labour and conservative government 1964-79 Flashcards
why did conservatives lose the election of 1964? - loss of popularity
leader Home seemed out of touch with modern electorate
blamed conservatives for the economic record. accusations that it had been thirteen wasted years
there was talk of unemployment, infaltion and decline in manufacturing
bad reputation due to profumo scandal - upper class sex scandal
why did conservatives lose the election of 1964? - appeal for labour
new labour leader wilson was seen as a man of the people
labour was more united
made an appeal to those who wanted a more modern and technological britain
offered social progress
many voters were concerned about labour and influence of trade unions
why did conservatives lose the election of 1964? - other factors
many felt that in 13 years it was time for a change
the world was changing and labour seemed to be more in tune with society
revival of the liberals
growth of press
what problems did wilson face in 1964
stagflation described the period
britiains growth was slow compared to other developed industrial countries
nationalised industries were very costly due to lack of investment
defence cost high
changes in education did not offer high quality technical training or widespread opportunities for students to go into higher education
what did wilson achieve
- race relations law made discimination illegal
- voting age lowered
- capital punishment ended
- equal pay law
- abortion legalised
- comprehensive education system was expanded
- number of universities increased, establishment of open university
- the balance of payments deficit was improving by 1969
- there were devleopments in road transports and motorways were built in the north
what did wilson fail to achieve
- ongoing balance of payment deficit problems and rising prices
- forced the government to introduce higher taxes
- unemployment remained a problem, by 1967 was 2.5 million
- britain forced to devalue the pound in 1967 due to lack of oversee confidence
- failure to join EEC meant britain did not benefit from growing trade
wilsons problems with trade unions
there was a plan for long term reform when barbra castle introduced in place of strife. this policy was so unpopular among labour left and trade unions it was abandoned
strikes caused major problems damaged the economy leading to loss of confidence and which brought about devaluation
economic growth was hampered by high costs brought about by trade union
what were the divisions within the labour party for the 1970 election
splits in the labour party had reemerged
the left accused leaders of maintaining the financial sector at the expense of ordinary people and manufacturing
labour disliked the proposal of restricting trade unions
what was the appeal for conservatives in 1970
heath was a modern figure and did not tolerate old fashioned heath was clear about his policies and his passion for joining the EEC he spoke for many middle class voters who thought labour had mismanaged the economy and appeased the trade unions
what problems did heath face
- inflation was difficult to control. war in the middle east increased prices
- government felt obliged to subsidise failing industries in order to protect jobs
- number of working days lost to strikes increased from 10.9 million to 23 million in 1972
- britain had to accept unfavourable terms
why was industrial policy so important
- unless cost were kept competitive britain would not benefit from opportunities of the EEC
- it was difficult to stop inflation caused by government spending so it was important to prevent wage led inflation
- conservatives had disapproved labours in place of strife
- unions had become very influential
what was government industrial policy
industrial relations act - ended closed shops and gave right for the government to insist on a 60 day cooling off period before strikes were called
what were the problems with the coal industry
jan 1972 280,000 workers went on strike
threatened heating and power supplies for industry
miners asked for a 47% pay increase and were awarded a pay increase above inflation
-it weakened government policy towards inflation
-showed power of the miners
-other worker followed making wage claims
what was the clash of 1973
by november the oil crisis had led to much higher price rises
therefore led to businesses only having electricity for only three days a week
cut down on petrol there was a 50mph limit on all cars
tv stopped broadcasting at 10:30 to save electricity
why did labour win in feb 1974
explained by conservative failures
many thought the three days three day week was over dramatic
people disliked the terms of entry into europe
