the end of post-war consensus 1970-79

Question 1

L29 - general election results 18 June 1970

Answer 1

Conservatives won 330
Opposition total was 300
Majority 30

Question 2

Why Conservatives won - Labour’s economic and industrial problems

Answer 2

High inflation - rising through 1960s. By 1970, it reached 6%, causing a rising cost of living, particularly impacting middle class. Labours failure to bring it under control became an issue for voters.
Unemployment was rising, 3.5% by 1970, more growing concerns especially in manufacturing about job losses. Impacts working class voters due to job insecurity
Devalued pound in 1967, reduced by 14% from $2.8 to $2.40. National humiliation, loss of confidence in economy. Higher import prices further fuelling inflation.
Tried to tackle inflation through incomes policy (limit wage increases), clashes with demands of unions. Inflation increased and demands did too. In Place of Strife damaged labours relations with the unions as they felt betrayed

Question 3

Why Conservatives won - Heath’s appeal

Answer 3

Image of strong and decisive leadership, contrasting Wilson
Campaigned on promise to restore industrial peace, his tough approach to unions was seen as necessary in response to the strikes that plagued Britain, so voters were attracted to his law and order approach.
Law and order in contrast to Labour who couldn’t resolve industrial disputes and were too sympathetic to unions
Heath made use of Labours weaknesses in their campaign, capitalising on their failure to control inflation and economy. Resonated with frustrated voters

Question 4

Why Conservatives won - Enoch Powell

Answer 4

He was excluded from their front bench but his views on immigration influenced broader conservative thinking. Heath publicly distanced himself from his rhetoric but he understood the concerns of the electorate who were worried about immigration. His rhetoric created an environment in which Heath could appeal to those concerns without directly embracing the extremist views. Heath didn’t adopt his policies but used his language of concern over immigration and law and order to resonate

Question 5

How many people Powellites votes conservative?

Answer 5

50% were working class (of all of those who had switched from one party to another). 18% of Labour ones and so had 24% of Liberals

Question 6

Wilson and his aims for PM

Answer 6

Similar background to Wilson, so not in establishment. Determined with a clear set of objectives. Had been leader of opposition for 5 years and spent time developing policies but not skilled at game of politics- getting allies and charismatic.

Aims - increase standards of living (appeal to WC), address inflation at 6% (middle class), develop world and fund defence abroad, improve public sectors, control union demands, not bail out business going bust

Question 7

The Selsdon Park Programme

Answer 7

Shift away from the PWC, particularly in economic policy (unemployment and inflation are going against PWC). January 1970 as part of the campaign, conservative conference held at Selsdon Park Hotel. Paved way for ‘ new right’ thinking, break away from left policies.
Introduced-
Tax cuts- to stimulate economic growth, giving business more control over their money so not taxed as highly. Top rates of income tax reduced.
Reduce inflation- away from Keynesian economics, reduce government borrowing and public spending, stopping ‘go’ cycle to control currency value
Free market and reduced state intervention- supply and demand drive economic growth. Inefficient businesses can go bust ‘lame duck’ business
Law and order- tougher stance on crime, increase police powers to combat crime
Trade Union reform- limit their power and influence in shaping economy, restrict strikes

Question 8

New right thinking- abandon prices and incomes board and policy

Answer 8

This was set up by Callaghan, with a limit on wages of 3.5%. Direct government involvement in businesses.
The conservatives would not seek to impose a wage freeze or interfere with pay settlements, instead they’d let market forces (natural forces of supply and demand operating without government interference) operate between employer and worker

Question 9

New right thinking- Industrial relations act 1971

Answer 9

For market forces to operate naturally, unions power would need to be limited.
Act did-
Set up Industrial Relations Court, to oversee industrial disputes between worker and employer to avoid strike, and prove a legal way to resolve
Registered trade unions, unions would need to be officially registered with the government, only registered ones had a legal right to represent workers (allows government to prepare for strikes)
Legal restrictions on strikes, unions hold a ballot before a strike, and it would only be legally protected if a majority voted, if not, union leaders and members could be fined
Cooling off period, minimum period of time between announcement of strike and it actually happening so government could negotiate and prepare, hoping they could let leaders cool off to not be angry

Question 10

Barber’s policies as CofE

Answer 10

1972 budget-
£1 billion tax cut, so government doesn’t need as much money
Cut in income tax, benefits higher earners as they shouldn’t be punished for their wages and so motivates production
Corporate tax cuts
Cuts in public spending (lame ducks)

