The Sixties 1964-1970 Wilson And Labour

Question 1

Who won the election in 1964?

Answer 1

Harold Wilson and the Labour Party - majority of 4

Wilson called another election two years later, increasing the majority to 96

Question 2

How did Wilson position the Labour Party?

Answer 2

As a modern, forward thinking party

Contrast to the old-fashioned, out-dated Conservatives, led by Douglas-Home

Question 3

How did Wilson unify the Labour Party?

Answer 3

He appealed to the Left, the Centre and the right of the party

LEFT: originally thought to be on left, due to resigning with Bevan over prescription charges in 1960

Launched leadership bid against Gaitskell in 1961

RIGHT: served in shadow Gaitskell shadow cabinet

In favour of Britain developing nuclear weapons

Attempted to reform trade unions in 1969

Question 4

Why was Wilson criticised?

Answer 4

Criticised for focusing on securing his own position and preventing his rivals from gaining support

Question 5

What economic policies did Wilson pursue?

Answer 5

Aimed to end the stop-go economic policy of the 1950s

Instead of choosing deflation/devaluation to address trade defecit/inflation Wilson believed Ecomomic planning would solve the problems

Set up Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in 1964- set growth targets and created planning councils

Set up National Board for Prices and Incomes in 1965- work with business and trade unions to fix wages and prices

Eventually forced to devalue in 1967
Attempted 2nd application to join EEC (rejected)

Chancellor Jenkins introduced deflationary policies from 1967, mirrored those of 50s (raising taxes and cutting spending)- led to BOP surplus by 1970

Question 7

Why did the Labour government have limited economic success?

Answer 7

Leadership of George Brown unreliable/inconsistent

Rivalry between Brown and Callaghan and between Treasury and DEA

DEA abandoned in 1967

Wilson’s focus on rivals rather than policy success

Trade Unions became more left wing and difficult to work with on incomes policies

Civil servants not supportive of role of DEA

Question 8

What did the Wilson government do to manage the relationship with the trade unions?

Answer 8

Employment minister, Barbara Castle, left of party, proposed whiten paper ‘In Place of Strife’ in 1969

Proposed:
28 day cooling off period before a strike could go ahead

Government could impose a settlement when unions were in dispute with each other

Strike ballots could be insisted on

Creation of an Industrial relations court

Trade unions were appalled.

Many Labour MPs with close ties to the unions threatened to rebel

Government ultimately backed down

Question 9

What other domestic policies did Labour pursue 1964-70?

Answer 9

Wilson promised to harness ‘White heat of technology’ - scientific innovation would overcome low productivity

Question 10

What labour divisions were there 1964-70?

Answer 10

Wilson feared a leadership challenge

Brown (deputy PM 64-70, DEA 64-66, and foreign secretary 66-68) lost to Wilson in the leadership election

Brown was disappointed not be appointed Foreign Secretary nine 1964

Also feared challenge from Callaghan and Jenkins

Question 11

What happened in Northern Ireland in the 1960s?

Answer 11

By middle of 1960s growing tensions

Sectarian divides in NI

Question 12

Who were the Nationalists?

Answer 12

Wanted a United Ireland

Question 13

Who were the Republicans?

Answer 13

Doesn’t recognise the legitimacy of British institutions

Question 14

What were the religious beliefs of the Republicans and Nationalists?

Answer 14

Mainly catholic

Question 15

Who were the Unionists?

Answer 15

Wanted the union berween Northern Ireland and Britain

Question 16

Who were the Loyalists?

Answer 16

Loyal to British Institutions

Question 17

What were the religious beliefs of the Unionists and the Loyalists?

Answer 17

Mainly Protestant

Question 18

Why did tensions grow?

Answer 18

Province dominated by Protestants

Evidence of discrimination against Catholics in employment, housing and politics

Evidence of bad treatment by Royal Ulster Constabulary towards Catholics

Question 19

What events took place in the late 60s in Northern Ireland?

