Workbook 3- The 1970s Britain In Decline? Flashcards
What led to the end of the post-war consensus in Britain from 1970-79?
• The rise of economic challenges and industrial strife.
• The Conservative government’s attempt to introduce more market-oriented reforms.
• Heath’s government (1970-74) abandoned the post-war consensus on economic management and industrial relations.
The economic challenges and industrial strife during this period led to a shift away from the post-war consensus.
What were the key aspects of Heath’s government (1970-1974)?
• Attempted to reduce the state’s role in the economy.
• Focused on curbing inflation and union power.
• Industrial relations deteriorated, leading to strikes and economic difficulties.
• Rejected the post-war consensus, advocating for free-market policies.
• Struggled with industrial disputes and the 1974 miner’s strike.
Heath’s government faced challenges in implementing market-oriented reforms and handling industrial disputes.
What were the major industrial relations issues during Heath’s government?
• The miner’s strike in 1974.
• Introduction of the Industrial Relations Act in 1971.
• Strikes and inflation led to economic challenges.
• Heath’s policies were largely unpopular, contributing to his defeat.
The Industrial Relations Act and the miner’s strike were key events during Heath’s government that impacted industrial relations.
What was the ‘Social Contract’ under Wilson’s government?
An agreement between the Labour government and trade unions, negotiated with the TUC in 1973.
• Aimed to control inflation without resorting to strict wage controls.
• It marked a return to more consensual industrial relations.
• The Social Contract eventually failed to address rising inflation effectively.
• It ended the miners’ strike and the three-day week.
• Two left-wingers, Foot and Benn, put in charge of the department of Industry and Employment.
The Social Contract was a significant agreement between the Labour government and trade unions aimed at controlling inflation.
What challenges did Wilson and Callaghan face in industrial relations?
• Continued strikes and economic stagnation.
• The Winter of Discontent in 1978-79 (Callaghan)
• Struggles to maintain control over union demands and public sector wage inflation.
• Loss of public confidence due to economic difficulties.
What significant events occurred in Northern Ireland during Wilson and Callaghan’s premierships?
• The Troubles escalated, with increased violence and political unrest.
• Direct rule from London was imposed in 1972.
• Various attempts were made to negotiate peace, including the Sunningdale Agreement in 1973, which ultimately failed.
• The IRA and loyalist paramilitary groups were active, contributing to ongoing conflict.
• Heath aimed for political solutions - backed UUP even 1971 policy of internment (no trial for suspects, they can be imprisoned straight away) - alienated nationalist communities.
• British Army regarded as enemy and an occupying force- 30th January 1972 at Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association march the army opened fire on marchers - 26 unarmed civilians were killed - known as ‘Bloody Sunday’.
• Led to huge protests - British Embassy in Dublin burned down - 480 killed in terrorist incidences in 1972. Stormont suspended in March 1972 and direct rule brought in.
• Sunningdale Agreement 1973 was a plan for power-sharing government in Northern Ireland - both nationalists and unionists with some input from the Republic of Ireland - all sides against it!
How did the Troubles in Northern Ireland affect UK policies during the 1970 s?
• The conflict deeply divided communities in Northern Ireland.
• Political efforts to resolve the conflict failed, leading to continued violence.
• Both Wilson and Callaghan struggled to manage the situation, with limited success.
• The UK government faced criticism for its handling of the conflict.
Who were the Prime Ministers of the UK in the 1970s and what were their challenges
• Edward Heath (Conservative) 1970-74: Faced economic challenges, industrial unrest, and the 1974 miner’s strike.
• Harold Wilson (Labour) 1974-76: Faced economic stagnation, industrial disputes, and the failure of the Social Contract.
• James Callaghan (Labour) 1976-79: Managed economic decline, industrial unrest, and the Winter of Discontent.
What was the impact of the 1974 situation on the UK government?
• Severe economic challenges, including rising inflation and unemployment.
• The government struggled to maintain control over the economy.
• Industrial unrest worsened, leading to widespread strikes and public dissatisfaction.
• The economic crisis contributed to the loss of public confidence in the government.
What were the outcomes of the 1979 UK election?
• The election led to the defeat of James Callaghan’s Labour government.
• Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative Party won the election, marking a significant shift in UK politics.
• Thatcher’s victory signaled the end of the post-war consensus and the beginning of a new era of conservative economic policies, with free-market policies and a reduction in the power of trade unions.
What was the winter of discontent?
• Background: The economic situation in the UK during the late 1970s was challenging, with high inflation, unemployment, and a stagnant economy. To combat inflation, the Labour government under Prime Minister James Callaghan implemented a policy of wage restraint, limiting pay increases to 5% for public sector workers.
• Strikes: Many workers, frustrated by the government’s wage policies, went on strike to demand higher pay. The strikes involved various sectors, including:
• Transport: Rail and truck drivers went on strike, causing severe disruptions.
• Public Services: Waste collectors (leading to rubbish piling up on the streets), hospital staff, and even grave diggers in some areas.
• Local Authorities: Strikes by council workers affected schools and other local services.
• Impact: The strikes caused significant inconvenience and a sense of chaos. The government appeared unable to manage the situation effectively, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction.
When did Britain finally join the EEC and what were the reasons?
• Year: 1973
Reasons:
• Heath was pro-European.
• Pompidou replaced de Gaulle, making negotiations easier.
• Negotiations completed in 1961-63 were still in place by 1973.
• Some within UK politics were against joining, including Labour.
What was the outcome of the 1975 European referendum and why was it held?
• Outcome: Overwhelming vote in favour of staying in the EEC.
• Reason: Labour party and unions had divisions, leading to a promise of a referendum if elected.
That was the nature of the UK’s special relationship with the USA during the 1970s?
• Heath was less inclined to strengthen the Atlantic Alliance.
• He rejected attempts by Kissinger to involve the UK in American policies.
• Heath supported Nixon on Vietnam.
• The UK followed the US in most strategic decisions but still had disagreements, like on the Trident nuclear missile system.
That were the key elements of the UK’s relationship with the USSR and China in the 1970s?
USSR:
• The 1970s marked a period of détente and easing tensions in the Cold War.
• Some diplomatic visits were exchanged, and Britain maintained a cautious relationship.
China:
• The UK re-established diplomatic relations and exchanged ambassadors with China.
• In 1979, Chinese leader Hua Guofeng visited the UK, marking the first visit by a Chinese leader since the Communist revolution.