Question 11

Labour Party oppose Heath’s policies

Answer 11

Cut in income tax- benefitting rich over poor
Reduced public spending- less money for society, more business close, unemployment
Industrial Relations Act restricted workers ability to protect themselves
Breaking protection from cradle to grave
Wilson - ‘you’re out on your own’

Question 12

Example of PWC- 1971 National Insurance Act

Answer 12

Increased pensions and sickness benefits to help low incomes
New benefits for disabled people eg Attendance Allowance
Introduced Invalidity Benefit to replace sickness benefit for long term illness
Family Income Supplement- top-up benefit for low income families to reduce poverty
Shows a commitment to supporting the most vulnerable

Question 13

Example of PWC- Education and School Funding increases

Answer 13

School leaving age raised from 15 to 16 in 1972, requiring investment in buildings and teachers
Increased funding for comprehensive education
Thatcher as education minister oversaw the expansion of more comprehensives than any previous minister mainly as local authorities supported the shift

Question 14

Example of PWC- NHS spending growth

Answer 14

Increased by over 6% annually
Expansion of hospital services and medial staff
New social care support for the elderly and disabled
Despite initial attempts to control public spending, Heath continues tradition of investing in universal healthacre

Question 15

Example of PWC- Housing and public sector growth

Answer 15

Investment in council housing- 350,000 homes built a year, many council too
Continues rent subsidies for low income families
One of the biggest public housing drives of the 20th century = commitment to state led social welfare policies

Question 16

Heaths response to Wilson

Answer 16

Heath created the ‘one nation’ pressure group as he believed the party had to come to terms with the welfare state.
But he believed that compassion had to be combined with modern methods of running the economy
Selsdon Park programme was not meant to reject consensus politics

Question 17

L30 - what was the barber boom?

Answer 17

Inflation by end of 1972 was 7%, by 1974, 16% (groups with tax cuts have more to spend)
Industrial output in decline (not producing much, less productive and incentives, wage increases is reduced incentive)
Unemployment in 1972- 1 million, highest since WW2 (lame ducks closing)

STAGFLATION

Question 18

What was the U-Turn?

Answer 18

After 18 months of trying a new style of government, Heath did a u turn so went back on his previous policy (looks weak, politician hasn’t has foresight to predict issues)
Suggest he is too cautious to commit to ending PWC as he nationalised Rolls Royce in 1971 before it went bust and in 1973, gave £34million to Upper Clyde Shipbuilders to save it, and he intervened in increases of pay to ensure they’re related to increases of output
He abandoned New Right policies of wages, and reduced business intervention

Would anger high earners, public due to tax increase. Divisions in Conservative Party

Question 19

The miners in 1960s

Answer 19

Their wages were 7.4% above the average pay of workers in manufacturing, but their pay fell behind and im 1970, earning 3.1% less than average manufacturing worker.

Question 20

Strike action under heath

Answer 20

He passed inaugural relations act to make striking difficult, but they increased in rebellion.
1971- 13,551,000 days lost. 2228 strikes
1972- 23,909,000 days lost. 2497 strikes

Question 21

Reaction to the Industrial Relations Act

Answer 21

Trade Unions Congress rejected the Act and refused to cooperate with it.
Unions refused to register under the rules
In February 1971, 100,000 unionists demonstrated in London
In 1972, five dockers were jailed under the act for defying a court order to stop picketing (encouraging others to strike), and sympathy strikes and protests follows to they government released them
The act actually strengthened the unions by uniting them as a bigger force.

Question 22

What was the Miners strike 1972?

Answer 22

Started on 9 January, at the peak of harsh winter to cause most noticeable destruction for 7 weeks. Using flying pickets (outside of other workplaces) to stop the movement of coal around the country to disrupt fuel and electricity supplies
Yorkshire miners were passionate led by Arthur Scargill
Every coal mine closed

Question 23

Consequences of the miners strike

Answer 23

75% of electricity came from coal burning power stations
9th February - state of emergency declared
Standoff between gov and unions
Schools dependent on coal fired heating close
By mid February, 1.2 million workers were laid off
Three day week

