Labour and Conservative Governments, 1964-79 Flashcards
Who won the 1964 general election and what was the size of their majority?
Labour won with a narrow 2-seat majority.
Who was Labour’s leader during the 1964 general election?
Harold Wilson.
What were the key points in Labour’s 1964 manifesto?
- Faster economic growth
Full employment
Improved welfare and health services
Better housing
Comprehensive education
How did the revival of the Liberal Party impact the 1964 election?
It took votes away from the Conservatives, indirectly helping Labour.
How did societal changes influence the 1964 election result?
Improved living standards made young people more independent and less willing to accept traditional authority, reducing support for Conservatives.
What Conservative actions made the 1964 election closer than expected?
- 1963 budget tax cuts
Continued distrust of Labour due to internal divisions
What was the result of the 1966 general election?
Labour won a large 96-seat majority, showing Wilson’s leadership was effective.
How did prosperity and education change during Wilson’s time?
- More people travelled
Social class divisions decreased
Higher standards of living and increased educational access
Name two key social reforms introduced by Wilson’s government.
- 1969: Abolition of the death penalty
1970: Equal Pay Act (same pay for same work regardless of gender)
How did traditionalists respond to social reforms under Wilson?
They were outraged, believing the changes led to a permissive society.
How popular was the death penalty at the time of its abolition?
Very popular—opinion polls showed strong support, with 400,000 backing campaigns to keep it.
What immigration policies were introduced under Wilson?
- 1968: Commonwealth Immigrants Act (restricted entry)
1965 & 1968: Race Relations Acts to tackle prejudice
What changes did Labour make to the education system?
- Replaced grammar schools and 11+ with comprehensive schools
Introduced the Open University (post-Robbins Report expansion)
How did Wilson handle the Vietnam War?
Supported US in 1965, but later criticised bombing in 1966 and tried to broker peace in 1967—alienated both US and Labour left.
What was Wilson’s approach to the Rhodesia crisis?
Tried a settlement with Ian Smith, who rejected it. Problem unresolved until 1980.
Was Wilson successful in joining the EEC?
No, he failed to get Britain accepted into the EEC.
How was cabinet unity under Wilson?
Poor—4 cabinet resignations and peak cabinet fighting in 1969 over union reform.
What was the biggest economic issue facing Labour in 1964?
A balance of payments deficit of £800 million.
What are deflation and devaluation, and how do they differ?
- Deflation: Makes people poorer, reducing imports.
Devaluation: Lowers pound’s value, making exports cheaper and more competitive.
Which strategy did Wilson try first—deflation or devaluation?
Deflation.
What major economic action did Wilson take in 1967?
Devalued the pound.
What was the National Plan?
A Labour initiative to boost productivity and economic growth.
What were the criticisms of Labour’s economic policies?
They focused on short-term fixes like BOP and currency value rather than long-term issues like industrial investment.
Why were strikes a problem for Labour?
They disrupted production, raised costs, caused inflation, and undermined the economy.
