Why Did Thatcher Win Three Elections Flashcards
(9 cards)
Which three elections did Thatcher win ?
1979
1983
1987
How did Thatcher differ from the past prime ministers for the election in 1979?
Described as a ‘striking politician’
- gave convincing and clear views providing a break for many in a time when the consensus view was for a modern Britian
- piling rubbish in the streets highlighted that the failures of Labour could not continue: tangeable reminder of a need for the end of consensus
How did Thatcher appeal to marginal seats in the 1979 election ?
These were key
- areas like London, south England and the midland
- 40 seated moved from Labour to conservative down to perceived failures to deal with inflation
- ‘winter of discontent’ cemented this change within theses constituencies
- attacked socialism and the need for trade reform: pressing issues for the electorate
How did Labour help the conservative victory in 1979 ?
- divided with no strategy to deal with the rising strike actions, inflations, unemployment and stagnation
- 70s had entirely dived the party on disagreements concerning unilateralism and nationalisation of industry- seemed to be out of touch with more pressing concerns
- However succeeded in restating traditional support in idnsurrial northern area including parts of Scotland and Wales winning twice the number of votes compared to the conservatives
Why were the liberals important to the 1979 victory ?
Polled 1 million less votes
- many of these in the midlands and southern liberal constituencies which led to a rise in conservative votes
What was Margaret thatchers campaign slogan ?
‘Labour isn’t working’
How was Thatcher perceived ?
Resolute, clear sighted leader
How had the 1970s damaged Labour ?
- inflation was at 13%
- IMF loan of 1976 damaged Labours credibility when Labour was forced to ask for $39000 million- national embarrassment
- unemployment reached 1.5 million by the late 1970s
What are the factors for 1979?
Labour weakness
The liberals
Thatchers personal image