Question 24

Battle of Saltley Gate 9-10 Feb

Answer 24

In Birmingham
When the strike began, it was estimated there were 8 weeks worth of fuel stockpiles
But they weee unevenly distributed around the country
From Saltley depot, 700 vehicles collected fuel each day
News of mile long queues of Lorrie’s waiting to collect fuel was published on 3 February in Birmingham Mail. Miners set up a picket line at the works
In Days, the pickets request for assistance was answered by thousands of miners from South Yorkshire and wales. By 10 feb, the number of pickets and protesters (including more unionised workers from Birmingham) reached around 15,000. Blockade forced police, who’d kept the depot open all week, to surrender and close gates, so Lorrie’s couldn’t pick up fuel, success for miners.
Brought Arthur Scargill to national prominence and flying pickets were effective

Question 25

Heaths three day week

Answer 25

Heath didn’t want to give in to them so he wanted to defeat them by imposing severe limits on the use of fuel, fuel rationed and speed limits imposed. Many homes and businesses were without electricity for up to 9 hours a day Electricity switched off on a rota basis from 0700 and 2400 everyday - power cuts Shortages caused many factories and businesses to close- 1.2 mil laid off Work places only open for 3 days - suffering TV ended at 10.30pm Shops and pubs used candles and gas lamps Homes not directly affected but encouraged to use less power

Question 26

End of the miners strike and consequences

Answer 26

25th Feb 1972 Government has offered 7.9%, just under 8% limit, but rejected NUM requested 43% Government accepted 27% so breaking their policy. Other benefits of- increase in overtime, adult pay for 19 year olds, 5 extra holiday days This meant unions learn the strike action is a political weapon so can get what they want. Right thinkers annoyed as they going against policy

Question 27

Industrial Act 1972

Answer 27

Reintroduced state intervention in industry Allows the government to offer financial aid, subsidies, and investment to struggling businesses, particularly in manufacturing and heavy industries like steel Helps to prevent strikes in first place

Question 28

By 1973, how has Heath solved the miners problems?

Answer 28

The number of working days lost reduced by more than half of what it was in 1972, 7,197,000. Unemployment dropped sharply to 500,000. Gov started ro become more popular

Question 29

L31 - What is the Yom Kippur War Oct 1973?

Answer 29

Surprise Arab attack on Israel Egyptian and Syrian military forces launched an attack knowing that the military of Israel would be participating in Yom Kippur celebrations Combined forces of Egypt and Syria - same number of men NATO has in west Europe Other countries like Saudi Arabia aided Arab Israel got assistance from USA- weapons but Heath refused

Question 30

What was the impact of Yom Kippur War on Britain?

Answer 30

Oil Post war prosperity was largely dependent on cheap fuel, biggest provider was OPEC, a Saudi Arabian cartel. Heath refused to let the USA fly over or use British territory to supply Isreal to try and stop an embargo, but it didn’t work as Britain was perceived as an ally of Isreal and so OPEC issues an oil embargo, prices rose by 400%. Less oil was available. It was the world’s most Important energy source since 1950s, supplying to power industry, homes and fuel for cars and planes. This caused severe shortages of fuel for industry and petrol for transport

Question 31

What did the crisis convince the NUM to do?

Answer 31

In November 1973, they demanded a pay rise despite being highest payed They saw it as a chance as power was back in their hands, coal was going to be important here so it’s a chance for pay rise, if gov didn’t accept, there would be no fuel. Victory in 1972 convinced many that strikes were effective

Question 32

The second three day week

Answer 32

Heath imposed the second one on 1st Jan 1974, and the hope was that if miners striked, it would have less of an impact. He though the NUM were trying to blackmail the government He calculated they would survive the strike longer than the miners would Speed limit became 50mph, petrol rationed, TV stop at 10.30

Question 33

The beginning of the strike

Answer 33

Whitelaw, minister of employment, tried to negotiate a 16.5% pay rise but unsuccessful 27 jan - NUM voted to strike Every region voted in favour by a majority. Large scale, all come together.

Question 34

Consequences of the strike

Answer 34

BOP deficit of £1bil. Inflation at 16%. Sterling lost value without devaluation - $2.4 to $1.5 Unemployment grew to 1,5 million This coupled with the embargo damaged the economy

Question 35

Snap election- 28th Feb 1974- campaign and results

Answer 35

‘Who governs Britain?’ Campaign. Heath thought people will fear miners and see him as a victim. Most of the campaign, opinion favoured conservatives. However, Powell quit and encouraged his supporters to vote Labour. People also voted Labour because they would be able to control strikes, they promises a referendum on the EEC membership, and troubles in NI escalated. Results- Labour won 301, Opposition won 334. No majority. Political crisis and economic (conservatives for 297)

Question 36

What is a hung parliament and the 3 outcomes?

