1979 - 1990 Flashcards
1
Q
THATCHER: STYLE AND IDEOLOGY
What was Thatcher a striking example of?
A
A conviction politician
2
Q
THATCHER: STYLE AND IDEOLOGY
What did Thatcher have a strong aversion to?
A
Consensus politics, her 11 years in power ended consensus
3
Q
THATCHER: STYLE AND IDEOLOGY
Why was Thatcher angry at Heath?
A
Abandoning new right policies and going back to Keynesianism
4
Q
THATCHER: STYLE AND IDEOLOGY
What did Thatcher hate?
A
State spending, inefficiency and low growth
5
Q
THATCHER: STYLE AND IDEOLOGY
What was Thatcher’s large majority after the general election, and what did this mean?
A
43, meaning she could easily implement drastic reform
6
Q
THATCHER: STYLE AND IDEOLOGY
What did Thatcher believe Heath did?
A
Pushed Britain further towards socialism then the Labour governments
7
Q
THATCHER: STYLE AND IDEOLOGY
Describe Thatchers early life
A
- Born the daughter of a grocer 1925
- Chemistry and law at Oxford
- First female party leader and PM
- An ardent anticommunist
8
Q
MONETARISM
Define monetarism
A
The theory or practice of controlling the supply of money as the chief method of stabilizing the economy
9
Q
MONETARISM
What is monetarist view on unemployment?
A
Not worry about rising unemployment so long as inflation was kept low, because some unemployment is generally healthy for the economy
10
Q
MONETARISM
Who was Thatcher’s 1st chancellor of the exchequer?
A
Howe
11
Q
MONETARISM
What did Howe reduce the standard rate of income tax to?
A
33% - 30%
12
Q
MONETARISM
What did Howe reduce the marginal rate for higher earners to?
A
83% - 60%
13
Q
MONETARISM
What did tax on unearned incomes fall to?
A
98% - 75%
14
Q
MONETARISM
To make up for the impact tax cuts had on government income, what did Howe do?
A
Increase VAT by 4%
15
Q
MONETARISM
What were the results of Howe’s tax cuts?
A
The rich paid less tax, the poor paid more, and the cost of living went up
16
Q
MONETARISM
What was Howe’s calculation
A
Cost of living going up caused inflation, but once this was fought off everybody would be better off
17
Q
MONETARISM
What was Howe forced to do when inflation rose?
A
Raise interests to 14% June 1979 and 17% in December
18
Q
MONETARISM
What happened to public spending under Howe?
A
It went in the wrong direction and people, aswell as businesses, were impacted
19
Q
MONETARISM
Did inflation eventually come down?
A
Yes, and the 2nd chancellor of the exchequer Nigel Lawson remained true to tax cuts. However, the cuts in direct taxes were balanced by an increase in other general taxes
20
Q
SUPPLY SIDE ECONOMICS
By mid 1980s what was largely abandoned?
A
Monetarism, in favour for supply side economics
21
Q
SUPPLY SIDE ECONOMICS
Define supply side economics
A
Supply-side economics holds that increasing the supply of goods translates to economic growth for a country.
22
Q
SUPPLY SIDE ECONOMICS
Give examples of supply side economic policies
A
- Reducing taxation to give greater incentive
- Encourage competition to lower prices
- Limit power of trade unions so they couldn’t block productivity or hinder modernisation
- Cutting wasteful welfare payments as a way of saving public money and reducing dependancy
23
Q
DEREGULATION
Define deregulation
A
A concerted effort to remove financial and legal restrictions thatcher believed prevented efficiency and profitability in many areas of socio economic activity
24
Q
DEREGULATION
Give examples of areas in the deregulation programme
A
- Finance
- Transport
- Education
- Health
25
DEREGULATION
How was finance deregulated?
Credit and exchange controls abolished
26
DEREGULATION
How was transport deregulated?
Bus companies denationalised
27
DEREGULATION
How was education deregulated?
Schools entitled to opt out of the state sector and become responsible for own financing
28
DEREGULATION
How was health deregulated?
Hospitals required to operate within an internal market by taking control of their own finances and matching needs to resources
29
HOUSING: THE RIGHT TO BUY
Define the housing act of 1980
Council house tenants could buy the house they were renting
30
HOUSING: THE RIGHT TO BUY
What did critics argue?
