1964 election Flashcards
What are some factors that caused a decline in conservative support?
• Economic difficulties
• Scandals
• Social and Political tensions
What was the BOP in 1961?
£800 million deficit
How many were unemployed by 1963?
800,000
Which economic policies failed?
NEDDY: attempts at economic planning
NICKY: attempts to control wages
“Pay pause” on public sector workers
These policies had no impact
Which group rejected Britain in 1962? Why was this significant?
EEC
Britain becoming weaker due to losing the empire and control of the Suez Canal - no longer a major power
Rejection from the EEC only highlighted that weakness
Why did the BOP defecit grow so quickly?
Wage increases
Tax cuts
Lack of investment in new technology and nationalised industries-> led to an increase in imports
What fraction of the cabinet was axed during the “Night of the Long Knives”?
1/3
When was the “night of the long knives”?
July 1962
What triggered the “Night of the long knives”?
Declining economy + support for conservatives triggered a reshuffling of cabinet
What constituent town saw conservative decline?
Orpington
Previously Conservative majority of 14,700 over turned to a liberal majority of 7850
What was MacMillan nicknamed following the “Night of the Long Knives”?
Mac the Knife
Name some scandals under the Conservative government
• Vassal Affair
• Profumo Affair
• Argyll divorce case
• Philby case
Why was the Vassal Affair so controversial?
John Vassal was a civil servant in the admiralty who spied for the soviet umion
They were rumours that admiralty members protected him
1962
Why was the Philby case so controversial?
Kim Philby was a senior official in the foreign office who passed information to the Soviet Union and recruited spies for them
Fled to Russia in 1963
Why was the Argylle divorce case so controversial?
Duke of Argyll accused his wife of adultery
Produced a list of 88 men she allegedly had affairs with, around 12 of these men were members of the Conservative Party
Lost traditional voters
1963
Why was the Profumo affair so controversial?
War minister, John Profumo, had an affair with sex worker Christine Keeler, who had connections through prostitution with the Russian Embassy
This was an extreme National security breach and led to Profumo’s resignation in 1963
What did these scandals suggest about the Conservative Party?
Suggested they were irresponsible and immoral, willing to put the country at risk for personal endeavours
Made MacMillan appear weak as a leader as he couldn’t keep his party under control
What caused the Notting Hill riots in August 1958?
Immigration was encouraged following the war to help rebuild the country and fill labour shortages (eg. Empire Windrush arrived in June 1948 to migrate Caribbeans)
Immigrants were blamed for unemployment and inadequate housing, causing the Notting Hill riots
What did the salmon inquiry conclude?
Concluded that these troubles regarding unemployment were caused by immigration
What act did the government pass to limit immigration?
1962 commonwealth immigration act limited the number of migrants based on ethnicity
Which social groups triggered a spike in anti-social behavior and why?
Mods and rockers
Due to scandals, younger generations had less respect for authority figures
What was a TV programme that ridiculed British politicians?
“That was the week that was”
Aired 1962-63 and commented on political events and figures
Showed how politicians now had a lack of respect from the public
Name 4 factors as to why Labour won the 1964 election
• Decline in conservative support
• Revival of the liberal party
• Changes in British society
• Harold Wilson’s leadership
Why was Harold Wilson seen as down to earth?
Grammar school boy, born in Yorkshire, teacher at Oxford University
Different from Eton students in the Conservative Party