Answer 36

No single party wins a majority. 1- coalition government, 2 or more parties negotiate agreeing on policies and dividing cabinet positions (often when one party is closest to majority but not quite there) 2- minority government, party that has most seats but still lacks a majority, can try to govern alone, but would likely need the support of other parties to pass legislation, as 334 compared to 301, Labour wouldn’t pass anything. 3- A Confidence and supply agreement- minority government may strike a deal with one or more smaller parties to support it on key votes without formally entering a coalition (no role in cabinet but support if get given something they want in return)

Question 37

Actual outcome of the election

Answer 37

Confidence and supply agreement Liberals increase vote by 4 million, and both leaders tried to discuss with Thorpe. Labour gained their support, no coalition, would support votes, mainly as Wilson promises a referendum on proportional representation to replaces FPTP Wilson enters government on 4 March 1974

Question 38

L32 - unionist (loyalist) parties and paramilitaries in Northern Ireland

Answer 38

UDA (paramilitary) UVF (paramilitary) UUP (party), only major unionist party in NI until troubles DUP (party) formed by Ian paisley in 1971

Question 39

Moderate parties in NI

Answer 39

Alliance - moderate unionist, became neutral over time SDLP - reject violence, formed in 1970 to fight for catholic civil rights

Question 40

Nationalist (republican) parties and paramilitaries in NI

Answer 40

IRA (paramilitary) INLA (paramilitary) formed out of IRA in 1974 Sinn Fein - support IRA split in 1970

Question 41

Who were the IRA?

Answer 41

Irish Republican Army After British army arrived in NI, the IRA reorganised itself to become the Provisional IRA Pledged to attack unionism and British troops who they believed represented the hated British imperialist government and the root cause of Ireland’s problems

Question 42

British soldier deaths

Answer 42

February 1971- Curtis became first British soldier ti die in line of duty in Ireland since 1921, shot by IRA 2 more shot on duty the next month 10th March 1971- 3 shot dead in Belfast whilst off duty, see the troops as occupation

Question 43

Internment 1971

Answer 43

Continuing violence convinced Heath that this was the only solution. It meant arresting suspected troublemakers and holding them without trial, to reduce violent men from their communities and so reduce tensions. However it had the opposite effect as it was sometimes carried out by the British Army

Question 44

Consequences of internment

Answer 44

Increased tension in NI, British army seen as occupying power A feeling among Catholics that they were being persecuted- 95% interned between 1971-75 were catholic Strained relations between Irish government in Dublin and London Opposition from Labour British embassy in Dublin eventually burnt down Pushed more people to support the IRA and violence

Question 45

Causes of the Ballymurphy Massacre August 1971

Answer 45

Increased tension over occupying army Soldiers began to round up thousands of republicans at a memorial hall Arrests caused panic buying and barricades in streets Locals were preparing for a riot with petrol bombs Large number of demonstrators surged towards railings around the hall

Question 46

Key events of massacre

Answer 46

Catholics fled homes and soldiers shot from roofs 10 shot dead Troops said they shot them because they were carrying weapons but no one was Rioting in Ballymurphy

Question 47

Consequences of massacre

Answer 47

Soldiers never held to account, role covered up No cameras and journalists to it was easier to cover up Soldiers said they were after terrorists but victims were found with no weapons on them so were innocent

Question 48

Bloody Sunday 1972 events

Answer 48

The crowd was protesting about internment (NICRA) but it was illegal because Stormont had banned large gatherings Most were catholic The march was redirected towards Free Derry Monument Water cannons were brought in to disperse the protesters and violence escalated as glasses and rubber bullets were used Paratroopers began to arrest and shots were heard and 13 were killed. Became the most violent act on British soil and support for IRA grew British embassy was burnt down and so troubles were brought to mainland Britain too

Question 49

Widgery Report April 1972

Answer 49

British government report into the events surrounding Bloody Sunday, accused those killed of PIRA membership. Cleared the British army of wrongdoing and increased IRA support and furled an anti British feeling in NI. Critics called the report a cover up.