It undermined the principle of social housing and reduced the availability
31
HOUSING: THE RIGHT TO BUY
What did defenders say?
It provided poorer members of society the opportunity to own their own houses
32
HOUSING: THE RIGHT TO BUY
What did Thatcher view the right to buy council houses as?
The flagship of her economic policies. A further move towards Britain as a property owning democracy.
33
HOUSING: THE RIGHT TO BUY
What did this policy show about Thatcher's economics?
Along w growing numbers ordinary people taking out building society accounts and becoming shareholders, it represented her belief in enlightened capitalism as the great bond which could unite all classes of society
34
HOUSING: THE RIGHT TO BUY
Was this a popular move among target audience?
Yes, by 1985 800,000 tenants had began to purchase property previously rented
35
HOUSING: THE RIGHT TO BUY
How many pp in Britain owned homes by 1990?
68% up 15%
36
PRIVATISATION
What was deregulation complemented by?
A policy of privatisation
37
PRIVATISATION
What did privatisation provide?
The state with extra funds, the policy aimed at increasing popular capitalism by giving much greater numbers of ordinary people the opportunity to become shareholders.
38
PRIVATISATION
What was the number of shareholders in Britain by 1990?
9 million
39
PRIVATISATION
What large enterprises were sold off?
British airways, steel, coal, and telecom
40
PRIVATISATION
What did financial deregulation encourage?
Banks and building societies to advance larger loans to their customers.
41
PRIVATISATION
What was the deficit by 1989?
£47 billion from £16 billion
42
INFLATION
What were interest rates used as?
A mechanism to control inflation
43
INFLATION
What were interest rates raised to in 1979?
17%
44
INFLATION
What did higher interest rates mean?
Made it more expensive for businesses to borrow
45
INFLATION
What did the government do to the £?
Made it more difficult for businesses to export
46
INFLATION
What did inflation initially go up to?
22% may 1980
47
INFLATION
What was the low of inflation?
2.5% 1986
48
INFLATION
What did methods of control lead to?
Recession
49
INFLATION
What did high interest rates n the early 1980s lead to?
Decline in both demand and output, economy went into recession w many businesses going bankrupt, leading to high unemployment
50
INFLATION
What did a 2nd recession lead to?
Eventual entry into the ERM
51
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
Even with the govs policies what happened?
Long term economic trends impact british industry
52
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
What were two issues for british industry?
Foreign competition and technological innovation
53
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
What was the shift in the British economy?
A move away from manufacturing to services. Thatcher embraced this change.
54
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
What was the downside of economic realignment?
In areas where people had never known different, there were painful adjustments. Sharpened NS divide.
55
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
What can economic realignment further be seen in?
The urban decay of many city centre areas. There were increased problems of alcohol, depression and drugs.
56
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
Where was focus shifting to?
London and the South, Howe told Thatcher in 1981 cities such as Liverpool could be left to 'manage decline'
57
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
In 1981 April - July where were there riots?
Brixton, London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds
58
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
Describe the Scarman Report
Commissioned to examine the causes of riots and it identified poverty and race as a key component.
59
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
What were areas of rioting suffering from?
High levels of unemployment and deprivation. This was exacerbated by the 'sus law' which unfairly targeted BAME groups
60
ECONOMIC REALIGNMENT
When were there further riots?
1985
61
UNEMPLOYMENT
Was unemployment seen as an aim?
No, instead British industry had to be prepared to be more competitive and this meant higher levels had to be accepted.
62
UNEMPLOYMENT
Describe monetarist impacts on industry
Many industrial plants closed permanently, worst hit areas were Midlands, the North, central Scotland and South Wales
63
UNEMPLOYMENT
What did some call Thatcher's policies?
The deindustrialisation of Britain
64
UNEMPLOYMENT
What did manufacturing output fall by?
15% in 2 years, in the West Midlands this was 25% and steel production alone was 30%
65
UNEMPLOYMENT
What did unemployment rise to by 1983?
Over 3 million, highest of the post war period
66
UNEMPLOYMENT
Describe schemes introduced
Youth employment scheme subsidies for young workers, and lower national insurance rates for employers
67
UNEMPLOYMENT
Were schemes introduced any good?
No unemployment didn't even go under 3 million until 1987
68
UNEMPLOYMENT
Where was unemployment the highest?
Areas reliant on heavy industry such as Liverpool (25%)
69
THE WESTLANDS AFFAIR 1986
What did this affair reveal?