Answer 19

1968 Civil Rights marches protesting against Catholic discrimination-protesters attacked - catholics complained RUC didn’t protect them

Some Protestant Unionists feared Irish Republican Army would start violent attacks- Unionist paramilitary organisations set up to combat

1969 loyalist Apprentice Boys March attacked passing through Catholic Bogside estate

RUC was prevented from entering the Bogside by two days of rioting

In 1969 Labour government sent British troops to NI to keep the peace

Question 20

Was the post war consensus still a thing?

Answer 20

Doubts on both the left and the right about how effective the post-war consensus was

Had not dealt with ongoing economic and financial pressure

Poverty and Social problems remained

Question 21

Was the 1970 election loss a surprise?

Answer 21

SURPRISE

LABOUR strengths

Wilson’s affable image

The impact of devaluation and deflation

Liberal reforms

CONSERVATIVE Weaknesses

Heath unpopular

NOT A SURPRISE

LABOUR WEAKNESSES

Economic problems - devaluation , tax rises, spending cuts

Industrial relation reform failures

Concerns about permissive society

CONSERVATIVE STRENGTHS

Promise to reform industrial relations

Heath seen as competent

OTHER FACTORS

Weakness of Liberal party

Enoch Powell ‘Rivers of blood’ speech

Concerns about the post-war consensus

Question 22

How would you summarise Wilson’s time in government?

Answer 22

Popular with public

United the Labour Party

However, Economic issues

Declining industrial relations

Tension in Northern Ireland

Question 23

What private members’ bills did Wilson’s government implement, with Roy Jenkins as Home Secretary (1965-1967)?

Answer 23

Series of private members’ bills (put forward by individual MPs)
Usually unsuccessful, but supported by Jenkins

The end of capital punishment (made permanent in 1969)

Divorce reform- Divorce Reform Act 1969- allowed ‘no fault’ divorce

Legalisation of abortion- 1967 Abortion Act legalised abortion in first 28 weeks of pregnancy

Legalisation of homosexual relations- The Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalised homosexuality (both parties 21, both parties to consent, had to be private)

Question 24

What educational reforms did Wilson implement?

Answer 24

Development of Comprehensive schools

Expansion of higher education and establishment of the Open University

Question 25

What was the tripartite system of education that existed before comprehensive schools?

Answer 25

GRAMMAR SCHOOLS - for those who passed 11 plus, academic curriculum SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOLS- for those who failed 11 plus- focused on practical and vocational education TECHNICAL SCHOOLS- concentrated on scientific and engineering subjects, not many - so most followed grammar or secondary modern route

Question 26

Why did the introduction of Comprehensive schools speed up in late 60s (combined all types of education)?

Answer 26

Wilson argued all pupils could have a grammar school education, rather than minority Tony Crosland, a supporter of this system, became Education secretary in 1965 Crosland encouraged more by issuing Circular 10/65 requesting Local Education Authorities (LEA) convert to Comprehensive schools In 1966 money for new school building was conditions on LEAs drawing up plans for Comprehensive schools

Question 27

What happened number-wise regarding the introduction of Comprehensive schools?

Answer 27

1964 1 in 10 educated in comprehensive schools - 10 times increase on 1951 By 1970 all but 8 LEAs had drawn up plans By 1979 1145 comprehensive schools and 1 in 3 state educated went to Comprehensive school

Question 28

What was the impact of the move to Comprehensive schools?

Answer 28

Initially disruptive as schools merged Some middle class parents turned to ‘Direct Grant Schools’ or independent sector to avoid the comprehensive schools Retention of some grammar schools meant that not all comprehensive schools were truly comprehensive

Question 29

What happened in higher education under Wilson?

Answer 29

Colleges of Technology became polytechnics concentrating on applied education with links to industry New colleges of Advanced Technology became universities New universities were founded such as Bath and Bradford The Open University was created

Question 30

What was the Open University?

Answer 30

Wilson claimed it was his greatest achievement Opened in 1969 with first courses in 1971 Courses were largely studied through ‘distance learning’- radio and tv used to assist this Most students part time Students tended to come from less traditional university backgrounds - older people, women, working class By 1980 70,000 students - awarding more degrees than Oxford and Cambridge put together

Question 31

What government aims did the Open University achieve?

