AQA A-Level History: Unit 2S - The Making of Modern Britain (1980-2007)

Covers key events and topics from 1980 to 2007 relevant to the unit.

What was Thatcherism?

A political ideology under Margaret Thatcher emphasizing free markets, privatization, reduced union power, and individualism.

What was the "Big Bang" (1986)?

Deregulation of London’s financial markets, boosting the economy but increasing risk.

What was the Community Charge (Poll Tax)?

A flat-rate tax introduced in 1989, causing widespread protests and contributing to Thatcher’s downfall.

Why did Thatcher resign in 1990?

Due to divisions over Europe, the Poll Tax riots, and losing Conservative Party support.

What was the Winter of Discontent (1978–79)?

Strikes under Labour that damaged their reputation, helping Thatcher win in 1979.

How did Thatcher weaken trade unions?

Laws restricted strikes (e.g., 1984 Trade Union Act), and she defeated the Miners’ Strike (1984–85).

What was the Miners’ Strike (1984–85) about?

A strike against pit closures; Thatcher won by stockpiling coal and using police tactics.

What was the Falklands War (1982)?

A war against Argentina over the Falkland Islands; Thatcher’s victory boosted her popularity.

What was Section 28 (1988)?

A law banning the "promotion of homosexuality" in schools, reflecting Conservative social conservatism.

How did privatization impact Britain?

Sold state-owned industries (e.g., British Telecom, British Gas), increasing shareholders but reducing worker rights.

What was "Back to Basics"?

Major’s failed moral campaign overshadowed by scandals (e.g., MPs’ affairs).

What was Black Wednesday (1992)?

When Britain crashed out of the ERM, damaging Major’s economic credibility.

What was the Maastricht Treaty (1993)?

Created the EU; Major signed it but faced rebellions from Eurosceptic Conservatives.

What were "Sleaze" scandals?

Corruption allegations against Major’s government (e.g., cash-for-questions).

Why did Major lose in 1997?

Due to economic instability, sleaze, and Labour’s rebranding under Blair.

What was the "Third Way"?

Blair’s centrist ideology mixing free markets with social justice.

What was devolution under Blair?

Created the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly (1999).

What was the Good Friday Agreement (1998)?

Ended most violence in Northern Ireland by sharing power between nationalists and unionists.

What was the minimum wage (1999)?

Introduced at £3.60/hour to reduce poverty.

What was the Human Rights Act (1998)?

Incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

What were "Academies"?

Blair’s semi-independent schools to improve education standards.

How did Blair reform the NHS?

Increased funding but introduced market-style competition.

What was the Iraq War (2003)?

Controversial war based on WMD claims; damaged Blair’s reputation.

What was the Freedom of Information Act (2000)?

Allowed public access to government documents.

What was the Civil Partnership Act (2004)?

Granted legal recognition to same-sex couples.

What was the Lawson Boom (1980s)?

Economic growth under Chancellor Nigel Lawson, followed by a recession.

How did home ownership change?

Thatcher’s "Right to Buy" scheme (1980) let council tenants buy homes.

What was the "North-South Divide"?

Growing economic gap between deindustrialized North and affluent South.

What was the impact of deindustrialization?

Decline of manufacturing (e.g., coal, steel) led to unemployment in the North.

What was the "Cool Britannia" era?

1990s cultural revival (e.g., Britpop, fashion) under Blair.

What was the GLC abolition (1986)?

Thatcher abolished the Greater London Council to weaken Labour strongholds.

What was the Brighton Bomb (1984)?

IRA attack on Thatcher’s hotel, showing the threat of terrorism.

What was the "War on Terror"?

Blair’s support for US after 9/11, leading to Afghanistan/Iraq wars.

What was the Hutton Inquiry (2003)?

Investigated the death of scientist David Kelly after Iraq WMD claims.

What was the 7/7 London Bombings (2005)?

Terrorist attacks on transport, killing 52 people.

What was significant about the 1983 General Election?

Thatcher won a landslide due to Falklands War popularity and Labour’s divisive manifesto ("longest suicide note").

Why did Labour lose the 1992 election unexpectedly?

Conservatives under Major won due to Labour’s tax policies ("Labour’s double whammy" ads) and Tory economic promises.

What was "New Labour" in 1997?

Blair rebranded Labour as centrist, dropping Clause IV (commitment to nationalization) to appeal to middle-class voters.

What was the "Tebbit Test"?

Norman Tebbit’s 1990 remark that immigrants should support England in cricket, highlighting tensions over multiculturalism.

How did the Liberal Democrats gain influence in the 1990s–2000s?

Opposed Iraq War and tuition fees, winning protest votes; became kingmakers in 2010 coalition.

Who was Michael Heseltine?

Tory minister who challenged Thatcher in 1990 leadership contest; promoted urban regeneration (e.g., London Docklands).

What was Gordon Brown’s role under Blair?

Chancellor (1997–2007); introduced tax credits and Bank of England independence, but clashed with Blair over leadership.

What was the "Cash for Honours" scandal (2006)?

Allegations Blair’s government awarded peerages to donors; no convictions but damaged trust.

Who was Margaret Beckett?

First female Foreign Secretary (2006–07) under Blair; previously deputy Labour leader.

What was David Blunkett’s controversy?

Home Secretary (2001–04) resigned over visa scandals and an affair.

How did multiculturalism evolve in the 1990s?

Race Relations Act (2000) enforced equality; tensions remained (e.g., 2001 Oldham riots).

What was the "Essex Man" stereotype?

Symbol of Thatcher’s working-class Tory voters who benefited from privatization/homeownership.

How did attitudes to LGBTQ+ rights change?

Section 28 repealed (2003), Civil Partnerships (2004), but full marriage equality came later.

What was the "Yuppie" culture of the 1980s?

Young urban professionals in finance, embracing consumerism (e.g., mobile phones, designer suits).

What was the impact of the internet by 2007?

Rapid growth (e.g., broadband, social media) transformed work and communication.