Government divisions
70
THE WESTLANDS AFFAIR 1986
What was Westland?
A failing helicopter company. Defence secretary proposed to save by making part of a European Consortium
71
THE WESTLANDS AFFAIR 1986
What did the industrial secretary propose?
Have it taken over by US company Sikorsky
72
THE WESTLANDS AFFAIR 1986
Who did Thatcher back?
Sikorsky, defence secretary pushed to resign 2 weeks later
73
THE WESTLANDS AFFAIR 1986
What did the affair show?
Thatcher bullying her cabinet and not standing ground against America
74
NORTH SEA OIL
What did Thatcher do with NSO?
Privatise it, previously nationalised by Labour 1976
75
NORTH SEA OIL
What was the justification for privatisation?
Industry in relative long term decline
76
NORTH SEA OIL
What did critics say?
Gov squandered national asset for short term benifit
77
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Describe feelings within the Labour party by 1979
Both left and right wings disillusioned.
78
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Why was the left disillusioned?
The trade unions were antagonised by extensive periods of pay restraint, which bought them few benefits. Some, particularly skilled workers, voted Tory in 79. The left was also angered by it's own inability to persuade the leadership to accept a radical plan of campaign
79
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Why was the right disillusioned?
It was increasingly isolated, and disaffected by the failure of revisionist policies, the parties lack of commitment to Europe, and the increasing determination of unions
80
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
What did the economic recession between 79 and 82 do for the Labour party?
It strengthened the left. It was believed such deep a recession could mean that capitalism was on the verge of collapse, offer a socialist alternative. However, popularity grew with Falklands
81
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
When did the disenchantment of the right of the party manifest itself?
When the 'gang of four' signed the limehouse declaration on 25th of January 1981, launching the birth of the SDP
82
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Who were the gang of four?
Roy Jenkins, Shirley Williams, William Rodgers, David Owen
83
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
How many MPs joined the SDP?
30, 27 of whom had been Labour MPs
84
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
When was the SDP liberal alliance formed?
Late 1981
85
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
What did the gang of four contain?
Well-known, experienced, and popular politicians. The formation of the SDP is therefore a controversial subject within the Labour party
86
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Where did the SDP take support from?
Important sections of previous labour supporters and seriously damaged labours electoral chances. In the 1983 election it took a large share of the anti-thatcher vote
87
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Did the alliance do well at the 1983 general election?
Yes - winning 25% of vote compared to Labour's 28%. However, first past the post, only 23 MPs
88
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
To many observers what was the SDP for Labour?
A great benefit, forcing the party 'back to sanity' by bringing into the open how unselectable Labour had become
89
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Who was Labour leader in 1980?
Michael Foot
90
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Who ran unopposed as deputy?
Denis Healey
91
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Describe Tony Benn vs Denis Healey
Benn challenged Healey for the deputy leadership, Healey won, but it emulated the left right divisions
92
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
What was Foot's manifesto dubbed?
The 'longest suicide note in history'
93
LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
What did Foot's manifesto call for?
- Unilaterism
- Withdrawal from the EEC
- Direct control over bank lending
- Minimum wage
- Hunting to be made illegal
94
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
Who replaced Michael Foot as Labour leader?
Neil Kinnock
95
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What occurred when Kinnock became leader?
A wide-ranging policy review
96
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Kinnock denounce at the 1985 party conference?
Militant tendency councillors
97
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Kinnock do in many ways?
Sacrifice his own political career by carrying out so many U turns. Lost trust. Replaced by popular John Smith who died very unexpectedly in 1994.
98
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What was Kinnock?
A turning point for Labour's fortunes. He was left but realised the hard left policy was not going to lead Labour back to power.
99
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Kinnock believe about reform?
It was necessary for Labour to be elected. Roy Hattersley from the right of the party became his deputy
100
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What was Kinnock's strategy from the outset?
To regain power for Labour. This meant a shift to the right - a discussion was started on how to manage prosperity better. A radical change was not needed but a more egalitarian distribution of the surplus which capitalism produced. Revisionism was therefore back on the agenda
101
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
Why was the miners strike a major problem for Labour?
It split the party and bought the leadership into a bad light. It bought the end of deep mining in Britain and many of these communities had been traditional Labour supporters. In the long term, however, arguably a benefit for labour leadership as it was a lesson in the need of moderation and caution.
