The Labour Government 1964-70 Flashcards
What was the Labour Party’s majority following the 1964 election?
Labour had a small majority of only four seats after the 1964 election.
1964
How did Labour’s majority change after the 1966 General Election?
In the 1966 General Election, Labour’s majority increased to a more comfortable 96 seats.
1966
How did the size of Labour’s majority affect Wilson’s leadership from 1964 to 1966?
Between 1964 and 1966, Wilson was more constrained in what he could do due to the small majority.
1964-66
How did the size of Labour’s majority affect Wilson’s leadership after 1966?
After 1966, with a larger majority, the Labour government had more authority and Wilson was less constrained.
1966
What was Wilson’s approach in choosing his Cabinet?
Wilson chose his Cabinet from the left, right, and centre of the Labour Party to maintain unity.
1964-70
Who were the key figures in Wilson’s Cabinet, and where did they stand politically?
- James Callaghan (Chancellor of the Exchequer 1964-67; Home Secretary 1967-70) was in the centre of the party.
- Roy Jenkins (Home Secretary 1964-67; Chancellor of the Exchequer 1967-70) was on the right.
- Barbara Castle (Minister of Employment and Productivity 1968-1970) was on the left.
1964-70
How many Cabinet resignations occurred during Wilson’s premiership?
There were only four Cabinet resignations during Wilson’s premiership, a similar number to Macmillan’s.
1964-70
What were the major social reforms introduced by Roy Jenkins?
- 1965: Murder Act – abolition of the death penalty (initially temporary, permanent in 1969).
- 1965: Race Relations Act – made discrimination in public facilities illegal, extended to employment and housing in 1968.
- 1967: Sexual Offences Act – made homosexual acts between consenting adults legal.
- 1967: Abortion made legal under certain conditions.
- 1969: Voting age reduced from 21 to 18, divorce simplified.
- 1970: Equal Pay Act – men and women to receive the same pay for the same work.
1965-1970
What education policy did Labour continue after 1964?
Labour continued the policy of replacing the tripartite system and grammar schools with a comprehensive education system. By 1979, up to 90% of students would be in comprehensive schools.
1964-79
What did Education Secretary Anthony Crosland allegedly say about grammar schools?
Anthony Crosland allegedly said, “I’m going to destroy every (expletive) grammar school in the UK.”
1964-70
What was the Open University, and when was it established?
The Open University, established in 1969, provided access to university education for adults on a part-time basis.
1969
What was the effect of the 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Act?
The 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Act restricted immigration by reducing the right of Commonwealth citizens to move to the UK, with a focus on limiting “non-white” immigration.
1968
What was the stance of Wilson’s government on the Vietnam War?
Wilson valued the “special” relationship with the USA. While he supported the US involvement in Vietnam, he refused to send British troops. He also criticized the US bombing of North Vietnam in 1966 and attempted to broker a peace deal in 1967.
1965-67
How did Wilson’s stance on the Vietnam War affect relations with the United States and the Labour left?
Wilson’s stance on the Vietnam War strained relations with the US while failing to appease the Labour left, who felt he didn’t go far enough in opposing the war.
1965-67
What happened in Rhodesia in 1965, and how did Wilson respond?
In 1965, white settlers in Rhodesia illegally declared independence. Wilson refused to send British troops to quell the rebellion and instead attempted ineffective economic sanctions.
1965
What compromise did Wilson propose regarding Rhodesia’s leadership?
Wilson proposed that white racist leader Ian Smith would stay in power but eventually move to majority rule, angering the Labour left and Commonwealth nations.
1965
What happened with Britain’s attempt to join the European Economic Community (EEC) during Wilson’s government?
Wilson attempted to persuade Charles de Gaulle to drop his veto of Britain’s entry into the EEC, but de Gaulle vetoed it again in 1967.
1967
How did the Labour Party factions feel about joining the European Economic Community (EEC)?
The right of the Labour Party supported European integration, while the left opposed it.
1967
What economic challenges did Labour inherit from the Conservatives in 1964?
Labour inherited a balance of payments deficit of £800 million and sluggish economic growth compared to European competitors.
1964
Why was tackling the balance of payments deficit important for the Labour government?
Tackling the balance of payments deficit was crucial for restoring Britain’s economic credibility, which was necessary to secure foreign investment and financial confidence.
1964
What was the first economic policy Labour implemented to solve Britain’s financial problems?
The first policy was deflation. After securing £3bn of loans, mostly from the US Federal Reserve, Chancellor James Callaghan introduced an emergency budget in the autumn of 1964.
1964
What was the outcome of Labour’s economic policies by 1969?
By 1969, the balance of payments was in surplus, the value of the pound had risen, and interest rates were reduced.
1969
What was the impact of Britain’s declining share of world exports during the Labour government?
Britain’s share of world exports of manufactured goods declined from 16% in 1960 to 11% in 1970.
1960-1970
What issue did trade unions contribute to in Britain’s economy during Labour’s tenure?
Trade unions were accused of contributing to economic difficulties, particularly during times of inflation, when they demanded higher wages, which some economists argued worsened inflation.
1964-70
How did Wilson handle the tensions with trade unions during his government?
Wilson backed down on proposals to control trade union activities and instead compromised with the TUC, which gave a “solemn and binding undertaking” to advise against reckless unofficial actions.
1964-70
