Summary of Thatcher's Years 1979-1990

?
  • Created by: Anna
  • Created on: 02-06-15 11:36

Key successes

Improved Britain's international status

Created enterprise-culture, allowing development of great social mobility: growth of smaller businesses.

Taxes fell and living standards rose: 44% between 1979 and 1990

Her electoral sucesses forced Labour to modernise.

Weakened Trade Union powers

Won Falklands War and restored nation pride to Britain.

Acted as a key role in the Cold War between USA and Russia

Strengthened the special relationship

1 of 3

Key Failures

Inflation hadn't been completely resolved, still exsisted even if on small 3.7%

Unemployment peaked at 3 million, highest since 1930's depression

Interest rates remained high

Monterism had major social issues: rioting, job losses

Gap between rich and poor grew wider than ever: top rich 10% got richer bottom poor 10% got poorer.

She didn't reduce public spending and welfare state completely

Manufacturing industry shrunk and trade decifit remained high

Hostiliy towards Europe caused problems within her party and for own postion

Poll Tax, unpopular with all expect rich.

Riots being a common theme throughtout her time in office

2 of 3

Key People in her Cabinet

William Whitelaw: First deputy PM, forced to resign after having a stroke, agrued after his departing in 1987 was the start of Thatcher's downfall

Geoffery Howe: 2nd deputy prime minster, publicly resigned due to Thatcher's inablitiy to co-operate over the issue of Europe

Michael Heseltine; defence minstry, forced to move to the back bench after Westland Affair, appeared as a rivial to Thatcher.

3 of 3

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all The Making of Modern Britain 1951-12007 resources »