Unit 5 – Labour and Conservative governments 1964 – 79 Flashcards
List 4 factors to explain why the Labour Party won the election of 1964.
Scandals in the Conservative Party
Harold Wilson’s leadership
Economic issues such as unemployment
Narrowing social classes labour attracted more middle class voters
Explain why the election result of 1964 was so close.
Labour won with 4 seats because of late conservative recovery in the polls.
Regional differences – Labour performed strongly in cities but struggled in rural areas.
What did the Left of Labour party believe and wantto achievein government?
Wanted more nationalisation of industries.
Supported trade unions and greater worker power.
Advocated for increased welfare spending and redistribution of wealth.
Opposed nuclear weapons and sought a less pro-American foreign policy.
What did the Right of Labour party believe and want toachievein government?
Favoured a mixed economy with both public and private sectors.
Sought to work with business leaders rather than confront them.
Supported NATO and maintaining Britain’s nuclear deterrent.
Preferred moderate social reforms over radical change.
What problems did Harold Wilson face as PM? (list4 reasons)
Economic Difficulties
Party Divisions
Trade union strikes
Foreign Policy Challenges
What does balance of payments mean?
The difference between the money a country earns from exports and the money it spends on imports. A deficit means the country is importing more than it exports.
What does Deflation mean? Give an example from 1964 - 70
Deflation is reducing demand in the economy by cutting government spending or raising interest rates.
Example: The Labour government imposed spending cuts and tax increases in 1966 to curb inflation.
What is does Devaluation mean? Give an example from 1967
Devaluation is lowering the value of a country’s currency to make exports cheaper and imports more expensive.
Example: In November 1967, Wilson devalued the pound from $2.80 to $2.40 per dollar.
What was the National plan of September1965?
A government strategy to improve economic growth by setting targets for industry and investment.
Aimed to increase exports and productivity but was largely unsuccessful.
What was the economic record of the Labour government 1964 – 70? Give 3 examples.
Balance of Payments Deficit Reduced – Helped by devaluation and economic measures.
Increased Public Spending – Growth in welfare, education, and NHS funding.
Struggles with Inflation and Strikes – High inflation and industrial unrest weakened economic success.
What does the term ‘In Place ofStrife’ mean?
A 1969 policy proposal by Barbara Castle to reform trade unions and limit strikes.
Faced backlash from unions and Labour MPs, leading to its abandonment.
List 3 reasons why the Labour party lost theelectionof 1970.
Economic Struggles – Inflation, unemployment, and the failure of devaluation.
Union Discontent – Strikes and rising wages led to public dissatisfaction.
Weak Campaign – Wilson was overconfident, while
Reasons the Conservative Party Won the 1970 Election
Economic Issues Under Labour – Rising unemployment, inflation, and the failure of devaluation damaged Labour’s credibility.
Edward Heath’s Policies – Heath campaigned on economic reform, industrial relations reform, and joining the EEC, appealing to middle-class voters.
Labour’s Overconfidence – Wilson and Labour underestimated the Conservatives, leading to a weak campaign.
Edward Heath’s Four Main Aims as Prime Minister
Modernising the Economy – Reducing state intervention and controlling inflation.
Reforming Industrial Relations – Reducing union power and limiting strikes.
Joining the European Economic Community (EEC) – Strengthening Britain’s role in Europe.
Improving Education and Social Reforms – Expanding opportunities, especially in education.
When Did Britain Join the EEC?
January 1, 1973
Why Did the Industrial Relations Act of 1971 Fail?
Trade unions resisted the reforms, refusing to register under the new system.
The act did not stop strikes, and industrial action increased.
The government lacked enforcement mechanisms, making it ineffective.
Why Was the Miner’s Strike of January–February 1972 Successful?
Effective Picketing – The miners used mass picketing, especially at Saltley Coke Depot.
Government Weakness – The Conservative government underestimated union strength.
Energy Shortages – The strike led to power cuts, forcing the government to give in to union demands.
The Oil Price Shock of 1973 and the Three-Day Week
Oil Crisis (1973) – After the Yom Kippur War, OPEC cut oil supplies, leading to a global energy crisis and rising prices.
Three-Day Week (1974) – The government limited electricity use to three days per week to conserve energy due to coal shortages caused by miner strikes.
What Was the Social Contract?
An agreement between the Labour government and trade unions (1974-79).
Unions agreed to limit wage demands in exchange for social welfare policies.
Aimed to control inflation without strict wage controls, but it ultimately failed.
What Was the Winter of Discontent?
1978-79 period of widespread strikes by public sector workers over pay disputes.
Led to rubbish piling up in the streets and gravediggers refusing to bury bodies
Contributed to Labour’s defeat in the 1979 general election.