Question 50

1972 - violence of the troubles

Answer 50

1,382 explosions 10,628 shootings 480 killed

Question 51

How Heath addressed the violence - suspending Stormont

Answer 51

In March 1972, heath introduced direct rule from Westminster with Willie Whitelaw as NI secretary(role trying to make an equal Stormont and peace in NI). Direct rule of Britain, idea of it being temporary to address political bias in Stormont and to reform it

Question 52

How Heath addressed the violence - negotiations with NI parties

Answer 52

Ian Paisley - DUP, evangelical Protestant, against power sharing. Extremist. Want NI to be in UK John Hume - SDLP, wanted a united ireland but rejected violent methods. Nationalist Ireland, against violence

Question 53

How Heath addressed the violence - Sunningdale Agreement Dec 1973

Answer 53

Power sharing experiment Support of SDLP, Alliance and UUP. Agreement- power sharing government of nationalists and unionists, both sides guaranteed representation. Government would be made up of- NI assembly with a mix of unionists and nationalists elected by the people thought proportional representation Power sharing executive, a cabinet or ministers drawn from the assembly where both unionist and nationalists have positions Council of Ireland- two chambers, north and mainland who meet and make decisions

Question 54

Why would nationalists and unionists be against the Sunningdale agreement?

Answer 54

Won’t like sharing power Nationalist- internment is still a policy. NI is still part of UK, still discrimination in housing, jobs, British army are still present, Britain are too involved Unionist - council of Ireland, seen as a step towards united ireland, proportional representation could let them lose dominance

Question 55

Consequences for Heath

Answer 55

Snap election - loss of power 11 of 12 constituencies in NI returned candidates who opposed the Sunningdale agreement (public reject it too) UUP refused to support the conservative party so they couldn’t continue in government

Question 56

L34 - why did Heath lose in 1974?

Answer 56

The Troubles - internment and Sunningdale agreement which NI opposed in the election as 11/12 constituencies against it Industrial relations act 1971 - made unions angry and united 3 day week - reminder of war and rations, can’t blame Germans so blame Heath Miner strikes - didn’t handle it well and gave more than promised U Turn - upset right of party and seldom park programme was scrapped also, not a man of his words You Kippur war - oil price increase Stagflation. 15%, wages and productivity were stagnant FPTP - Labour was more spread

Question 57

Problem 1 - industrial relations solved

Answer 57

6th March 1974. Miners got a 35% pay offer from Labour. Around 26,000 miners accepted weekly pay rises from £6.71 to £16.31. Offer worth more than double the figure from Heath’s offer. Ended only 48 hours after Labour took power. Nearly £113 million a year for miners. Pay of £36 a week, £8.71 more than current pay. Trade Union and Labour Relations act replaced industrial relations Industrial wages went up by 19% in 1974 and 23% in 1975 Labour left figures Tony Benn and Micheal Foot in charge of industry and employment

Question 58

Problem 2 - hung parliament solved

Answer 58

October 1974, another general election. Labour won the majority of only 3 seats which is better but still not comfortable as MPs could retire. Liberals also stopped supporting them so they lost their majority. Wilson focused on domestic polices and three day week

Question 59

Problem 3 - inflation solved

Answer 59

February 1974 - 15%. Inflation rose rapidly as did unemployment. In April 1975, Denis Healey as CofE introduced tax increases and in April 1976 his budget aimed to limit wage increases to 3%. This controlled the financial situation but as the cost of unemployment. 1974- 628,000. 1975- 1.1mil, doubled under Labour.

Question 60

Problem 4 - Balance of Payments solved

Answer 60

Deficit of £3billion. In September 1976, Healey went to the IMF for a loan of this amount. The conditions required Britain to make cuts in public spending, like NHS so workers wouldn’t get a rise. This outraged the Labour left who criticised Healey for following conservative policies and shaping policy around the demands of international financiers. Right agreed because appearing so weak in the face of TU threats would make them hold the government ransom and threaten the party’s ability to govern independently- TU have too much power

Question 61

Problem 5 - Trade unions solved

Answer 61

Social Contract drawn up in 1972. The TUC agreed to show restraint in their wage demands and in return for the repeal of the Industrial Relations Act 1971. But there were few examples of it working with unions rarely restricting their wage demands in accordance with it. It was not a binding legal contract. However it could help combat inflation

Question 62

Problem 6 - Europe solved

Answer 62

Wilson knew the left saw EEC as a capitalist club. In an attempt to appease the unions and left, he held a Referendum in June 1975 which he promised in his campaign. The public were in favour with 17million voting for and 8 million against. MPs were under no instruction to pick which side so this produced a divide in parties. Labour backed a Yes but most MPs voted no. Majority of Conservatives and Liberals were no. Yes - Roy Jenkins. No - Tony Benn and Micheal Foot. 68.3% in favour, this distances it from Wilson.

