Foreign Developments: Impact of Poor European Relations on Thatcher's Government Flashcards
What was the situation for Thatcherist ideas by her second term?
They dominated the Conservative Party
What was the situation for cabinet divisions over Europe for most of Thatcher’s first and second term?
There were no divisions
What was the first event showing cabinet divisions over Europe and when?
The Westland Affair, 1986
Who was Thatcher’s main opposition in the Westland Affair?
Michael Heseltine
What was the Westland Affair over?
If the last British helicopter company would be sold to an American company or a European company
Who did Heseltine want the Westland Helicopter company to be sold to?
A European Company
What did Thatcher decide with the Westland Affair?
It would be sold to an American company
What was the impact of Thatcher selling Westland to an American company?
Michael Heseltine resigned
What did Thatcher say about the Westland affair?
It was the closest she had come to resigning
Name 2 cabinet ministers who opposed Thatcher after the Bruges speech
Geoffrey Howe and Nigel Lawson
What did Lawson and Howe do after the Bruges Speech?
They attempted to reduce support for Thatcher within the party
What did Nigel Lawson do in 1989? Why?
He resigned, because Thatcher worked closer wth her special economic adviser
What happened with Geoffrey Howe in July 1989?
Thatcher fired him
Why did Thatcher fire Howe?
Because of his pro-European views
Who did Thatcher replace Howe with as Foreign Secretary?
John Major
