Revision Topic Sheet 4: End of 1950s Flashcards
Why did my wife leave me?
What was the Vassall Inquiry?
When the government was forced to investigate civil servant John Vassall in 1963 due to reports of USSR spying
What was the Profumo Affair?
When Macmillan’s Minister for War was revealed to be having an affair with a young model in 1963: a model who was also a USSR spy which showed extreme security violations. Also, Profumo lied about his affair in Parliament which showed weakness in the government
What was the Night of the Long Knives?
When Macmillan attempted to reorganise his cabinet in 1962 to try and gain authority - made the government seem weaker rather than stronger
Why did Macmillan retire?
He became seriously ill in 1963 and decided to retire after 6 long years as Prime Minister
Who took over from Macmillan in 1963?
Sir Alec-Douglas Home
Why was Home seen as a capable successor to Macmillan?
He was an effective Foreign Secretary
What did Macmillan do to get Home elected?
- Took his time to resign which gave him time to raise support
- Macmillan recommended him in the resignation letter he sent to the Queen in 1963
What criticisms were there of Home’s election?
- Chosen in a hidden and undemocratic way
- Gave the wrong image of Conservatism
What was the ‘old boys network’?
Existing MPs using their influence to help those who went to the same school or with similar backgrounds get elected
Who won the 1964 election?
Harold Wilson
