The impact of Thatcherism 1979-1987: Foreign affairs

Question 1

What were foreign affairs in the 1980’s encapsulated by?

Answer 1

1. Falklands War
2. USA special relationship
3. Britain’s relations with EEC

Question 2

How did the Falklands War demonstrate Thatcher as a good leader?

Answer 2

• Immediately announced a military attack in response to the Argentinian attack on the Falklands in 1981 despite this being very risky
• Ensured she had US support, avoiding the mistake of the Suez crisis
• Resulted in a victory for the British forces as the Argentines surrendered within 1 month in 1982
• Feeling of national pride swept across Britain and through the tabloids

Question 3

How did Thatcher enhance the special relationship with the USA?

Answer 3

• By forming a bond with Reagan gonna personal and ideological basis
• Supported the tough stance with the USSR and the use of British air bases for American missiles

Question 4

How did Thatcher help the USSR after their invasion on Afghanistan?

Answer 4

• 1979 invasion on Afghanistan was a disaster for the USSR, as they were exposed militarily
• There was a large fear of the escalation of the Cold War to a nuclear war
• Thatcher was able to strike up an effective relationship with the soviet leader

Question 5

What was Thatcher’s greatest successes within the EEC?

Answer 5

1. The reduction in payments to the EEC in 1984
2. The cooperation with the French with the building of the channel tunnel in 1986
3. Creation of the single market

Question 6

What was Thatcher’s involvement in ending the Cold War?

Answer 6

• Gobrachev became Soviet Union leader in 1985
• Thatcher met him for the 1st time and was impressed, so encouraged Reagan to do the same
• In 1986, Reagan and Gobrachev discovered they were each prepared to make compromises
• Paved the way for future progresses
• In 1987 the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty was signed, which limited short range weapons and began a process of mutual disarmament

Question 7

What was Thatcher’s 1st priority in Europe?

Answer 7

• To secure a better deal for Britain over financial contributions to the EEC (Britain was paying in much more to the EEC than was being returned in benefits)
• Thatcher’s persistent campaign for Britain to be given a rebate was successful in 1984

Question 8

What did Thatcher negotiate with other members of the EEC in 1986 and what did it lead to?

Answer 8

• Negotiated the Single European Act (most important piece of European legislation since UK joined EEC)
• Thatcher was happy about the Single European Market and there was a possibility of future European monetary union

Question 9

What did most of the Conservative party favour throughout the 1980’s?

Answer 9

European expansion as they were now pro-European

Question 10

What was the Westland Affair and when was it?

Answer 10

• 1986
• Showed the deep divisions about the role of government in economic decisions, Thatcher’s leadership style and Britain’s relationship with Europe
• Affair was over who would take over the failing British helicopter company
• Heseltine favoured a takeover from European ownership of the company
• Thatcher favoured no government interference, even if that meant the company would go to the US
• Heseltine believed that Thatcher blocked discussions about the decision within cabinet and wouldn’t let concerns about a US takeover be made public

Question 11

What nickname was Thatcher given over her tough stance against the Soviets?

Answer 11

The iron lady