102
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
Describe militant tendency
Became a revolutionary party within the party
103
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What was there evidence of?
Certain Labour councils were causing adverse media comment. For example, in Liverpool the city council tried to force the government to give it more money.
104
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
When did the policy of brinkmanship culminate?
September 1983 hen it issued redundancy notices to all of it's 31000 employees as a way of showing the logical conclusions of conservative policies.
105
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What principle did brinkmanship offend?
Not playing with people's livelihoods. Kinnock made a strong attack on the council's conduct in a keynote speech at the 1985 bournemouth party conference
106
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
In 1586 what happened to the district Labour Party?
It was suspended and there followed a lengthy process of expulsions. Kinncok took great credit for this work.
107
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
In 1586 what happened to the district Labour Party?
It was suspended and there followed a lengthy process of expulsions. Kinncok took great credit for this work.
108
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Kinnock tell the party?
It had to adapt to the real world or it would be condemned to permanent powerlessness
109
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Kinnock's 1985 party speech to the SDP?
Effectively destroyed the SDP, by presenting himself as a party of reform but determined to avoid extremes
110
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
From 1985 onwards what did Kinnock turn the party leader's office into?
An alternative party organisation. With the help of Charles Clarke and Peter Mandelson there was a new emphasis on packaging and presentation. Party officials were smartened up, Labour became much more media friendly and there was a new emphasis on glamour and glitz.
111
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did 1985 see in terms of party policy?
There was a shift, making the party seem more credible and this meant a shift to the right.
112
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
In spite of a good campaign, what happened to Labour?
They lost the election and gained only 20 seats
113
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What was the general agreement?
Labour in its present form was finished and shifts in social class patterns had made the party unelectable
114
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Margaret Becket stress?
Socialism would only be introduced by the redistribution of resources of capitalsim
115
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What was to be created?
A ministry for women and the principle of national minimum wage was agreed
116
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
Who was French president of the European comission?
Jaques Declors
117
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What speech did Delor give to the TUC?
Stressed the benefits of EC membership for workers
118
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Mandelson say about Kinnock?
Not electable to party but indespensable to rebuilding the party
119
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What happened in 1987?
Red rose campaign
120
IMPACTS OF THE 1983 ELECTION FOR LABOUR
What did Mandelson describe the 1987 election as?
'Election that saved the party... reinstated as main opposition'
121
SOCIETY SALE OF COUNCIL HOUSES
What was Thatcher's ideal?
A property owning democracy
122
SOCIETY SALE OF COUNCIL HOUSES
What discount did council house renters recieve?
33 - 50% depending on how long they had lived in the house
123
SOCIETY SALE OF COUNCIL HOUSES
What were councils ordered to do with profits?
Use them to reduce debt rather than build new council houses. Renting lists therefore increased and families were being housed in unsuitable accomodation
124
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
What was the aim of the poll tax?
To make local councils more accountable to their electors by ensuring everyone contributed. Previously, local taxation was based on property. Thatcher believed this system would be fairer.
125
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
What did ministers find difficult to justify?
Why a poor pensioner should pay the same as a millionaire
126
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
When was the tax introduced in Scotland?
1989, harmed the conservative party reputation which had already been damaged
127
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
Despite the unpopularity, what happened?
Introduced in England and Wales the following year
128
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
How did Thatcher's unwillingness to change course make her seem?
Aloof, with a failure to connect with ordinary people
129
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
What was set up the country and what did they urge?
Anti Poll Tax Unions which urged people not to pay.
130
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
In some areas how many people were non payers?
Up to 30%. The police, courts, and councils were unable to force payments
131
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
What happened in March 1990?
There was an anti poll tax demonstration in trafalgar square which more than 200,000 people attended
132
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
By the evening, what did the demonstration turn into?
A riot, nearly 5000 people were injured, cars were overturned and set on fire. Many shop windows were smashed and extensively looted.
133
SOCIETY THE POLL TAX
How many arrests were made?
300, made the police seem to have lost control and there was criticism of politicization of the police
134
EXTRA PARLIAMENTARY OPPOSITION
What did Oxford uni do?
Vote against Thatcher having an honorary degree, an honour given to every other oxford educated post war PM.
135
EXTRA PARLIAMENTARY OPPOSITION
Why did Oxford not give her an honorary degree?
