Thatcher's First Term as PM 1979-1983.

?
  • Created by: parvos98
  • Created on: 05-05-15 20:42

Thatcher's First Term as PM 1979-1983.

Advantages

  • 1979 Howe Budget-Very popular as it cut Labour's tax rises and increased VAT.
  • Able to deal with unions early with pay settlements to avoid the same fate as her two predecessors.
  • British economy bolstered by North Sea Oil bail out.
  • Labour party was falling apart, with divisions large enough to form a new party entirely! The SDP was formed in 1981.
  • 1980-Housing Act-Popular as people could now buy homes from government.
  • 1982-Falklands-Thatcher's military victory restored optimism and patriotism to Britain, earning her incredible support.
  • Seen as a brave and inspiring leader.
  • Used PR campaigns to great effect.
  • Able to unite the Conservative party, making them stronger in the face of opposition and on key issues such as the Falklands or the economy.
  • Took part in the defeat of Ian Smith and the end of the Rhodesia Crisis in 1980

Disadvantages

  • Each of her budgets in this period led to even greater amounts of recession.
  • The privatisation of the industry led to unemployment and eventually stagflation!
  • Riots erupted as a result of her attempts to force monetarism on a society that wasn't ready for it.
  • Falklands war and sinking of the Belgrano was a controversial decision.
  • Her first cabinet contained several "wets" (heathites) who would disagree with her policies.
  • Victorian ideology was seen as a direct attack on the welfare state.
  • Victim of press attacks.
  • Economic and social policies (end of youth unemployment benefits, National insurance payments increased) polarised society, widening the gap between the social classes.
  • Thatcher was accused of helping the rich at the expense of the poor.
  • Crime rate soared because of social anomie caused by unemployment and recession.

Evaluation

Thatcher, there is no denying it, did not have an overly successful first term as PM. She divided society and her own party with her aggressive attempts to reform the economy. Instead of making a slow and gradual move to monetarism, she decided to ram the policies down the throat of the country. However, it was her Falklands victory and the unelectable nature of Labour which buoyed her to an election victory in 1983, with very little else being openly responsible. Although, on a personal level she was a good PM. She did not intend to cow down to Unions or to allow Britain to lose it's place at the world table, leading the country with an aggressive ad bold leadership.

Comments

No comments have yet been made