Labour and conservative governments 1964-1979 Flashcards
Conservatives weakness 1964E
Profumo affair, didn’t have the answers for various problems, out of touch with society and older voters.
Important because the crumbling and instability of the Conservative Party couldn’t keep up to date with a new progressive society. The economy fluctuated but it mostly suffered under leadership.
Labour strengths 1964E
United, policies appealed to the public, no class stigma, voters were younger, modern and kept up to date with the Uk”s evolution.
This is important because labour’s progressive motives appealed to the new changing society. They promised to overcome the economic challenges the conservatives couldn’t resolve.
External reasons 1964E
Liberal party took votes from the conservatives and society was changing.
This is important because the revival of the liberal party took away votes from the conservatives, shifting conservative votes increases chances of a labour majority.
Harold as PM- Parliamentary majority
The govt later in his term had a majority of 95.
Only won by a small majority.
Harold as a PM- Cabinet management
Political skill in avoiding party divisions, foreign policy.
Bitter quarrells about policy and conflicts between personalities.
Harold as PM- Labour Party unity
They won the 1964 election under Wilson.
Voters blamed the tories for the failure of the UK.
Harold as PM- Social reform
Issued a series of reforms, increase in prosperity meant people had more spending power. Better education and employment rate.
The left and right often argued.
Harold as PM- Foreign and colonial issues
Managed to hold a balance and less radical labour supporters in his social reform.
Left were bitter over Wilson’s attitude to the Vietnam War,as he refused to send troops.
Wilson failed to convince De Gaulle to join the EEC.
Evidence of economic strength under the 64-70 govt
Increased purchasing power.
House and car ownership increased.
Increased employment and real wages.
Evidence of economic weakness under the 64-70 govt
Performed poorly in comparison to our competitors.
Strikes.
Lack of public infrastructure.
Wanted to buy British made products only.
Shortages in industries.
Inflation.
Devaluation of the £.
Elements beyond the 64-70 govt control
Reforms blocked by the unions.
Post- war state of the UK compared to others.
Debt.
Balance of trade deficit.
Shortages in industry.
The economic issues England faced 64-70 and govt intervention
Balance of payment deficit of £800m inherited from the conservatives- solved by producing goods that were better/ cheaper than foreign goods.
Increased efficiency by modernising industry.
Use taxes to develop/ improve infrastructure.
Maintain investment in national industries.
Ensure Britain had a well- trained work force.
Nationalised industry
Under government control, coal mining, civil, aviation, telecommunications, transport, electricity, gas and water.
Hoped to stimulate competition between firms.
The investment was subject to government expenditure cuts and increased the power of the unions.
Balance of payments
Payment deficit- more spent on imports than exports.
Indication of the effectiveness of the economy.
Foreign holders needed to have confidence in Britains economic strength.
If the value fell, foreign holders wouldn’t want to buy.
Tax cuts risked a balance of payment deficit because of increased purchasing power.
Devaluation
Reducing the exchange rate of the £.
Foreigners would get more pounds in exchange for their currency because British exports would be cheaper.
Imports would become more expensive which could wipe out the balance of payment deficit debt.
Britains international prestige- damaged.
Rise in import prices would contribute to inflation.
