why did labour win 1964 election

Question 1

intro/summary

Answer 1

1. economic failing of the cons

2. popular appeal of wilson

Question 2

cons economic

Answer 2

1. Macmillan- series of economic failures that were seized upon by Wilson to highlight 13 wasted years.
2. Economic planning under Selwyn Lloyd through Nicky, Neddy and the Pay Pause was ineffective.
3. Maulding’s ‘going for growth’ had collapsed by 1963.
4. Furthermore, industrial production was growing four times as quick in Germany and ten times as much in Japan.
5. Unemployment reaching 800,000 and budget deficit of £750million.

Question 3

labour economic

Answer 3

1. Wilson condemned the Tories. Wilson called for modernisation- ‘New Britain’.
2. Economic vision included the role of economic planning- need to reach out to growing body of scientists and technicians.

Question 4

cons political

Answer 4

1. Macmillan’s unflappable image was brought into question following sacking of one third of his cabinet in Night of the Long Knives 1962 .
2. Spy and sex scandals did little to repair their reputation. (Profumo affair)

Question 5

political lab

Answer 5

1. Wilson was able to promote a united Labour party.

2. Unifying had begun under Gaitskell in 61-62. Policy and party image up to date.

Question 6

social cons

Answer 6

1. Education had been neglected, little encouragement to science and technology.
2. Comprehensive education but few schools had been built and divisive 11+ remained.

Question 7

social lab

Answer 7

1. 1964 manifesto argued for economic planning for growth, state support of science and technology, comprehensive education and the expansion of higher education.
2. Social change Labour argued would promote economic growth and enable Britain to harness ‘white heat of technology’.