Party Leaders Flashcards
When Anthony Eden called for a general election, how much did he conservative majority increase?
Increased from 17 seats to 60
Describe Eden as prime minister
Almost all his political experience was in foreign policy - within 6 months some in the Conservative party questioned his competence/lack of experience
Anxious about decision making/lacked economic knowledge
Suez crisis - crushed Britain’s illusions for imperial power - 40 conservative MPs rebelled - Edward Heath, who was supposed to keep he party in check, strongly opposed Anthony Eden
Describe Macmillan as Prime Minister
Economic prosperity gained approval of voters
For five year Macmillan seemed to be in full control
Nicknamed ‘supermac’
Post war economic boon continued
Macmillan had he media in the palm of his hand - took advantage of new political opportunities provided by television
Labour still battling through their own internal divisions
Describe Heath as leader
Fixated on policies of modernisation of Britain - EEC
Spent five years in opposition developing detailed policies
He knew issues surrounding EEC entry, having been chief negotiator from 1961 - 1963
Why did the conservatives fall from power under Macmillan?
EEC formed without Britain in 1956 - Britain’s application to join the EEC was rejected in 1963
The night of the long knives - Macmillan sacked 1/3 of his cabinet in the hope of rejuvenating it, however it weakened his government
A series of scandals in the 1960s such as the Profumo affair
