why did thatcher win three general elections in a row? Flashcards
where was the 1979 election held?
london, south of england and the midlands. 40 seats changed from labour to the conservatives.
why did votes change?
failed to deal with inflation, unemployment and the ‘over-mighty’ trade unions, ‘winter of discontent’
why did liberals loose one million votes?
blamed for keeping callaghan’s government in office since 1977. enough to hand seats to conservatives.
where did the labour retain their support?
traditional support in industrial areas of the north, scotland and wales where it won twice as many seats as conservatives
why did the conservatives loose some support?
rise in unemployment and economic problems
why was the falklands war crucial?
a sign of britain’s greater confidence and unity, increased personal popularity of thatcher in her own strongholds
who was michael foot and why was he important to the 1983 election?
disastrous labour split - michael foot selected as labour leader in november 1980. he lacked an assured manner on television and his belief in unilateral nuclear disarmament, further nationalisation of industry and government regulation seemed old fashioned. his policies made little appeal outside of traditional labour votes
what was the labour manifesto described as?
‘the longest suicide note in history’ because it was so out of touch as a whole
why was the SDP and liberals important?
SDP formed in march 1981 and formed an alliance with the liberals - the beginning of the modern liberal democrats succeeded in splitting the anti-thatcher vote. allowed conservative to gain traditional labour seats in the north
how many seats did the conservatives loose in the june 1987 election?
21.
conservatives: factors that contributed to their victory
government’s policies of selling council houses and shares in privatised industries appealed to middle class and skilled working class, believed government supported their desire to increase their wealth and status, unemployment was falling and pound was strong
labour: factors that contributed to conservatives victory
neil kinnock (leader) publicly criticised prominent left-wingers and brought party towards the centre, 1.5 million more votes and 20 more seats than 1983 but kinnock’s style had little appeal to many voters, he was long winded in speeches and had less hold over his colleagues than thatcher.
