compensation for failures

Question 10

What was Black Wednesday (16 September 1992) and its immediate impact?

Answer 10

Black Wednesday was when Britain was forced to withdraw the pound from the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) due to speculative attacks. This was a major blow to the government’s economic credibility

Question 11

What was the long-term economic impact of Black Wednesday?

Answer 11

Although initially humiliating, leaving the ERM allowed Britain to reduce interest rates and pursue an independent monetary policy, which arguably contributed to a sustained period of economic growth

Question 12

What was the role of the Maastricht Treaty (1992) during Major’s premiership?

Answer 12

The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union (EU) and deepened integration.
It caused deep and lasting divisions within the Conservative Party over Europe

Question 13

What were the problems in government during John Major’s premiership (1992-97)?

Answer 13

Major’s government was plagued by “sleaze” scandals, allegations of financial misconduct, and persistent internal divisions over Europe, which undermined its authority and public trust

Question 14

How did John Major address the issue of the Poll Tax?

Answer 14

John Major’s government replaced the unpopular Poll Tax with the Council Tax in 1993, which was based on property bands and was more widely accepted

Question 15

What was the significance of the IRA mortar bomb attack on Downing Street in 1991?

Answer 15

This attack demonstrated the IRA’s continued capacity for violence and the enduring threat to the peace process, even as back-channel talks were beginning

Question 16

What was the role of Gerry Adams in the Northern Ireland peace process during this period?

Answer 16

Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Fein, engaged in secret talks with the British government and was instrumental in the first IRA ceasefire in 1994, despite initial public denials

Question 17

What was the IRA ceasefire of 1994?

Answer 17

The IRA declared a “complete cessation of military operations” in August 1994, a significant step towards peace, though it eventually broke down

Question 18

What was the “new consensus” that emerged during the Major years?

Answer 18

This referred to a perceived convergence of both major parties towards a more centrist political ground, accepting aspects of free-market economics while acknowledging the need for public services

Question 19

How did Neil Kinnock reform the Labour Party to make it more electable?

Answer 19

Kinnock began the process of modernizing Labour, moving it away from its hard-left image, expelling Militant Tendency members, and making it more appealing to a broader electorate

Question 20

Who was John Smith and what was his contribution to the Labour Party?

Answer 20

John Smith succeeded Kinnock as Labour leader. He continued the party’s modernisation, notably introducing “one member, one vote” for leadership elections before his sudden death in 1994

Question 21

What was “New Labour” under Tony Blair?

Answer 21

“New Labour” was a rebranding of the Labour Party under Tony Blair, signifying a modern, centrist, and pro-business image, moving away from traditional socialist policies towards a ‘Third Way’

Question 22

How did the media portray the Labour Party under Tony Blair’s leadership?

Answer 22

The media often portrayed New Labour as modern, unified, and electable, contrasting sharply with the fragmented Conservatives

Question 23

What were the main features of youth culture in the 1990s?

Answer 23

Youth culture was increasingly diverse, influenced by the rise of dance music (rave culture) and a growing emphasis on individual expression

Question 24

What was the Macpherson Inquiry and its significance?

Answer 24

The Macpherson Inquiry was established after the murder of Stephen Lawrence. Its report concluded that the Metropolitan Police was institutionally racist, leading to significant police and legal reforms

Question 25

Who was Stephen Lawrence and why was his murder significant?

Answer 25

Stephen Lawrence was a black teenager murdered in a racist attack in 1993. The initial mishandling of the police investigation exposed systemic racism and institutional failings

Question 26

How did the Race Relations Act 1965 and 1968 relate to issues of discrimination in the 1990s?

Answer 26

While providing a legal framework, these acts were seen as insufficient in fully addressing racial discrimination, prompting calls for stronger legislation, as highlighted by cases like Stephen Lawrence

Question 27

What characterized social liberalism in Britain during the 1990s?

Answer 27

Social liberalism was evident in growing acceptance of diverse lifestyles, increased focus on individual rights, and a questioning of traditional authority, seen in media and protest movements

Question 28

What was the significance of the Newbury Bypass protest?

Answer 28

The Newbury Bypass protest was a major environmental direct action against road building in the mid-1990s. It symbolised growing public concern for the environment and opposition to large infrastructure projects

Question 29

What was the National Lottery and its impact on British society?

Answer 29

The National Lottery was introduced in 1994. It quickly gained immense popularity, raising significant funds for good causes including arts, heritage, and sport

Question 30

What was Britain's role in the First Gulf War (1990-91)?