Answer 31

Increased social mobility Modernising Britain by embracing the ‘White heat of technology’ Education minister, Jennie Lea, from a working class background saw the benefits she got from attending Uni - wanted others from similar backgrounds to benefit

Question 32

What domestic policies would be relevant to an essay for the years 1964-1970

Answer 32

Education reforms - Open University/Comprehensive schools Liberalising social reforms- Divorce Reform Bill, Sexual Offences Act, Abortion Act Economic policies- devaluation, trade union approach

Question 33

What were the social and cultural changes between 1964 and 1970?

Answer 33

Expansion of the mass media - TV, Radio and print media Growth in leisure activities - more money for leisure, paid holidays, fewer people working Saturdays- TV =leisure activity(gardening programmes/DIY). Car access - travel for activities eg golf/shopping. Growth of package holidays Impact of scientific developments- Human space travel 1961/ moon landings 1969, Concorde+ technologies that made cars, household appliances and transistor radios more affordable + contraceptive pill Reduction in censorship Progress towards female equality Changes in moral attitudes and the permissive society Youth culture Anti Vietnam war riots

Question 34

What progress was made on female equality?

Answer 34

Second wave feminism in the US - early 60s - women unfulfilled due to restrictions Working mothers still portrayed as unnatural (no progress) By 1970 20% students women No greater employment opportunities (no progress)- only 5% women reached managerial positions Girls’ education dominated by domestic skills (little progress) Women generally paid less than men Inspired by new texts, Women’s Liberation conference held in 1970- demanded: equal pay; free contraception; abortion on request; equal education and employment opportunities; free 24 hour childcare By end of 60s some important changes, but inequalities existed no

Question 35

What key government acts in social change for women 1964-1970

Answer 35

1967- NHS Family Planning Act- allowed local authorities to provide contraceptives and advice 1967 The Divorce Act- easier for marriages to end 1970 Matrimonial Property Act ensured women’s role in home taken into account on divorce settlements 1970 Equal Pay Act- equal pay for equal work - didn’t come into force for 5 years

Question 36

What were the positives for women’s lives in period 1964-1970?

Answer 36

Labour saving devices Increased education + access to higher education - developed higher expectations Increased availability of jobs for women- greater independence Greater control over family planning - reduced unwanted pregnancy Easier divorce - greater freedoms

Question 37

What were the negatives in Women’s lives in period 1964-1970?

Answer 37

Advertising reinforced female role as housewife Slow/difficult progress in careers Still responsible for home and children Men could avoid responsibility for family planning Still lack of economic independence

Question 38

How permissive was the permissive society?

Answer 38

PERMISSIVE Contraception availability Easier to divorce Decriminalisation of homosexuality Illegitimate births rose Changing attitudes to sex - ‘free love’ Rates of STDs up Decline of censorship- rise in more daring themes in books, films, theatre and television Greater visibility of drugs in popular culture Use of cocaine and heroin up Wootton Report 1968 recommended decriminlsation of soft drugs LIMITED Catholic Church opposed use of contraceptive pill Mary Whitehouse National Viewers’ and Listeners’ association in 1965 campaign against moral standards decline in media Rejection of Wootton report by Home Secretary Callaghan Sentence for supplying drugs increased to 14 yrs in 1970 Surveys found most young people were virgins on marriage or married their first and only sexual partner Surveys also found that young people used alcohol and tobacco more than illegal drugs

Question 39

What developments in Youth culture happened between 1964-1970?

Answer 39

FASHION CHANGES London fashion capital of world in mid-sixties Clashed with older generations Traditional rules abandoned- women wore trousers and mini skirts and men wore bright patterns MUSIC changes Pirate radio stations - broadcast pop music BBC Started Radio one TV started broadcast in music through ‘Top of the Pops’ (1964) and ‘Ready Steady Go’ in (1963) YOUTH SUBCULTURES Skinheads evolved from mod culture Hippies rejected standard social cultures and promoted Free Love, environmentalism and peace

Question 40

What was Britain’s response to USA involvement in the Vietnam war?

