why was thatcher controversial

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

1. Despite winning 3 successive elections, she divided the nation.
2. Most controversial policies were economic. aroused opposition.

Question 2

economic - taxation

Answer 2

1. reduced direct taxation at the top rate from 83% to 40% and at the lower rate from 33% to 25%.
2. increased indirect taxation from 8% to 15% which hit the poorest hardest.
3. Corporation Tax from company profits cut
4. Cut taxation levels for the rich and funded it by increasing taxation upon the poor = controversial.

Question 3

economic - inflation

Answer 3

1. 1979 15%
   1983 5%
   1986 3.4%
2. To achieve this deflated economy. 25% of manufacturing capacity to be to be lost, accepted unemployment as a resulted.
3. Unemployment rose to 3 million in first term. peaked at 3.2 million in 1985.
4. caused social disorder. 1981 inner city riots Brixton and Toxteth.
5. 1980 and 1982 Employment Acts restricted trade union power but did not arouse significant opposition or controversy.
6. Handling of miners’ strike led to suffering of miners’ community.
7. 200,000 miners lost their jobs, whole communities suffered, having to rely on charity to feed their children.

Question 4

economic - privatizations

Answer 4

1. Determined would not support lame ducks as Heath had and would reverse the post-war consensus of the mixed economy.
2. Amersham International was privatised in her first term- most in her second term e.g. BT.
3. The £11 billion the government made was used to subsidise tax cuts.

Question 5

political

Answer 5

Ireland
1. Political intransigence (refusal to change views) and economic neglect of Thatcher’s government increased support for nationalist movements, particularly the political wing of Sinn Fein.

2. Severe economic decay in Northern Ireland unemployment rates of 21%- highest in Britain.
3. Rose to 40% in Catholic working-class areas such as Bogside in Derry.