Answer 30

Britain was a key ally of the USA in the First Gulf War, committing significant military forces to liberate Kuwait after Iraq's invasion

Question 31

What were Britain's interventions in the Balkans during the 1990s?

Answer 31

Britain participated in military and peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia, notably in Bosnia and Kosovo, as part of international efforts to address ethnic conflicts and humanitarian crises

Question 32

How did John Major's government handle relations with Europe after Maastricht?

Answer 32

Major's government attempted to engage constructively with Europe but was constantly undermined by deep internal divisions within the Conservative Party, particularly over further integration and the single currency

Question 33

What was the "Opt-out" clause regarding the Maastricht Treaty?

Answer 33

Britain secured opt-outs from joining the single European currency (Euro) and the Social Chapter of the Maastricht Treaty. This allowed it to avoid specific integrationist measures

Question 34

What was the "contribution and attitude to the end of the Cold War"?

Answer 34

Britain played its part in the ending of the Cold War through its strong alliance with the USA and its engagement in European diplomacy

Question 35

What was the economic situation facing John Major when he became Prime Minister?

Answer 35

Major inherited an economy that was entering a recession, with rising unemployment and inflation, making economic management a key challenge

Question 36

How did Major's government try to address the "sleaze" problem?

Answer 36

Major introduced measures to improve standards in public life, but a series of high-profile scandals involving ministers continued to damage the government's reputation

Question 37

What was the Cash for Questions Scandal and when did it happen?

Answer 37

1994 MPs Neil Hamilton and Tim Smith were accused of taking money from Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed in exchange for asking questions in Parliament. It raised serious concerns about corruption and lobbying within Parliament.

Question 38

What was the impact of satirical programmes on public perception of politics during the 1990s?

Answer 38

Programmes like 'Spitting Image' became popular, often portraying politicians in an unflattering light, contributing to a more cynical public view of politics and anti-establishment sentiment

Question 39

What was the economic policy pursued after Black Wednesday?

Answer 39

The government shifted to a focus on low inflation targets and a floating exchange rate, allowing for interest rate cuts that helped economic recovery

Question 40

How did Conservative Party divisions over Europe affect its political stability?

Answer 40

The deep divisions created constant internal feuds and undermined Major's leadership, making the party appear disunited and weak to the electorate

Question 41

How did the Labour Party's "New Labour" re-branding appeal to voters?

Answer 41

It appealed by presenting a modern, moderate, and economically responsible image, shedding the party's "loony left" past and appealing to middle-ground voters

Question 42

What was the impact of Tony Blair's leadership on the Labour Party's electoral prospects?

Answer 42

Blair's charismatic leadership and the "New Labour" project significantly boosted Labour's popularity, making them appear a credible government-in-waiting

Question 43

What was the approach to crime during this period?

Answer 43

There was a strong emphasis on "tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime", leading to new legislation, increased police powers, and a focus on youth offending

Question 44

Who was the minister who imposed a tough approach to crime under John Major, and what was his famous phrase?

Answer 44

Micheal Howard - Home Secretary (1993-97) Famously said "Prison works" as part of his strong law and order measures

Question 45

What was the overall state of the economy at the end of the Major years (1997)?

Answer 45

By 1997, the British economy was experiencing a period of sustained growth and low inflation, having recovered from the early 1990s recession

Question 46

What was the significance of the Docklands bombing in 1996?

Answer 46

This IRA bombing in London marked the end of the 1994 IRA ceasefire, bringing a return to violence and posing a serious setback to the peace process

Question 47

What was the Good Friday Agreement's precursor in this period?

Answer 47

The Downing Street Declaration (1993), signed by Major and Albert Reynolds, affirmed the principle of self-determination for Northern Ireland and paved the way for multi-party talks

Question 48

How did Britain's relationship with the USA evolve in the post-Cold War era?

Answer 48

The relationship remained strong, with close collaboration on international security issues and military interventions, such as the Gulf War and Balkans

Question 49

What was the impact of deregulation on media during the 1990s?

Answer 49

Deregulation led to an expansion and diversification of media outlets, particularly with the growth of satellite television and later, the early internet, increasing consumer choice

Question 50

What were the Major government's public spending priorities?

Answer 50

Major's government maintained fiscal discipline but made some modest increases in spending on public services compared to the later Thatcher years, aiming for a more compassionate image

Question 51

What was the role of the Liberal Democrats in the 1990s political landscape?

