1983 election

Question 1

What reduced the popularity of the government by the 1983 election

Answer 1

Rise in unemployment and economic problems

Question 2

Impact of the Falklands War on the 1983 election result

Answer 2

Seen as a sign of Britain’s greater confidence and unity and increased the personal popularity of Thatcher in her own strongholds.

Question 3

Impact of Michael Foot on the 1983 election result

Answer 3

Foot lacked an assured manner on television and his belief in unilateral nuclear disarmament
- further nationalisation of industry and government regulation seemed old fashioned.
- He and his policies made little appeal outside of traditional Labour voters.

Question 4

Split in the Labour Party before 1983 election

Answer 4

Moderate elements in the Party split away to form the SDP in March 1981, massively damaging the Labour Party.

Question 5

Description of Labour manifesto before 1983 election

Answer 5

“Longest suicide note in history” because it was so out of touch with Britain

Question 6

Result of the Alliance between the Liberals and the SDP before 1983 election

Answer 6

Succeeded in splitting the anti-Thatcher vote, allowed some Conservative gains in some traditional Labour seats in the north