Answer 40

Some members of public criticised - especially after details of the impact of civilians was known 1965 Teach ins held at Oxford and London School of Exonomics Unis 1966 The Vietnam Solidarity Campaign (VSC) set up 17th March 1968 Violence at anti- Vietnam war demonstration - outside US Embassy in London 28th March - Battle of Grosvenor Square (where US embassy was) 200 people arrested October 1968 Anti war demonstrators attracted 30,000 people

Question 41

What were the key issues of immigration and race between 1964-1970?

Answer 41

Immigration from New Commonwealth continued Asian corner shops and Chinese Takeaways became more common 1964 Notting hill carnival became an annual event 1965 survey in N London showed 1 in 5 didn’t want to work with blacks or Asians. 50% didn’t want to live next door to a black person 9/10 disapproved of mixed marriages 1965 Race Relations Act banned discrimination in public places on basis of colour or race (excluding housing/employment) Feb 1968 Commonwealth Immigration Act - Asians in Kenya (facing persecution) began to arrive in Britain in larger numbers - it restricted the rights for non-white commonwealth citizens April 1968 Enoch Powell made a speech predicting uncontrolled immigration would lead to ‘rivers of blood’ - sacked from shadow cabinet , but got public support 1968 Race Relations Act banned in housing, employment and services on grounds of colour or race Late 60s much of youth culture drew on music, fashion and ideas of immigrant cultures

Question 43

How would you summarise the social changes seen between 1964 and 1970?

Answer 43

Large changes - mainly due to legislation change from the private members bills Society was changed by immigration Changing role of women Growing Influence of youth culture New technologies increased rate of change

Question 44

What happened in foreign affairs between 1964-1970?

Answer 44

US- Vietnam war - Britain gave moral support, but not military support Labour Party split over joining EEC Decolonisation started under MacMillan increased Withdrawal from East of Suez Rhodesia. Britain didn’t want Southern Rhodesia to become independent while it insisted on white minority rule

Question 45

What happened to the US/Britain relationship during the Vietnam war?

Answer 45

Opposition to the war, particularly in the Labour Party US wanted support and approval Wilson wanted to keep the Atlantic Alliance intact Wilson wanted the US to remain committed to resisting communist threat (esp. as USSR had invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968) Other countries (Australia) sending troops Britain dependent on US financially and militarily WILSON GAVE MORAL SUPPORT BUT NOT MILITARY SUPPORT l This disappointed the Left who wanted Wilson to condemn the war The US is was disappointed with Britain that support was limited

Question 46

How were Labour split on Europe between 1964-1970?

Answer 46

Differing views of joining the EEC AGAINST Gaitskell opposed Conservative application in 1961 Those Left saw it as a Capitalist club (Michael Foot/Barbara Castle) The trade unions FOR JOINING Senior members of the cabinet - Roy Jenkins and George Brown Wilson wasn’t too concerned either way. Favoured US over the EEC- bit could see economic benefits 1966 application submitted , again rejected in November 1967 by De Gaulle (vetoed again) - Britain failed to give assurances it was prepared to lessen its special relationship with the United States

Question 47

What happened in Rhodesia in the period?

Answer 47

Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland broke into Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1963- all wanted independence Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Nyasaland (Malawi) became independent Britain didn’t want Southern Rhodesia to become independent whilst they insisted on white minority rule

Question 48

What was the timeline for the events in Southern Rhodesia’s push for independence?

Answer 48

1965 -Southern Rhodesia PM, Ian Smith, issued a Declaration of Independence without accepting majority rule 1965- Wilson declared this illegal and imposed sanctions 1966- Wilson met Smith on board HMS Tiger to negotiate. Progress made, but Smith went back on what was agreed 1969- More talks on board HMS Fearless - but no progress made

Question 49

What was the outcome of the Southern Rhodesia independence push?

Answer 49

Other Commonwealth countries unhappy Britain had failed to change white minority rule Britain’s limited influence made them look weak Left of party disappointed Sanctions remained and independence not officially recognised until 1979

Question 50

If I am talking about foreign policy on period 1964-1970- what should I talk about

Answer 50

Relationship with the US Relationship with the EEC Relationship with the Empire/ Commonwealth Britains international status/ reputation