Cuts to higher education expenditure
136
EDUCATION AND THE ARTS
Which playwrites wrote plays that satirised thatcher?
Churchill and hare
137
EDUCATION AND THE ARTS
What was red wedge?
a musical collective including Billy bragg, Paul weller and madness who campaigned against thatcher in the late 1980s
138
EDUCATION AND THE ARTS
Which alternative comedians joined in opposition against thatcher?
Alexei sayle and ben Elton
139
EDUCATION AND THE ARTS
Give a TV show that showed the consequences of thatcherism on society
Boys from blackstuff
140
THE CHURCH
What report did the church publish 1985?
Faith in the city, called gov to do more to help deprived communities
141
THE CHURCH
Which bishops were outspoken against thatcher?
David Jenkins (durham) and David Shephard (liverpool)
142
PRESSURE GROUPS
What were there many?
Protect movements which worked outside the traditional framework of parliamentary politics, some of which tried to involve people in direct action
143
PRESSURE GROUPS
What did shelter campaign against?
Increasing homelessness
144
PRESSURE GROUPS
What did age concern campaign against?
Pensioner poverty
145
PACIFICISM AND FEMINISM
In 1979 what decision was taken?
The stationing of american cruise missiles at bases in britain
146
PACIFICISM AND FEMINISM
In reaction what did the CND order?
Protest marches reminiscent of the Aldermaston marches 20 years earlier
147
PACIFICISM AND FEMINISM
In sep 1981 where did a group of women protestors set up camp?
outside the Greetham common base, where 5he cruise missiles were to be based
148
PACIFICISM AND FEMINISM
What did Greenham common base become?
A focal point for feminism as well as pacifism, it remained in place for 19 years
149
PACIFICISM AND FEMINISM
In April 1983 when the missiles were due to arrive what happened?
70-000 protestors formed a 14 mile human chain stretching from Greenham to Aldermaston
150
PACIFICISM AND FEMINISM
In 1984 what did the Newbury local council do?
Evict the women and demolish the site they then came back after dark and rebuilt it. it remained until 2000
151
ENVIRONMENTALISM
Describe the bhopal disaster India
December 1984 a gas leak at a pesticide factory killed between 3000 to 8000 people. thousands more suffered long term health effects, many disabling
152
ENVIRONMENTALISM
Describe chernobyl
An explosion at nuclear power plant, chernobyl, Ukraine. released radioactive particles into atmosphere. not very many died but lots developed cancer from radiation cloud
153
ENVIRONMENTALISM
What was there was a growing understanding of?
long term implications of pollution such as 1985 discovery of the antarctic ozone hole caused by cfcs in the atmosphere, and proof of acid rain
154
ENVIRONMENTALISM
What grew in strength?
Environmental groups such as Green peace and Friends of the Earth
155
ENVIRONMENTALISM
What are CFC'S?
chemical compounds which deplete ozones in the upper atmosphere of the earth
156
ENVIRONMENTALISM
To combat CFC's what did the UN do?
Montreal protocol 1987 which phased out use of cfcs. By 2009 it had been ratified by all members of UN. considered most successful environmental change ever made by international community
157
THE FALKLANDS
Where do the falkland islands lie?
In the south Atlantic about 300 miles off the coast of Argentina. it was long disputed between Britain and Argentina, became English speaking descendant from Britain
158
THE FALKLANDS
In April 1982, what happened?
Argentine forces landed on the island and heavily outnumbered the British garrison.
159
THE FALKLANDS
What was the argentine incentive?
Put to the British government, at a position where they would be forced to accept the new situation. thatcher in turn formed a war cabinet and consulted with her military leaders
160
THE FALKLANDS
What did thatchers war cabinet advise?
A naval task force could be created to retake the islands
161
THE FALKLANDS
What was the British governments issue?
Sovereignty, and labour officially supported this cause
162
THE FALKLANDS
When did the task force sail?
April, and south Georgia was then taken wout too much difficulty, the Falklands themselves proved to be a greater challenge
163
THE FALKLANDS
What followed the ships?
An air campaign, followed by a landing in May. in June the Argentinian forces surrendered
164
THE FALKLANDS
How many casualties were there?
250 b 650 a
165
1983 KHAKI ELECTIONS
In the weeks following the South Atlantic crisis what happened?
