Margaret Thatcher Case Study 1979-90 Flashcards
When did That her win the general election?
1979
What happened in 1978-79 under Callaghans ruling ?
The winter of discontent
What is the winter of discontent ?
Time with heavy unemployment/poverty under labour (Callaghan)
How did this help Thatcher ?
-she defeated Callaghan in general election
-upper hand due to Labours bad image
- Callaghan just lost vote of no confidence
What led to Thatchers popularity?
-British Falklands War in 1982
-led to resurgence in British confidence
What name was Thatcher given ?
Iron Lady
What election did she call for in 1983 ?
“Snap “ election
Why did she do this ?
Knew she was popular and could easily win
- beat labour and SDP
After this , what law did she (make in 1984 )and what did it do ?
Right to buy policy
Made gov property private
Sold 2.1 million houses to tenants
What is the name of strikes that happened and how did Thatcher respond to it ?
-Miner’s strike
-arrested protestors
What did Thatcher reintroduce in 1990 and what did this do?
-poll tax
- everyone is taxed the same
-made her very unpopular
What happened in 1986?
Westland Crisis
What is the Westland Crisis?
Thatchers gov was divided on decisions for the Westland Helicopters (struggling) company
- her and Michael Heseltine have public dispute -> Thatcher not listening to her cabinet
-Michael Heseltine resign
How did Heseltine and later Nigel Lawson accuse Thatcher of making policy ?
Listened to her special economics adviser - Alan Walter’s - more than them .
Who else resigned from her cabinet ?
Geofferey Howe
