Thatcherism part 2 Flashcards
Throughout the 1980s what evidence was there that derregulation was successful?
Manufacturing productivity grew at 4.2% annually between 1979-89. Alan Sked - referred to the 1980s as an economic miracle. Self employed went from 1.9 million in 1979 to 3.5 million in 1989.
Throughout the 1980s what evidence was there that derregulation wasn’t successful?
Britain had recessions in 1981 and 1987
What did the Education Reform Act of 1988 do?
Introduced the principle of local management of schools, school budgeting could be taken over by the head teacher and the school governors. A National Curriculum was introduced containing ‘core’ subjects. Schools were to cover a set of ‘key stages’. Where local conditions allowed, parents could specify which school they wanted their children to attend.
What was the impact of the educational changes?
Schools gained greater independence, and increase in the parents influence over their child’s education. However, it saw a reduction in state control and a growth in elitism.
How did Thatcher impact the NHS?
In 1989, a white paper (‘Working for Patients’) was unveiled. It aimed to givbe GPs control over their budgets and choose where to refer patients for further treatment. Hospital Trusts would also run large hospitals and health authorities would buy their services. This aimed to increase efficiency, however, it only increased the cost of the NHS, due to an increase in managers.
What was the Westland affair?
Westland - a struggling british helicopter company. Michael Heseltine proposed to save it by making it part of a European Consortium, alongside British Aerospace. Whereas, Leon Brittan proposed that Silorsky, a US company, should takeover the Westland. Thatcher backed Brittan.
What were the consequences of the Westland Affair?
Heseltine resigned on 9th January, followed 2 weeks later by Brittan when it was revealed that his department had presured British Aerospace to withdraw from the European consortium.
How did Labour spin the Westland Affair?
Suggested that the affair showed how Thatcher’s style of government invovled bullying the Cabinet and readiness to give in to US pressure.
What changes did Thatcher make to local government?
In 1988, she introduced a system of standard assessments, which enabled central government to control local government expenditure levels. Counicls were also required to adopt ‘compulsory competitive tendering’, that is to contrat out their service to the companies that could provide the best service at the lowest price.
What were the consequences of Thatcher’s local government reforms?
Long standing local governments were abolished or broke up.
What were the consequences of the Militant Tendency’s takeover of Liverpoorl City Council?
Highlighted a power vacuum. Presented a more radical labour, which unsettled many original voters. Showed greater divide in the party.
Why did Labour make gains in the 1987 election?
Kinnock’s attack on Militant at the 1985 party conference demonstrated that the party was pursuing a more centrist direction. Confirmed by the abandoning of radical policy pledges such as a reversal of “right to buy”, widespread nationalisation, quiting Europe. Conservatives after the Westland affair were dogged by infighting over the Westland Affair of 1986.
Give a quote from the 1983 Labour Manifesto, and explain the issue with them.
“Raise child benefits by £2 a week”, provide these increases, without mentioning where the money will come from.
Give a quote from the Labour Manifesto which shows their commitment to non-nuclear policies.
“We are the only party that offers a non-nuclear policy”
What was supply-side economics?
Argued for a return to incentives; people would work harder and more productively if they were allowed to keep more of their earnings. This would stimulate the economy.