Thatchers approval rates jumped, from being vulnerable to a leadership challenge she became almost beyond criticism
166
1983 KHAKI ELECTIONS
How many points was she ahead of other parties?
20
167
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE US
What was Thatcher more of a leaner towards?
The US than Europe, her and ronald Reagan held very similar right wing policies
168
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE US
Describe issues with the relationship 1983
Grenada, the US responded to political instability by invading, claiming it was falling to pro soviet forces. But, as a member of the commonwealth it had elizabeth ii as the head of state
169
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE US
What did Thatcher do before the invasion?
Beg Reagan not to invade, but he did it anyway and did not tell her the invasion had begun
170
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE US
What else annoyed thatcher?
Al Haig's (secretary of state) attempt to negotiate a settlement in the 1982 Falklands crisis. A war between two americab allies, but when Argentina turned down peace talks America passed resolutions to side with britian
171
MOVES TO END THE COLD WAR
What bought thatcher and Reagan together above all else?
Cold war - both agreed strong defence was essential, and that USSR was a military threat
172
MOVES TO END THE COLD WAR
When did Gorbachev take the lead?
1985
173
MOVES TO END THE COLD WAR
Which Russian words described Gorbachev intentions?
Perestrokia and Glasnost
174
MOVES TO END THE COLD WAR
Define perestrokia
Restructuring the economic and political way in which the country worked
175
MOVES TO END THE COLD WAR
Define glasnost
The soviet government and leaders would be more open about what they are doing
176
MOVES TO END THE COLD WAR
How did Thatcher describe Gorbachev?
'I like mr Gorbachev, we can work together'
177
THATCHER AS AN INTERNATIONAL FIGURE
What happened after the Falklands war?
Thatcher became more widely recognised as an international figure, alongside her argumentative presence at European Council meetings
178
THATCHER AS AN INTERNATIONAL FIGURE
Where was thatcher famous?
The soviet Union and Middle east
179
THATCHER AS AN INTERNATIONAL FIGURE
When and why did the first gulf War occur?
1990 - 91, result of an invasion of Kuwait by Iraq
180
THATCHER AS AN INTERNATIONAL FIGURE
Who was iraqi leader?
Sudam Hussin, already conducted war against Iran and poor human rights record
181
THATCHER AS AN INTERNATIONAL FIGURE
Where was thatcher at the time of invasion?
The US, meeting George Bush. Thatcher advocated intervention and Bush agreed.
182
ELECTION STATS
Conservative seats 1979
339
183
ELECTION STATS
Conservative seats 1983
397
184
ELECTION STATS
Conservative seats 1992
336
185
ELECTION STATS
Conservative seats 1987
376
186
ATTITUDES TOWARDS TRADE UNIONS
Who did Thatcher appoint as minister for employment?
James prior, although she regarded him as 'wet'. He was given responsibility for trade union reform
187
ATTITUDES TOWARDS TRADE UNIONS
Describe the 1980s employment act
Widespread public support, outlawed secondary picketing and required a high level of workers agreement for shops to close
188
ATTITUDES TOWARDS TRADE UNIONS
Who was prior replaced by?
The uncompromising Norman Tebbit
189
THE WEAKENING OF UNIONS
Describe the 1982 Tebbit act
Passed further laws against the closed shops and restricted the scope of industrial action whilst making unions legally liable for infringements. Further legislation went on to require secret ballots for membership and Union officials, for sanctioning the existence if political funds, and for strike action
190
THE WEAKENING OF UNIONS
What did the tebbit act avoid?
Heaths error of trying to do too much at once, whilst taking unions down with heavy legislation
191
THE WEAKENING OF UNIONS
What did the rise in unemployment do?
Weaken the unions by causing a fall in membership
192
THE WEAKENING OF UNIONS
What did the Thatcher government honour?
Existing pay agreements and so avoided a showdown with the NUM in 1981. As a result continous improvement on strike record until 1984
193
GCHQ
What happened on the 25th of January 1984?
Ban on trade union membership was imposed on GCHQ employees. Each would be given 1000 in return
194
GCHQ
What did Thatcher say it was in the interest of?
National security, but it led to a political row and mass protests. 14 workers sacked for refusing to give up membership
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CONFRONTATION W THE MINERS
What had energy minister Peter Walker done?
Taken steps in preparation of a conflict with the minera and ensured coal supplies should be at a high level during the strike
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CONFRONTATION W THE MINERS
What did the new laws on secondary picketing do?
