Wilson 1974-76 Flashcards
(17 cards)
1
Q
what were Wilson’s two elections like?
A
- Feb 1974 = minority government and hung parliament
- Oct 1974 = tiny majority of 3 seats
2
Q
list two Labour divisions under Wilson
A
- economic policy
- trade unions
3
Q
what was inflation in 1975?
A
- 25%
4
Q
what was Balance of Payments deficit by 1976?
A
- £3.3 billion = weakened pound
5
Q
when and what was Social Contract?
A
- 1974
- aimed to limit wage demands but failed
6
Q
3 examples of IRA/loyalist violence under Wilson
A
- Guildford bombings 1974
- Balcombe Street Siege 1975
- Birmingham Pub Bombings 1974, killed 21, led to wrongful conviction of “Birmingham Six”
7
Q
what was the “Spy Network” myth?
A
- Wilson’s belief that the army and MI5 were plotting against his Northern Ireland policies
8
Q
when and why was Sunningdale Agreement abandoned?
A
- Ulster Worker’s Council strike May 1976
- Loyalist-led strike caused power shortage, forcing Wilson to abandon
9
Q
when and what was the Employment Protection Act?
A
- 1975
- statutory maternity leave, protecting against unfair dismissal
10
Q
when was Women’s Aid founded?
A
- 1974
11
Q
when and what was Sexual Discrimination Act?
A
- 1975
- made discrimination of women in employment, education, public services illegal
12
Q
example of football hooliganism
A
- Manchester United vs City in 1974
- highlighted wider issues
13
Q
how many members had the National Front increased to by mid-70’s?
A
- 20,000
- demonstrations often turned violent
14
Q
what was the result of the EEC referendum in 1975?
A
- 67% vote to remain
- strong support from Conservatives and Liberals but Labour divided
15
Q
state 3 anti-EEC voices
A
- Tony Benn
- Michael Foot
- trade unions
16
Q
what did Britain sign with Russia?
A
- Helsinki Accords 1975
- supported human rights and detente
17
Q
positive of the Special Relationship under Wilson
A
- rebuilt ties with Carter by focusing on NATO and nuclear deterrence
- displayed at 1974 NATO summit
