Outline of Thatcher's Government's and Electoral Successes Flashcards
Describe the key focus of Thatcher’s economic policy during her government.
The key focus was on controlling inflation primarily through raising interest rates.
Define the Right to Buy Scheme introduced in 1981.
The Right to Buy Scheme allowed tenants in council housing to purchase their homes at discounted prices leading to increased home ownership among working-class voters.
How did Thatcher’s government address trade union activities?
Thatcher’s government implemented the Employment Act 1980 which limited picketing and imposed restrictions on union activities during strikes.
Explain the significance of privatisation during Thatcher’s government.
Privatisation involved transferring state-owned enterprises to private ownership with notable examples including British Petroleum and British Aerospace
What was the initial public perception of Thatcher’s government in 1982?
Thatcher entered 1982 with the lowest approval ratings for any Prime Minister since polling began with some polls showing the Conservatives in third place.
How did high interest rates impact businesses during Thatcher’s early government?
High interest rates made borrowing more expensive for businesses and increased the value of the pound which negatively affected exports.
Describe the economic conditions in the UK leading up to the 1983 general election.
By 1982 the economy was beginning to improve with rising productivity for those in work and decreasing inflation
Define the significance of the 1983 Labour manifesto.
The 1983 Labour manifesto was criticized as the ‘longest suicide note in history’ highlighting the party’s mistakes and divisions that contributed to their electoral defeat.
How did the Conservative Party perform in the 1983 general election?
The Conservative Party won 397 seats gaining 47 seats and losing only 10
Explain the unemployment trend from 1980 to 1983. Unemployment rose from 5.3% in 1980 to 11.4% by April 1983
Unemployment rose from 5.3% in 1980 to 11.4% by April 1983 indicating significant economic challenges during that period.
What role did party divisions play in the 1983 election results?
Labour’s internal mistakes and divisions significantly contributed to the Conservative landslide victory in the 1983 general election.
How did inflation change from its peak in 1980 to the time of the 1983 election?
Inflation peaked at 22% in May 1980 but began to decrease by 1982 contributing to a more favorable economic outlook for the Conservatives.
Describe the significance of the ‘gang of four’ in British politics during the early 1980s.
The ‘gang of four’ were key figures who left the Labour Party to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1981 reflecting a split in the party and a shift in political dynamics.
How did demographic changes affect the Labour Party’s identity in the 1980s?
Long-term demographic changes led to Labour being perceived as less representative of the working class and more aligned with the ‘underclass’ posing a challenge to its traditional base.
Define the impact of Thatcher’s policies on the Conservative Party’s voter base.
Thatcher’s policies successfully attracted new working class voters to the Conservative Party expanding its support base beyond traditional demographics.