Reduce efficiency of the tactics which miners had used in the last two coal strikes
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CONFRONTATION W THE MINERS
Who became president of the NUM?
Extreme left winger Arthur Scargill. He confronted new chairman of the NCB Ian Mcgregor who had been told to cut back excess capacity of the coal industry
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BACKGROUND
In 1981 what did the NCB announce?
23 pits needed to close
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BACKGROUND
What did the NCB announce March 1984?
20 more pits needed to close
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BACKGROUND
What did NUM leader Arthur Scargill correctly believe?
The plan was to close another 70 pits, miners went on strike to avoid this
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BACKGROUND
What did Scargill not do which weakened his position?
Call a national ballot, therefore not gaining full support over the nation
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BACKGROUND
What did Scargill fail to break?
Regional divisions amongst the miners
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THE MINERS STRIKE
What did the nottinghamshire miners do?
Form a breakaway union, the UDM. This caused bitter splits between scargillites and the UDM
204
THATCHER'S INITIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE EEC
Why was Thatcher initially cautious about Europe?
Hated the way business was done, saw it as a boys gang she was never going to be truly part of
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THATCHER'S INITIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE EEC
What was Thatcher's relationship to the EEC marked by?
Many contradictions
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THATCHER'S INITIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE EEC
What often caused consernation?
Thatcher's handbag diplomacy, ruffled the consensus politics favoured by european leaders, however also issues they co operated closely on
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THATCHER'S INITIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE EEC
What was Thatcher's first priority in Europe?
To secure a better deal for Britain over financial contributions to the EEC, not getting as much as it was putting in
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THATCHER'S INITIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE EEC
What did Thatcher establish?
A good working relationship with the French president francois mitterrand. They cooperated closely over the channel tunnel project which was agreed in 1986
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THATCHER'S INITIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE EEC
What did Thatcher negotiate 1986?
Single European Act, changed assembly into a european parliament and mentioned possibility of future monetary union
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THATCHER'S INITIAL VIEWS ABOUT THE EEC
What did the European court become?
An important arbiter in disputes between members. In 1987 clear cons still broadly pro europe
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BRITISH BUDGETARY QUESTION 1981 - 84
Who were pro european in thatchers cabinet?
Lord Carrington, Francis Pym, Ian Gilmour
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BRITISH BUDGETARY QUESTION 1981 - 84
What was Thatcher most influenced by?
Treasury than the foreign office
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BRITISH BUDGETARY QUESTION 1981 - 84
What was Thatcher advised?
EEC membership was costing 1 billion a year, mainly bc GB recieved so little from common agricultural policy. Raised the issue and famously declared 'i cannot play sister bountiful to the community'
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BRITISH BUDGETARY QUESTION 1981 - 84
Over the course of the three years, what did thatcher negotiate?
A rebate, and by doing so made herself unpopular w european leades
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BRITISH BUDGETARY QUESTION 1981 - 84
What did Thatcher famously comment?
"I want my money back" "We saved all their necks in the war"
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BRITISH BUDGETARY QUESTION 1981 - 84
During one meeting for negotiations, what famously happened?
The French president would read his newspaper whenever thatcher spoke, the german chancellor yawned and the chauffers of leaders would rev the engines
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BRITISH BUDGETARY QUESTION 1981 - 84
At a summit in Fontainbleau 1984, what rebate did thatcher succeed in?
£700 million rebate (66%)
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THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ACT
Despite her fighting words, what was Thatcher's greatest paradox?
She precided over the process which drew britain even closer into Europe - the 1986 european act
219
THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ACT
What were the main terms of the act?
- Signatory countries committed themselves to closer money and political union
- Supranationality was established
- Right of individual member states to veto was abolished
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THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ACT
What did Thatcher view the act as?
Leading to a free market, rather than a united country. Saw as a potential for growth
221
THE BRUGES SPEECH 1988
What was thatcher becoming increasingly worried about?
What Europe was doing, concerned about the context of the end of the cold war and the possibilities of soviet union breakup
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THE BRUGES SPEECH 1988
Why was thatcher anti german?
Opposed reunification, and worried about a future strong germany
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THE BRUGES SPEECH 1988
What did thatcher hate?
Jacques Delors, president of the european commission since 1985
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THE BRUGES SPEECH 1988
What was the bruges speech?
