HEATH'S GOVERNMENT Flashcards
When was Edward Heath Prime Minister?
1970 -1974.
What political party did Edward Heath lead?
The Conservative Party.
What were Heath’s key aims when he became Prime Minister?
Reduce state intervention, promote free-market policies, and join the EEC.
What major economic problem did Heath face?
Rising inflation and unemployment (stagflation).
What was the Selsdon Park Policy?
Heath’s 1970 Conservative plan to reduce state intervention, cut taxes, curb union power, and encourage free-market economics.
What was the Industrial Relations Act 1971?
A law aiming to restrict union power, requiring unions to register and making strikes harder.
How did trade unions react to the Industrial Relations Act?
They strongly opposed it, leading to more strikes and unrest.
What was the U-turn in Heath’s economic policy?
In 1972, Heath abandoned free-market ideas and started supporting struggling industries with government money.
When did Britain join the EEC under Heath?
1973.
What caused the 1973 oil crisis?
OPEC increased oil prices after the Yom Kippur War, leading to huge economic problems for Britain.
What was the Three-Day Week of 1974?
A government measure to save electricity during a miners strike by limiting business use of electricity to three days a week.
Why did Heath call an election in 1974?
To get a mandate to take a tougher line against the unions (Who governs Britain?).
What was the result of the 1974 general election?
It led to a hung parliament; Labour (Harold Wilson) returned to power.
What were Heath’s main problems in government?
Industrial unrest, economic crisis (inflation, unemployment, oil crisis), and failure to control trade unions.
What is Heath’s government often remembered for?
Economic struggles, union conflicts, and joining the EEC.
What was the Sunningdale Agreement of 1973?
A deal to create a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, including both Catholics and Protestants.
Why did the Sunningdale Agreement fail?
It faced strong opposition from Unionists and a general strike in 1974, leading to its collapse.
What was Edward Heath like as a political leader?
He was hardworking and determined but struggled to adapt to crises; lacked warmth and was seen as a poor communicator compared to others like Wilson.
What were Heath’s main economic and political policies?
Free-market reforms (Selsdon Park), Industrial Relations Act to limit unions, joining the EEC, later U-turn to state intervention after economic crisis.