Question 63

Problem 7 - Labour divisions solved

Answer 63

Decisions remained over EEC and the IMF loan Solved EEC because of public votes in favour. Also social contract

Question 64

Who replaced Wilson after he resigned in March 1976?

Answer 64

James Callaghan. He was experienced and had good links with the unions. But the IMF loan agreement caused disagreements. He was CofE from 1964-67, Home Secretary from 1967-70 and foreign secretary from 1974-1976.

Question 65

Why was 1977 a difficult year?

Answer 65

1974- 14mil working days lost from 2922 strikes 1977- almost 10mil lost from 2627 strikes There wasn’t a month where there wasn’t a strike somewhere. In December 1977, Callaghan announced a ceiling of 5% on wage rises so unions became more aggressive but not the miners

Question 66

What was the Lib Lab Pact?

Answer 66

By election (MP steps down in constituency so need a new elected MP) defeat meant that Labour lost their majority. So Labour approached the liberals who demanded Labour agree to the Lib Lab pact which would end in August 1978, before election. Liberal MPs agreed to support Labour in parliament if Labour allowed Scotland and wales to hold referendums on devolution.

Question 67

What was the 1978 devolution acts?

Answer 67

Include a clause requiring 40% of the electorate to support devolution. On the 3rd March 1979, they were held where Wales opposed it and Scotland- the majority of those who voted wanted devolution but this was less than 40% of the whole electorate so it didn’t happen. Disappointed Scottish Nationalist MPs and would no longer support Labour, and this and the Lib Lab pact and NI loss of support caused a minority government.

Question 68

How did 1978 improve economically?

Answer 68

North Sea Oil had come on stream and 9 oilfields were in production in 1978. This stopped the dependency on the Middle East and addressed oil shortages. Inflation started to fall and Britain looked less like the sick man of Europe. Argued - Callaghan should have called an election at this time and he could have won

Question 69

What was the Winter of Discontent 1978-9?

Answer 69

Public sector workers due to cuts in public spending, IMF loan and 5% limit. In January 1979, Ford lorry drivers received a 15% rise after striking. On 22 January 1979, NUPE (public) and COHSE (health) called a day of action involving 1.5million workers. Selective strikers were organised in areas calculated to attract the greatest media attention, like school meals, grave digging, bin men, hospital porters. Strikes -4583, days lost - 29,474,000 Labour had alienated large sections of their natural supporters and give encouragement to opposition

Question 70

Vote of No confidence 28 March 1979

Answer 70

Labour lost 2 seats to the conservatives in by elections. Thatcher used it as a chance to call this. MPs from all parties decide if they want the government to continue and only needs a simple majority to pass, only one more MP to vote in favour, so as Labour was a minority, they could lose easier. Labour lost and was replaced by Conservatives in the general election that followed.

Question 71

Why did the general election happen and what results?

Answer 71

Callaghan could have called it before the winter of discontent but he denied the crisis. Lib Lab pact ended in August 1978 so liberals didn’t support them. Scottish nationalist party voted against him due to the referendum 3rd May 1979- election. Thatcher got a 44 majority

Question 72

L35 - what did Wilson inherit in Northern Ireland?

Answer 72

He became PM on 4 March 1974. Discussions over the Sunningdale agreement came to a halt at the start of the year. In fact, in the 1974 election, 11 of 12 constituencies in NI voted for an MP who opposed Sunningdale. (The Republican of Ireland was given an advisory role which unionists hated and NI was seen as a part of UK which nationalists hated).

Question 73

What was the Ulster Workers Council Strike?

Answer 73

UWC set up in 1974 by Harry Murray, who was supported by Ian Paisley, DUP head. Northern Ireland faced a 15 day strike organised by them, who protested about the Sunningdale Agreement and power sharing, and they were inspired by the political impsct the miner’s strike had on the mainland. Within 2 weeks, Brian Faulkner (moderate unionist) resigned as chief executive of the power sharing executive. Wilson had to reimpose direct rule and the Sunningdale Agreement collapsed in 28th may 1974.

