Thatcher social division Flashcards
What created a sense of national unity and saved thatcher’s first term?
The Falkland’s war
What division did she create in terms of class?
She created inequality, this meant people had less of a stake in society, they had little property and income and became part of a lower class.
Why was there a growth in support of nationalist parties?
The southeast propsered under Thathcer but other areas such as Wales and Scotland did not. Scottish and Welsh voters felt that the conservatives no longer represented them.
How did right to buy create class conflict?
It opened up a gap between the slightly wealthier working class and the poor working class. The poorest people had very little choice over where to live and took decent affordable housing away from the poorest.
Why did Thatcher want to close down the coal mines?
She felt they were unprofitable and that the taxpayer should have no responsibility to prop up something unprofitable.
What was the short-term cause of the strikes?
MacGregor announced a plan to close down twenty pits but Scargill claimed real govt plans were to shut 70. This was conformed 30 years later
What did the 1984 Trade Union Act require of unions before a strike?
A secret ballot prior to announcing the strike.
Who supported the miners?
Black Radicals in the Race Today Collective organised support for the miners. Women Against Pit Closure (WAPC) , organised a series or rallies in London to support the miners, also organised soup kitchens. Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, organised marches and fundraising.
What was the labour party’s view on the miners strike?
The right wing of the party believed that union power was out of hand and therefore Thatcher’s union laws were justified, they refused to support the strike. The left supported the strike arguing that Scargill was defending jobs across the industry. Kinnock tried to compromise.
What was Britain’s newspapers opinions of the strikes and what was the public opinion?
They opposed the strikes. Were critical of Scargill and claimed miners were attempting to bully the country. Most of the public disapproved of Scargill’s methods and there was a huge surge in support for Thatcher’s govt.
Why did the miner’s strike end?
Coal was stockpiled before the strike. More use of gas and nuclear power. NUM started to run of money. Scargill did not call a national ballot which weakened support for the miners. March 1985 was voted to be called off.
