margaret thatcher
became education sec after tories won 1970 general election
prioritised academic needs in schools + spending cuts
unpopular » “margaret thatcher, milk-snatcher”
became conservative leader 4 months after heath lost 1974 gen election, labour came into govt (became minority government after 2 by-election defeats)
after winter of discontent (1978/9), James Callaghan govt fell in 1979 after no confidence vote
labour govt lost by 1 vote (311 vs 310 votes)
1979 general election results
con: 43.9%, 335 seats
labour: 36.9%, 269 seats (Callaghan)
liberals: 13.8%, 11 seats (david steel)
edward heath lost the leadership election as he tried to take on the trade unions
5 major manifesto promises:
"Restore the health of our economic and social life by controlling inflation and striking a fair balance between the right and duties of the trade union movements"
"Restore incentives so that hard work pays, success is rewarded and genuine new jobs are created in an expanding economy"
"Uphold Parliament and the rule of law"
"Support family life, by helping people to become home-owners, raising the standards of their children's education and concentrating welfare services on the effective support of the old, the sick, the disabled and those who are in real need"
"Strengthen Britain's defences and work with our allies to protect our interests in an increasingly threatening world"
the main events:
national union of miners strike in 1984 to protest mine closure
Thatcher stockpiled coal and used police to handle pickets.
Miners returned to work after union funds ran out and the strike officially ended in March 1985.
The 'Battle of Orgreave' in June 1984 was divisive due to excessive police force, and Thatcher reduced union power.
IRA attempted to assassinate Thatcher in 1984.
Thatcher secured a third election victory in 1987, but the Conservatives decreased their majority to 102, losing 21 seats. Labour, led by Neil Kinnock, gained 20 seats.
Unemployment surpassed 3 million for the first time since the 1930s in 1982.
Falklands War in 1982: Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, British overseas territories. Britain fought back, the conflict lasted 74 days, and 900 died. Despite the loss of life, the war increased Thatcher's popularity, unifying the country and showcasing military might. It fulfilled the 1979 election promise of strengthening Britain's defences.
Second election victory in 1983: The Conservatives won a majority of 144 seats, gaining 58 seats. Labour, led by Michael Foot, lost 60 seats
Community Charge (Poll Tax) introduced in 1990 (1989 for Scotland): Unpopular tax paid by all taxpayers, irrespective of wealth, leading to over 6,000 riots and clashes with police.
Conservative Party Leadership election on November 20, 1990: Thatcher and Michael Heseltine disagreed over the European Economic Community. Heseltine challenged Thatcher for leader, and in the first ballot, she was 4 votes short of the 15% margin. Thatcher resigned as leader on November 22.
Resignation as Prime Minister on November 28, 1990.
relationship w/ parliament & cabinet:
Thatcher's presidential leadership approach: Accused of treating her cabinet with disrespect, she reduced the number/duration of cabinet meetings.
Decline in popularity within parliament: Her party lost faith in her over the introduction of the poll tax (which they advised against), leading to her downfall.
Early standoff with 'wets' in her cabinet: Due to her radical economic policies, she used her powers of patronage to sack/demote them and establish dominance.
Popularisation of the phrase 'elective dictatorship': Her dominance in parliament and over her cabinet meant she had complete control, aided by the uncodified constitution and executive domination of the legislature.
was she in control or controlled by events/others?
for most of her premiership, thatcher was in control, but disagreements about europe and a decline in public support weakened her.
in the face of mounting unemployment, she resisted cutting spending, famously saying "the lady’s not for turning."
overall, thatcher was strong and independent, not easily influenced by her party, pushing her agenda despite disagreements, perhaps contributing to her downfall.
downfall:
the main cause of her downfall was the introduction of 'the community charge' (the poll tax) in scotland in 1989 and in england and wales in 1990.
it was a fixed-rate amount set by local councils, paid by all taxpayers, saving money for the rich and shifting expenses onto the poor, especially large families in small houses.
this led to widespread outrage and protest, with over 6000 anti-poll tax demonstrations, and many refused to pay it.
legacy:
margaret thatcher's political legacy extends to all aspects of life in britain.
within the conservative party, despite winning the next election, many argue she was the reason they were unsuccessful 1997-2005, and the party is still divided over her policies.
despite not being a feminist, some believe she normalized the idea of women holding political power, leading to an increase in the number of women in politics.
thatcher's radical policies caused a permanent change for labour, making a return to '70s trade unionist ideas impossible.
her chancellor noted that her real triumph was transforming not just one party but two, with the bulk of thatcherism accepted as irreversible even by labour.
Housing – the current housing crisis and shortage of social housing is a result of her 'Right to buy' policy
Privatisations – British telecoms, gas, oil, airways, steel, and water and electricity were sold to private companies. This is partially responsible for some of the high prices we experience today
Unions - trade union membership was continuously in decline from 1981-2021, and strikes are now much less frequent and less effective, as they have to be decided by ballot
Coal – coal production never returned to its pre-Thatcher levels
LGBTQ rights – Section 28 was not repealed until 2003 – and likely set back LGBTQ+ by several years
conclusion - did margaret carry out her manifesto?:
Yes:
Inflation went down
She was successful in the Falklands, which boosted her support
More people did become home-owners (but at the expense of social housing)
No:
There were record levels of unemployment – 3 million by 1989
Many jobs were lost rather than created – 200,000 from the closure of coal mines alone
Social housing became much harder to access, affecting low-income families the most
For most of the first two terms, welfare spending went up
Pensioners living in poverty more than tripled, and the number of children living in poverty more than doubled – so welfare was not 'concentrated in effective support'