Major's Government 1990-1997

Question 1

What problems did Major face when he became Prime Minister in November 1990?

Answer 1

• He did not have a real record of success or a strong body of support
• Continued divisions over Europe
• Labour were revitalised by Thatcher’s resignation

Question 2

Why did Major win the 1992 election?

Answer 2

• He had campaigned very effectively
• Less divisive figure than Thatcher
• Labour under Kinnock were overconfident

Question 3

Which Treaty was signed by members of the EEC in 1992?

Answer 3

The Maastricht Treaty

Question 4

Which opt-outs did Major secure from the Maastricht Treaty?

Answer 4

Social Chapter and the Single European Currency

Question 5

How did divisions over Europe affect Major’s authority?

Answer 5

He was caught publicly complaining about the Eurosceptic “bastards” in his cabinet

Question 6

How did Major aim to solve divisions over Europe in his party?

Answer 6

He held a leadership contest in 1995 and won (2/3 in favour) against John Redwood. The party still looked divided to the public

Question 7

What economic issues faced Major?

Answer 7

• By Sep 1992 measures to curb inflation had created a recession
• The government were forced to withdraw from the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) despite only joining in 1990

Question 8

What was the name given to Britain’s withdrawal from the ERM?

Answer 8

“Black Wednesday”

Question 9

Why was “Black Wednesday” significant?

Answer 9

• Ruined the Conservatives’ reputation for strong economic management
• Emboldened Eurosceptics in the Conservative party

Question 10

What was John Major’s “Back to Basics” Campaign?

Answer 10

An appeal to traditional family values and “neighbourliness, decency, courtesy” in 1993

Question 11

Why did the “Back to Basics” Campaign backfire?

Answer 11

There were a series of Tory “sleaze and scandals” revealed to the press from 1993 onwards

Question 12

What are some key examples of Tory “scandals and sleaze”?

Answer 12

• “Cash for Questions” Scandal
• Tim Yeo – extramarital affair and a lovechild despite criticising single mothers
• David Mellor – extramarital affair and accepted a holiday from the daughter of the head of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO)

Question 13

Who became Labour’s leader after Kinnock resigned in 1992?

Answer 13

John Smith

Question 14

Who became Labour’s leader after John Smith died in 1994?

Answer 14

Tony Blair

Question 15

What was New Labour?

Answer 15

A “rebrand” of Labour in 1994 to modernise its image to voters

Question 16

What were some policies of New Labour?

Answer 16

• The party accepted popular Thatcher policies (e.g. Right to Buy and privatisation)
• Repeal of Clause IV (Labour’s commitment to nationalised industry)
• Effective ‘sound bites’ like “education, education, education” and “tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime”

Question 17

How many seats did Labour win in the 1997 election?

Answer 17

418

Question 18

How many seats did the Conservatives win in the 1997 election?

Answer 18

165

Question 19

What can explain Labour’s growing popularity throughout the 1990s?

Answer 19

• Blair was a young and dynamic leader
• Effective press and public relations (“Spin Doctor” Alastair Campbell; The Sun endorsement)
• The country was seeking change after 18 years of Conservative rule