Question 74

Examples of violence

Answer 74

17th May 1974- Loyalist car bombs killed 26 in Dublin and 7 in Monaghan. October 1975 - 12 killed in NI in Ulster Volunteer Force attacks Shows to the public that violence is escalating and they can’t ignore it anymore

Question 75

Guildford Pub Bombs

Answer 75

October 5 1974. Two pubs in Guildford were bombed by the IRA without warning causing 5 deaths and over 60 injuries.

Question 76

Birmingham Pub Bombings

Answer 76

21st November 1974. Two pubs bombed, and were the most deadly attacks since WW2. Provisional IRA planted the devices in Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town. The blasts were only seconds apart when they were packed mainly with teenagers. Police tried to clear both pubs but they went off only 7 and 9 minutes after a man with an Irish accent phoned the Birmingham Mail and Post with a warning. 21 died and 180 injured. First bomb was Mulberry Bush

Question 77

What was the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1974?

Answer 77

In response to the increase of attacks on mainland Britain. Gave the authorities extended powers of search and arrest without warrant.

Question 78

What was the Northern Irish Constitution Convention?

Answer 78

An elected body that would determine the future of the government in NI, lets the public have a say. Elections in July 1975- 66% turnout suggested the people wanted a peaceful political path. Majority elected were unionists who were against power sharing. Ulster Unionists presented a resolution, prepared by Paisley, stating that they ‘did not accept the right of the republicans to take part in any future cabinet in Northern Ireland’. It was passed by 3 majority. So a power sharing agreement was impossible. Convention dissolved in 1976, fails to achieve agreement

Question 79

What was the Special Category status and what did removing it lead to?

Answer 79

Special category prisoners (terrorist) were allowed certain privileges like to wear their own clothes, don’t have to work when serving sentence, receive additional food and tobacco parcels, more contact with outside. On 1st March 1976, this was removed for prisoners serving sentences in NI for terrorist acts. This led to Blanket Protest where they only wore blankets by IRA prisoners and the Dirty Protest (not using toilets). Also hunger strikes

Question 80

Airey Neave’s assassination

Answer 80

March 1979. Just days after the vote of no confidence was called. He was assassinated, he was the shadow NI secretary (was going to become secretary and had already expressed he’d be against extremist groups and internment would remain). A bomb was planted by the INLA (nationalist) under his car bonnet in the House of Commons carpark. First target of a public figure, shows troubles escalating to the mainland.

Question 81

Why couldn’t have Labour done more?

Answer 81

1- if they negotiated, it could have been seen as giving in to terrorism (Birmingham bombs etc meant increased pressure to be tough on terrorism) 2-small majority so couldn’t antagonise Ulster Unionists as they may need their support (clear NI would turn on Labour over power sharing, 11/12 against so need support) 3- many Labour backbenches supported the Republican cause and troops out (majority of 3 so they couldn’t lose support) 4- unionists and republicans weren’t willing to compromise (power sharing failed in Sunningdale, NICC meant it wasn’t possible)

Question 82

L36 - what were the groups of feminists?

Answer 82

Socialist - campaigns focused on financial independence, much like 1960s feminism. Radical - campaigns focused on reproductive rights, like Germaine Greer who wrote the Female Eunuch in 1970 and argued that women’s sexuality is suppressed, and that men hate women and women are taught to hate themselves.

Question 83

What was the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent?

Answer 83

1978. Placed the experiences of black and Asian women on the liberation agenda as feminists were often white middle class women. Highlighted the differences of experience between Black/asian women and white women. Over 300 at the first conference. Led to groups across London like Southall Black Sisters. Fought against racist immigration laws like virginity testing of African and Asian women at Heathrow as you didn’t need a visa if you were married in 3 months here, and if you were suspected to be already married and coming without a visa, have this test. Campaigned against sus laws giving police stop and search powers but used disproportionately against black men

Question 84

Women’s Lib Movement

Answer 84

1970- first conference in Oxford and demanded 4 things - equal pay, free abortion and contraception, free education and jobs, free 24 hour childcare. This gave them an aim to campaign for. 1970- flour bomb contest. 1971- liberation march in London and Liverpool demanding equal pay and 24 hour nurseries

Question 85

What was the Spare Rib magazine?

