The End Of The Post-War Consensus (1970-79) Flashcards
What years did Edward Heath serve as Prime Minister?
1970-74
What was the 1973 Oil Crisis?
1973 Oil Crisis: Government abandoned commitment to less intervention to help dying industries.
War in Middle East led to reduction in supply of oil + raised prices.
Led to import becoming more expensive + sterling was further reduced.
Inflation grew to 16% + unemployment doubled.
Heath + the Troubles
1971: Heath introduced internment to try + remove potential troublemakers by arresting them with trial.
Bloody Sunday 1972 - When British soldiers shot 26 unarmed protesters, who all were Catholics.
What was the Sunningdale Agreement 1973?
Sunningdale Agreement 1973: Deal between Irish + British government that wanted to create power-sharing in Northern Ireland but was collapsed by Loyalists (support continued existence of NI within UK, oppose independent Ireland in UK.
What was the Industrial Relations Act 1971?
Industrial Relations Act 1971: Prohibited wildcat strikes + limitations on legitimate strikes, deeply resented by trade unions.
What did the National Union of Miners do?
Appeared to lead the way in threatening the government.
Tried to blockade coal distribution.
Succeeded in their pay demands.
When was the 3 day working week introduced + why?
Introduced 1973–74 by Heath to conserve electricity due to amount of strikes carried out by coal miners + railway workers.
What did the Equal Pay Act 1970 do?
Equal Pay Act 1970: It established the principle that men and women should be paid equally for the same work.
What did the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 do?
Sex Discrimination Act 1970: Prohibited sex discrimination in workplace, women had legal protection + fair employment practices were observed.
What did the 1976 Race Relations Act do?
1976 Race Relations Act: Prevent discrimination on grounds of race.
Joining of EEC
Considered Heath’s greatest achievement
Joined in 1973 after Charles de Gaulle’s resignation in ‘69.
What was the Winter of Discontent?
1978-79 was a period of time characterised by widespread strikes held by private + public sector, trade unions demanding higher wages, lost of working days, poor wages + fuel shortages.