Answer 51

The Liberal Democrats sought to establish themselves as a centrist third force, advocating for constitutional reform and increased spending on public services, often holding the balance of power in local government

Question 52

What were the Major government's policies on crime and public order?

Answer 52

Policies generally focused on tougher measures, including increased prison sentences and efforts to combat youth crime and anti-social behaviour

Question 53

What was the public perception of John Major's leadership?

Answer 53

Major was often perceived as uninspiring or "grey", struggling to assert authority over his divided party and lacking the charisma of his predecessor or rival, Tony Blair

Question 54

What was the impact of the rise of the internet on British society during the 1990s?

Answer 54

The internet began its growth during this period, gradually transforming communication and information access, though its widespread social impact was still developing

Question 55

How did the Gulf War influence Britain's defence policy?

Answer 55

The Gulf War demonstrated the need for modern, flexible, and rapidly deployable armed forces, influencing defence spending and strategic planning

Question 56

What was the role of public inquiries in responding to social issues during this period?

Answer 56

Public inquiries, like the Macpherson Inquiry, became important mechanisms for investigating systemic failures and recommending reforms, particularly in areas of public trust and controversy

Question 57

How did the Conservative Party's electoral strategy change under John Major?

Answer 57

Major attempted to present a more inclusive and moderate image than Thatcher, but struggled to unite the party and overcome the public's desire for change after years of Conservative rule

Question 58

What was the economic policy of the Conservative government regarding interest rates after Black Wednesday?

Answer 58

After exiting the ERM, the government gained the flexibility to lower interest rates significantly, which helped to stimulate economic recovery and business investment

Question 59

What was the overall state of industrial relations during the Major years?

Answer 59

Industrial relations were significantly more peaceful than in the 1970s and early 1980s, reflecting the reduced power of trade unions after the Thatcher era

Question 60

How did John Major attempt to build a "classless society"?

Answer 60

Major often spoke of a "classless society" and sought to promote meritocracy, attempting to move away from the perceived social divisions of the Thatcher era and create a more inclusive national identity

Question 61

What was the British attitude towards the Euro during the Major years?

Answer 61

Britain maintained its opt-out from joining the single European currency, reflecting a deep division within the Conservative Party and a cautious public approach

Question 62

What was the role of newspapers in the political landscape of the 1990s?

Answer 62

Newspapers remained highly influential, often partisan, and played a significant role in exposing the "sleaze" scandals that plagued the Major government, contributing to public dissatisfaction

Question 63

How did environmental policy develop under Major?

Answer 63

While environmental concerns grew, the government's approach was often seen as cautious, though it did respond to public pressure on specific issues like road protests

Question 64

What was the impact of the "Young Offenders" policy?

Answer 64

This policy focused on tougher sentencing and increased measures for young people involved in crime, reflecting a punitive approach to youth offending and a desire to reduce youth crime rates

Question 65

What was the major challenge for the Labour Party despite its modernisation efforts under Kinnock and Smith?

Answer 65

Despite significant reforms, Labour struggled to convince the electorate of its economic credibility and overcome lingering perceptions from its past, which prevented it from winning a general election

Question 66

How did the peace process in Northern Ireland progress after the 1994 ceasefire broke down?

Answer 66

Despite setbacks like the Canary Wharf bombing, back-channel talks continued, leading to a renewed ceasefire in 1997 and paving the way for the Good Friday Agreement

Question 67

What was the economic performance of Britain in the mid-1990s?

Answer 67

After recovering from the early 1990s recession, the British economy experienced a period of strong and stable growth with low inflation, setting a positive economic backdrop for the incoming Labour government

Question 68

How did social attitudes towards homosexuality evolve in the 1990s?

Answer 68

There was a gradual increase in social acceptance, though discrimination remained, and debates around gay rights and the repeal of Section 28 continued

Question 69

What was Section 28?

Answer 69

Introduced by Thatcher in 1988 Section 28 prohibited local authorities and schools in the UK from “promoting homosexuality” or presenting it as a "family relationship."

Question 70

What was the Conservative Party's position on social issues in the 1990s?

Answer 70

The party generally held more traditional views on family and morality, though John Major made some efforts to present a more inclusive and modern image on social issues

Question 71

What was the political context that led to the "Realignment of the Labour Party"?

Answer 71

The devastating 1983 election defeat and the party's long period in opposition compelled Labour to undertake significant reforms under Neil Kinnock, John Smith, and Tony Blair to become electable again