Answer 85

Feminist magazine established in 1971. Invention to reach all women, who are frustrated by the limitations of existing magazines. At this time, women were still objectified and didn’t have a voice, seen as a threat and overall not much had changed as there was resistance to the freedoms that feminism inspired and counter culture led to women being objectified not freed. Pop culture was male dominated, no one for young women to look up to

Question 86

Feminist legislation 1970s

Answer 86

1971- Contraceptive Pill available on NHS (one aim achieved for Lib movement) 1976- Domestic Violence Act made it possible for women to take out court orders restraining violent partners and this was groundbreaking as there was no protection before 1970- equal pay act (not enforced until 1975)

Question 87

What was the Sex Discrimination Act 1975?

Answer 87

Considered a landmark piece of legislation in the movement. Jobs couldn’t be advertised along gender lines, equal access to mortgage and insurance (not pensions). Employment- forbid discrimination against women and men in employment, including hiring, promotion, pay and conditions in public and private sectors Education- men and women given equal access to educational opportunities and resources (another aim) Goods and services- businesses and service providers couldn’t treat people unfairly based on sex or marital status Marriage and pregnancy- discrimination against someone because they were either was forbidden so women couldn’t be treated unfairly Enforcement- established Equal Opportunities Commission to oversee the enforcement. Could investigate complains of discrimination, offer advice and take legal action Paved way for future legislation

Question 88

Why was the sex discrimination act needed?

Answer 88

60% of women are in work but no access to same work as men partly due to skills from education/ 40% of women learn to type after school and 40% of men do apprenticeships, and this pigeonholed women into jobs like secretaries. No matter how hard the woman worked, the man was the head of the house, he gets sickness pay and he is recognised for having tax relief. Less national insurance than men

Question 89

What was Employment protection act 1975?

Answer 89

Made statuary maternity pay a requirement for employers and legislated against dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy.

Question 90

Feminism in culture

Answer 90

Since 1975, 8 March became the day designated for International Women’s day and is used as a focus point for the continuing struggle to achieve equality in countries around the world, official annual holiday from 1977.

Question 91

Feminist movement - successful

Answer 91

Wages increase from 59% of men’s in 1970 to 70% by 1977. Far more dynamic and aggressive than previous movements with individuals like Germaine Greer who was highly publicised. In 1979, the TUC published a charter that sought to improve the positions of women in TUs

Question 92

Feminist movement - unsuccessful

Answer 92

Trade unions continued to be dominated by men Equalities Opportunities Commission only launched 9 investigations between 1976-83 and only 10% of claims in the workplace were successful. Employers got around the equal pay act by making women’s jobs different to men’s so they couldn’t be compared Women still tended to have lowest payed jobs, sexual discrimination remained prevalent in every aspect, women were under represented in parliament and senior professional positions

Question 93

What were attitudes towards immigration like?

Answer 93

Thatcher recognised the fear of he public of the large number of immigrations and so wants to limit it down to only compassionate cases. There is a fear of diluting the British character. Blaming immigration for hostile race relations and uses it as an excuse to limit it

Question 94

Why did immigration increase in the 1970s?

Answer 94

In 1971, Civil war between Bangladesh (east Pakistan) and Pakistan (west). Thousands fled to Britain as the Pakistani army committed atrocities. From early 1970s, the dictator of Uganda, Idi Amin, expelled Ugandan Asians who had 90 days to leave and most had British passports as they moved from Uganda to India.

Question 95

Immigration Act 1971

Answer 95

By 1974, over 1 million new commonwealth immigrants were I Britain. Passed by Heath. Restricted people from the New Commonwealth from coming to Britain. They had to have a guaranteed job and at least one grandparent born in Britain. This was met with backlash and Heath was keen to avoid it after 200,000 Ugandan Asians were left adrift. A resettlement board was set up to make exceptions, and 28,000 Ugandan Asians arrived.

Question 96

Impacts of Immigration

Answer 96

New arrivals lived in same areas where they had cultural and familial links. Underrepresented in politics- 1974 London; only 10 non-white councillors. 1978- 35. 1976 race relations act- commission for racial equality, could compel (force) witnesses to appear, progress from 1968 race relations board. Thatcher- 1978 interview led to an 11 point lead in opinion polls and received thousands of support letters