Plan

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Intro – The Labour governments in 1964-70 and in 1974-9 did not tackle the problems they faced effectively. Some may say that social reforms they passed, their minimal political survival and their public services did help, however their economic failures, lack of control over trade unions and other issues such as foreign policy clearly showed they did not tackle their problems effectively.

Question 2

P1 - Social reforms

Answer 2

P1 –

+ - Social reforms – It can be argued that

The legalization of abortion and homosexuality in 1967 promoting equality

Race Relations Act 1968 and 1976 showed continuous attention to discrimination as it was a large effort to ban racism

Lowering voting age 21-18 in 1969 showed inclusivity with the youth on political matters and a modern approach

BUT undermined by social conservatives claimed that these reforms encouraged sexual promiscuity and undermined family values. This showed that parliament and government were ahead of public opinion which undermines the success of the Labour governments

Question 3

P1 - Economics

Answer 3

= - Economics, EEC

Labours National Plan 1965 failed Treasury deflationary policy made it impossible to expand the economy as Labour hoped

The need to devalue the £ in 1967 and the IMF loan (the biggest loan they ever took out) showed the incompetence of Labour’s economic management. This led to them cutting NHS spending more drastically than Thatcher ever did

All whilst West Germany and the USA were growing faster in productivity in England

Showed bad not only internationally but as they were trying to fix the bad economic situation, they made matters worse

Question 4

P2 - Political survival

Answer 4

P2 -

+ - Political survival admirable

Survive despite having a small or no majorities – survived 1946 which helped impress voters sufficiently enough to win a clear majority of 96 in 1966 – had clear if not small support

Wilson despite his economic issues was a highly skilled political ‘fixer’ - keeping a Cabinet which contained bitter rivalries together with only 4 resignations in 6 years

BUT Cabinet divided – devoted ¾ of its time to personal arguments rather than governing the country and needing support of other parties – losing the SNP in the 1979 referendum when they allowed the defeat of devolution. Political survival was temporary and extremely fragile.

Question 5

P2 - trade unions

Answer 5

= - Trade unions – unable to reform them effectively.

Seamen’s strike in 1966 damaged GB trade – significant factor in their lack of progression

Unions defeated ‘in place of strife’ a plan trying to reform the trade unions and reduce the number of strikes in 1969 contributing to their defeat in the 1970 election

The overwhelming power of trade unions stopped them from handling problems effectively – became instrumental in Thatcher success.

Question 6

P3 - Public services

Answer 6

P3 -

+ - Public services

Wilson set up Open University 1969 – could study degrees through distance gave more working-class people access to education and a rapid expansion of higher education in 1964-7. Allowed more productivity through more literate people

Alongside comprehensive education which disregarded the 11+ exam which only allowed 20% of people to get a higher end education

BUT this was controversial – grammar schools provided opportunity for intelligent people from working class origins like Wilson, and the poor decisions of reintroducing prescription charges and spending on defense limited industrial investment and in tow slowed growth.

Question 7

P3 - International issues

Answer 7

= - International issues such as foreign policies and immigration

Labour Immigration Act 1968 pandering to racism instead of reducing racial tension which showed that the policies they attempted to put through were having the opposite effect, implying a bad government.

Also shown through trying to impose the economic sanctions against racist gov of Rhodesia failing bc companies ignored them or found ways around them, souring relations with the Commonwealth and the left of the Labour party

This party division and ineffective policy implementation showed that

Question 8

The order of themes -

Answer 8

Introduction
Social reforms
Economics
Political survival
Trade unions
Public services
International issues

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