6. The Years of Change (1964-1979)

Question 1

What characterized Britain in the 1960s and 70s?

Answer 1

A period of social discontent, economic pressure, and calls for recognition by youth, nationalists, minorities, and women.

Question 2

What political party won the 1964 general election, and who became Prime Minister?

Answer 2

The Labour Party won, with Harold Wilson as Prime Minister.

Question 3

How did Harold Wilson’s image differ from previous leaders?

Answer 3

Wilson was seen as modern and competent, focusing on new technologies and a forward-looking agenda.

Question 4

What was the main obstacle to Wilson’s reform agenda?

Answer 4

Economic challenges, which forced the government to prioritize the economy over social reforms.

Question 5

What economic strategies did Wilson attempt to address the crisis?

Answer 5

He aimed to create a long-term economic plan but faced pressures that required immediate action.

Question 5

What was the impact of the 1966 economic crisis on public policy?

Answer 5

It led to reductions in public spending and tax increases, disappointing many Labour supporters.

Question 6

Why was the high value of the British pound problematic in the 1960s?

Answer 6

It put economic strain on Britain, leading to calls for devaluation to improve the economy.

Question 7

When was the British pound devalued, and what were the consequences?

Answer 7

It was devalued in November 1967, damaging Britain’s international prestige.

Question 8

Who succeeded James Callaghan as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and what did he do to stabilize the economy?

Answer 8

Roy Jenkins, who cut government spending and increased taxes on alcohol, petrol, and tobacco.

Question 9

What positive economic outcome did Roy Jenkins achieve by 1969?

Answer 9

He achieved a balance of payments surplus through austerity measures.

Question 10

Which social groups in Britain were particularly discontented in the 1960s and 70s?

Answer 10

Youth, nationalists in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, minorities from former colonies, and women seeking recognition.

Question 11

How did Wilson’s Labour government respond to the changing social landscape?

Answer 11

They attempted to modernize Britain’s economy and society but were constrained by financial pressures.

Question 12

How did the government initially try to manage economic issues and industrial relations post-1964?

Answer 12

The government used a prices and income policy after voluntary wage restraint failed, leading to increased trade union militancy.

Question 13

What was the “In Place of Strife” white paper, and why did it fail?

Answer 13

It aimed to modernize industrial relations and control trade union strikes but faced strong opposition from trade unions and Labour backbench MPs.

Question 13

What were the main regional and international issues during Wilson’s administration?

Answer 13

Regional issues included nationalist movements in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Internationally, Wilson sought EEC membership and maintained Commonwealth unity but saw Britain’s global influence wane.

Question 13

How did immigration policy and race relations evolve during this period?

Answer 13

Immigration was restricted through the 1962 and 1968 Commonwealth Immigration Acts, while anti-discrimination measures were introduced, like the 1965 and 1968 Race Relations Acts.

Question 13

What liberal social reforms did Wilson’s government implement?

Answer 13

Key reforms included the abolition of the death penalty (1965), decriminalization of homosexuality (1967), legalization of abortion (1967), Divorce Reform Act (1969), voting age reduced to 18 (1968), and Equal Pay Act (1970).

Question 14

Why did Edward Heath’s administration fall in 1974?

Answer 14

Despite achieving EEC entry, Heath’s administration struggled with economic challenges, union conflicts, and the 1973 oil crisis, which led to a miner’s strike and the “three-day week.”

Question 15

What major achievement did Edward Heath secure for Britain in 1972?

Answer 15

Heath successfully negotiated Britain’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC).

Question 15

What triggered the 1974 general elections, and who won?

Answer 15

Heath called an election over “Who runs Britain?” due to industrial unrest, and Harold Wilson narrowly won, bringing Labour back to power

Question 16

What economic measures did Heath take in response to rising inflation and unemployment?

Answer 16

Heath attempted to control inflation with tax cuts and credit relaxations but later shifted to wage and spending freezes, which ultimately failed amidst the oil crisis and miner strikes.

Question 17

What was Wilson’s approach to Britain’s EEC membership upon his return to office in 1974?

Answer 17

He renegotiated EEC membership terms and held a 1975 referendum, resulting in a 67% vote in favor of staying in the EEC.

Question 18

What economic strategy did Chancellor Denis Healey adopt during the 1975 crisis?

Answer 18

Healey sought an IMF loan, requiring public spending cuts and the end of Keynesian economics.

Question 19

What was the “Winter of Discontent,” and how did it affect James Callaghan’s government?

Answer 19

The winter of 1978-1979 saw widespread strikes due to wage control disputes, leaving the country paralyzed and leading to Labour’s defeat in the 1979 election.

Question 20

Who became Britain’s first female Prime Minister following the 1979 election?

Answer 20

Margaret Thatcher, leader of the Conservative Party since 1975, won the election following Labour’s loss.