Major 1990-97

Question 1

What elements of Thatcherism did Major not use?

Answer 1

• Poll Tax
• Citizens Charter

Question 2

What was Major’s majority in 1992?

Answer 2

22

Question 3

Problems faced by his government

Answer 3

• Sleaze
• Economic Developments
• ERM and Black Wednesday

Question 4

Sleaze under Major

Answer 4

Majors administration was rocked by a series of scandals involving illicit sex and corruption. This weakened the governments credibility - particularly because Major campaigned for a “return to basics” by which he meant self responsibility and moral values.

Question 5

What was ERM?

Answer 5

The ERM tied the value of European currencies to the most successful - the Deutschmark.

Question 6

Black Wednesday and how it helped Britain

Answer 6

• On Wednesday the 16th September 1992 Britain had to withdraw from the ERM.
• Britains international credibility was undermined - The eurosceptics among the govt were disillusioned with membership of the EU and many lost faith with the govt handling of the economy.
• Finding its own market level meant that the £ began to recover. The economy itself began to thrive with Britain’s growth rate higher than the EU average.

Question 7

Relations with Northern Ireland (negative)

Answer 7

• In 1990, the IRA bombed 10 downing street although luckily no one was hurt.
• In 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington killed 2 children.

Question 8

Relations with Northern Ireland (positive)

Answer 8

1993 Downing Street declaration asserted that Britain had no selfish interest in NI.

Question 9

Position of women

Answer 9

• Women had equal rights in law but still faced a “glass ceiling” or discrimination at work, particularly in senior positions.
• Many women became more assertive in adopting “laddish behaviour” and becoming less inhibited sexually.
• Young girls listened to Spice Girls who acted as role models for “girl power”

Question 10

First Gulf War

Answer 10

1991 - Short and successful war to liberate the Arab state of Kuwait after it was illegally annexed by Saddam Hussein. 45,000 British troops sent.

Question 11

Situation with Europe

Answer 11

People concerned with implications of national sovereignty and potentially the creation of a United States of Europe.

Question 12

When was the Maastricht Treaty and what was it?

Answer 12

• 1992 - The treaty established a European Union (EU), with EU citizenship granted to every person who was a citizen of a member state.
• Introduction of a central banking system and a common currency (the euro)
• Called for greater cooperation on various other issues, including the environment, policing, and social policy.

Question 13

Cash for questions

Answer 13

Neil Hamilton was accused of accepting cash for questions in Parliament on behalf of the controversial owner of Harrods,Hamilton refused to resign

Question 14

Cone hotline

Answer 14

A phone number motorists could call if motorway lanes were closed without signs

Question 15

Citizens charter

Answer 15

Attempt to give public service users more power over the quality of services they received by providing standards information

Question 16

National lottery

Answer 16

Sums raised by people, betting paid for the prizes, costs, profits of administrations and also donated large sums of money to the arts, heritage and sport

Question 17

Lawson Boom 1990s

Answer 17

House prices has a massive increase, this made home owners think they were getting richer. People were fearful that there would be no properties left that they could afford. By the end of 1992 900,000 houses were in negative equity

Question 18

Pit closure

Answer 18

Hestletine announced closure of 31 pits but an outcry forced him into a U-turn (short-term) Eventually the closures went ahead