Lesson 6 Flashcards
Why did the conservatives win the 1959 general election
- Used the slogan “life is better with the conservatives, don’t let labour ruin it”
- pre-election economic boom and £370 million in tax cuts
- Labours weakness
Why did Labour lose the 1959 general election
- Rise in industrial disputes in the 50s and labour splits.
- Issues over nuclear deterrent and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
- The 1959 Labour Conference - Hugh Gaitskell proposed the removal of clause VI
- thought it was too socialist to attract voters - Gaitskell promised the labour govt would not raise taxes if it came to power
- however the labour manifesto contained pledges to increase spending
- increase pension - would be provided by revenue in economic growth.
Macmillion elitism - Grouse-moor Tory
- Came from a wealthy upper class family
- Original cabinet contained six etonians and all but two of the rest had attended another major public school
- His wide govt was full of his relatives through marriage - 1958, 35/85 fell into this category
Supermac and the effect on his political career
MacMillan had an elegant style, a mastery of TV media and a good grasp of party politics.
He also felt at home in foreign affairs making him easily outshine Hugh Gaitskell
Supermac nickname given by the evening standard
Macmillion economy - Never had it so good
Economic conditions were improving steadily in the 50s
1957 - never had it so good
The conservatives claimed to be the party of
economic
competence - due to the post war boom
Increased car ownership, more household goods, greater lesiure activities
Average male workers wage increased from £8.30 1951 to £18.35 in 1964
Macmillan’s 1963 EEC bid
In 1961 macmillan decided britains future lay with Europe and joint the eec
The french president General Charles de Gaulle said no to their application in 1963
Big blow to MacMillan - all our polices at home and abroad are in ruins
Macmillan’s night of the long Knives
After the balance of payments crisis in 1962 prompted MacMillan into a radical reshuffle of cabinet
1/3 of the govt was sacked
Chancellor - Selwyn Lloyd also sacked
Caused serious damage to both MacMillan and tories
