2. How effective was Harold Wilson as Prime Minister?

Outline Wilson’s characteristics that made him a popular prime minister.

Young, modern image; strong communicator; promoted “white heat of technology”; relatable compared to Conservatives; seen as intelligent and pragmatic.

What problems did Wilson face in 1964 and how successfully did he solve them?

Faced economic issues (deficit, balance of payments). He avoided devaluation at first but eventually devalued in 1967. Some success, but economy remained weak.

Identify at least reasons why the Labour party remained divided after 1964.

Divisions between left (more socialist) and right (moderate); disagreements over economy, unions, and nuclear weapons.

What role did Roy Jenkins have in government and what was he responsible for?

Home Secretary; key driver of liberal social reforms like legalising abortion, homosexuality, and ending theatre censorship.

Identify three social reforms passed between 1964–70.

Abortion Act (1967), Sexual Offences Act (1967), Divorce Reform Act (1969), abolition of death penalty.

How successful were the Race Relations Acts (1965 & 1968)?

Some success: made discrimination illegal in public places and housing. Limited impact due to weak enforcement and ongoing racism.

What was Antony Crosland responsible for between 1964-70?

Education reforms, especially promoting comprehensive schools to replace selective grammar schools.

Summarise how successful the government was in dealing with the following foreign and colonial issues: the Vietnam War, Southern Rhodesia and the Common Market (EEC).

Vietnam: avoided direct involvement (success). Southern Rhodesia: failed to stop UDI effectively. EEC: application vetoed by Charles de Gaulle (failure).

How successful was Wilson at managing his cabinet?

Mixed success: skilled at balancing factions but often avoided decisions, leading to tensions.

What caused in-fighting within the cabinet?

Ideological divisions (left vs right), economic disagreements, and conflicts over policies like spending and unions.