Revision Topic Sheet 2: 1960s Reforms

Question 1

Why was capital punishment abolished?

Answer 1

A woman named Ruth Ellis who killed her unfaithful husband was executed in 1955, which caused controversy that led to Labour backbench MP Sydney Silverman campaigning until it was abolished in 1969

Question 2

What was the divorce reform?

Answer 2

Previously couples could only divorce if one spouse was unfaithful, but after Roy Jenkins helped pass the reform in 1969 divorce could now occur if:

• They lived apart for two years and both agreed
• They lived apart for five years and one agreed

Question 3

Why was the abortion legislation passed?

Answer 3

Until 1967 abortions could only take place in private clinics for those who could afford it which led to 100,000-200,000 illegal abortions that hospitalised 35,000 women, or backstreet abortionists which led to 82 deaths between 1958 and 1960. After the sleeping pill Thalidomide was found to cause birth defects in 1960, Liberal MP David Steel campaigned until the legislation was passed in 1967

Question 4

What was the legislation of homosexual relations?

Answer 4

Up to the 1960s it was punishable with a sentence of two years imprisonment for participating in homosexual acts. Roy Jenkins supported Labour backbench MP Leo Abse in order to get the 1967 Sexual Offences Act passed, which permitted homosexual acts if 3 conditions were met:

• both partners consented
• both partners were over 21
• it had to be in private

Question 5

What was the educational reform?

Answer 5

• Comprehensive schools established which gave every child the same opportunities, as opposed to secondary modern pupils being branded 11+ failures if they didn’t pass
• Robbins Committee of 1961 led to more universities being built to give more students a chance at higher education
• Open Universities built which gave students of different backgrounds a chance at higher education