1964 election Flashcards
Possible question: Harold Wilson was the main reason Labour won the 1964 election. Give 2 other factors
Scandals and divisions within the Tory party
Modernisation of the Labour Party
Give evidence for why Wilson’s image contributed to the win in 1964
He was charismatic and confident - a very good orator compared to dull Alec Douglas Home - he was also pragmatic and wasn’t either too right or left wing.
Also he was considered more a man of the people as he was educated at a state school in Sheffield whereas Alec was part of the establishment and was selected through ‘the magic circle’.
He was disconnected from popular culture and was photographed with the Beatles who were the biggest band in the world at that time - his slogan was ‘the future belongs to all of us”
Give 2 pieces of evidence for the Tory party scandals and divisions being a reason for Labour’s win in 1964
Profumo Affair 1963 and Vassal Scandal 1962 - tarnished the Conservatives appearance as they were involved in embarrassing sexual scandals that didn’t fit with their respectable image - lost public trust
Also the Night of the Long Knives 1962 - gave the impression MacMillan wasn’t in control and that his party was divided - a third of the cabinet is sacked and scapegoated for poor economic performance
Explain how the modernisation of the Labour party/manifesto led to their victory
The aims of a modernised economy and the ‘white heat’ of technology were aimed at improving Britain’s global standing as new technology would improve productivity and exports. In addition to this he also campaigned on traditional left wing aims such as equal opportunity and an end to economic privilege this was ambitious and appealed to the working class and middle class alike.