A rallying cry to those concerned about a centralised, federal Europe. Greeted w amazement across europe. Geoffrey Howe was dismayed
225
THE ERM, MADRID, AND MINISTERIAL RELATIONS
By 1989, what was happening?
Inflation was rising rapidly, and here was a massive trade deficit. Partly due to Lawson's giveaway budet in 1988
226
THE ERM, MADRID, AND MINISTERIAL RELATIONS
What were Howe and Lawson convinced about?
It was time for britain to join the ERM - a system where currencies in europe were fixed in order to maintain currency stability
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THE ERM, MADRID, AND MINISTERIAL RELATIONS
What did thatcher begin to do?
Seek the advice of others, splitting away from her two key ministers. Especially spoke to professor Alan Walters, the special economics adviser.
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1989 - 1990
What did Lawson do?
Secretly track the deutschmark
229
1989 - 1990
What did Howe and Lawson do?
Put increasing pressure on thatcher to set out a timetable to join the ERM, she resisted
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1989 - 1990
What happened at the madrid summit?
Howe and Lawson went to thatchers hotel room and threatened to resign if she would not join, she said she would when appropriate but then found out lawson was tracking the deutschmark behind her back
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1989 - 1990
What was howe demoted to?
Deputy PM, Lawson resigned and became backbencher
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1989 - 1990
What did thatcher go to?
A top level european meeting in rome. declared britain would never join the single currency "no, no, no" speech
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1989 - 1990
What did Howe do in response?
Resign 1990, speech proved devistating to thatcher
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
What did Howe's resignation act as?
A catalyst, it galvanised michael heseltine who had been a longstanding thatcher critic to challenge a leadership election
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
What did cecil parkinson do?
Affair w HofC secretary Sara Keays, dumped her when she was pregnant in 1983
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
Where was a seat lost and what did it show to the conservatives?
Ultra safe seat of eastbourne to liberals, alarming, fear of losing next election
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
Describe vote count first ballot
Thatcher: 204, Heseltine: 152, under conservative party rule this was not sufficient
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
Did thatcher continue to second ballot?
No - convinced not to after meeting with her cabinet minsiters
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
What did thatcher dropping out of second ballot do?
Encourage douglas hurd and john major to enter the race
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
In 1987 what happened to the stock market?
Crashed in liverpool following the big bang after deregulation of the city in 1986
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THATCHER'S FALL FROM POWER
What did the lawson boom lead to?
Balance of payments problem, and inflation had risen to 10.9%
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
Chief features of thatcherism?
- Social accountability
- No consensus
- Free market
- Limited union power
- Reduced power of state
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
What were some thatcher paradox's?
Taxes and government spending actually went up, more gov departments and civil servants, took britain deeper into europe legislatively
244
THATCHER'S LEGACY
How was thatcher viewed by the feminist movement?
A woman but not a sister
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
Did thatcher promote women in politics?
No, only one women in her cabinet Linda Chalkner, minister for overseas development
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
As a loan woman, what has it been suggested thatcher wanted to exploit?
Her feminity, and she made no structural changes to advance women in society
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
What did Thatcher successfully storm?
The fortress of male domination
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
What was thatcher in her social attitude?
Victorian liberal than modern conservative, rights of individual and family should take precedence over social good
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
What did thatcher often express admiration for?
Victorian virtues
250
THATCHER'S LEGACY
What did thatcher remark in a 1987 interview?
There is no such thing as society, critics said this showed a lack of compassion and her wish to encourage unbridled individualisation
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
Thatcher quote about welfare benefits and families
"Welfare benefits distributed w little or no consideration facilitated the breakdown of families and replaced incentive with idleness and cheating"
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
Why were government benefits so high?
Unemployment
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
Give three examples of principle benefits
Housing benefit, child benefits (weekly allowance for each child, £6 billion a year), faminly income supplement
254
THATCHER'S LEGACY
How much had government spending risen by in real terms?
60%
255
THATCHER'S LEGACY
How much money was spent on NHS?
£29.9 BILLION
256
THATCHER'S LEGACY
How much money was spent on unemployment?
£3.7 billion
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THATCHER'S LEGACY
Was Thatcher a new type of tory leader?
Some tories would consider her to be more liberal in her support for the free market. She was passionate about what she believed, and moved away from the hunting shooting type tories to estate agents than estate owners
