Thatcherism - The Falklands (Assessment) Flashcards
1980 was a very difficult year. Manufacturing output fell sharply and unemployment rose by 836,000 (more than any year since the 1930s). Between July 1979 and July 1980, prices rose by 22%, wages by 20%.
In the spring of 1981, with unemployment at 2.7 million and still rising and output down 5.5% in two years, there was an enormous pressure for the Budget to reduce the squeeze on spending and taxes.
By the end of 1981 the opinion polls were giving the Tories a very low rating but, significantly, also showed ________ to be the most unpopular Prime Minister (only 23% approval) since polling began.
Thatcher
As dreadful 1981 turned into dismal 1982, an event took place which had everyone scrambling for their atlases. Argentina grew impatient with the British Foreign Office’s ambiguous signals over their future intentions towards the Falkland Islands (the ________ to the Argentinians), and invaded them.
Malvinas
Thatcher could be accused of negligence before the event. Once it had occurred she gave it her undivided attention until she emerged victorious two months later with 255 British and 650 Argentinian dead. Allied to her victories over the unions it made her position unassailable and guaranteed her another term in office. By June 1982 her approval rating had soared from the 23% in December to ___%.
51
The jingoists loved it - winning wars again, the British have always been good at that. The more thoughtful wondered why the whole affair was not referred to the United Nations. Others were sickened by the triumphalist tone of the celebrations over the victory.
But many Thatcherites were less than impressed when Archbishop ______ at the victory thanksgiving service in St Paul’s cathedral remembered the Argentinian as well as the British mourners.
Runcie
