John Major

Question 1

When was the Maastricht treaty?
What was it?
Why did it become a problem?

Answer 1

1991
Proposed a single currency and strengthened workers rights
Many conservatives saw it as too socialist

Question 2

Major abandoned the poll tax which had destroyed thatchers government and implemented the council tax. Why was this a humiliation?

Answer 2

Abandoning the poll tax meant that government had to admit £1.5 billion had been wasted

Question 3

What is negative equity?

Why was this so damaging?

Answer 3

This is when homeowners have to repay mortgages that were higher than the current value of their homes

Earlier economic resection had targeted the industrial north, now the recession was hitting conservative voters in the middle classes

Question 4

When was black Wednesday?

Answer 4

1992

Question 5

Comment on foreign affairs

Answer 5

Major signs Maastricht treaty - taking a lead role in Europe

First gulf war - Hussein is temporality defeated

Question 6

Scandals

Answer 6

Series of ‘Tory Sleaze’ and sex scandals

Cash for questions - conservative MPs accept cash in return for lobbying

Question 7

Northern Ireland

Answer 7

Downing Street declaration signed - begins the peace process as it is proved that peace can be achieved

IRA announce a seize fire in 1994