britain Flashcards

Question

Bloody Sunday

Answer 1

- Londonderry, 13 unarmed civil rights demonstrators - shot dead by British Army paratroopers. - Protesters, all Northern Catholics, marching in protest of the British policy of internment of suspected Irish nationalists. - Bloody Sunday precipitated upsurge in support for IRA, which advocated violence against the UK to force withdraw from Northern Ireland.

Answer 2

- The government would return to controlling prices/incomes to combat inflation. - Reverted to policies of post-war consensus, bringing end to New Right plan to liberalise the market/reduce government intervention in economic affairs What was the impact of the U-turn? ~ Heath lost support from those who favoured New Right policies ~ Labour used it to show failure of Conservative ideology

Answer 3

Why Heath lost: ~Rapid inflation ~ Wage settlements/lost orders caused by strikes - decline in productivity ~ Unemployment ~ 3 day week suggests government lost control ~Miners declined the government by winning their strike

Answer 4

- Motivation to improve relations with unions and left Labour Party, both were sceptical of the EEC's Common Market. - Labour government favoured staying. - Labour MPs, saw Common Market as 'capitalist club' - got in the way of Labour making Britain more socialist

Answer 5

- Balance of payments crisis. - Chancellor of the Exchequer of the Callaghan ministry, Healey, applied for a loan of $3.9 billion from IMF. - Loan conditions were that Britain had to make cuts to public expenditure. - Giving in to the demands of the IMF hurt Labour government reputation

Answer 6

Changes for women: ~ First rape crisis centre in London 1976 ~ Marches for equal pay ~ Feminism arose ~ 1975, sex discrimination act - illegal to discriminate on gender/marital status ~ 1976, domestic violence act - women could take out orders on partners Changes in Youth: ~ National front became more active ~ Punk movement - bands such as sex pistols - offered outlet for working class their songs spot for anger/isolation ~ Skinheads from the mod culture, the working class was linked to hooliganism ~ Football became referred to as the 'British disease' ~ Punks created moral panic, spat on the stage/swore, and often violent Changes in Race and Immigration: ~ 1976, race relations act ~ In 1974, 1 million immigrants had arrived in Britain from Commonwealth ~ In 1977, the Anti-Nazi league to combat violence against minorities ~ In 1971, rush of immigrants (Bangladesh) after breakaway (Pakistan) ~ Representation minorities was weak, skinheads involved in brutal attacks which were known as 'Paki-Bashing' Changes in Environment: ~ 'Environmentalism' - pollution, nuclear waste, etc. ~ Pictures of earth from space impacted people's view on the world. ~ 1970 - Year of European conversation ~ 1973 - People's party was set up which is now known as the 'green party' ~ 1971 - 'Friends of the Earth' came to Britain from US ~ 1979 - Attenborough's life on earth series gained massive television audiences worldwide ~ 1977 - Green peace UK established

Answer 7

- Liberals would vote in favour of Labour if Labour party agreed to push Liberal policies. - Labour agreed to a referendum on the devolution of Scotland/Wales. - Both referendums were voted against. - Fell apart in 1978.

Answer 8

- Government faced issues internally and within British politics. - Labour Party became increasingly split, larger issues emerged concerning Britain's entrance into the EEC. - Many members of parliament saw Britain's entrance to EEC as betrayal of democracy, as Heath's government entered Britain into the EEC without a referendum vote. - In 1975, Wilson held a referendum about EEC membership but many argued it was to provide an illusion of democracy. - The 'stay' campaign had a larger budget and threatened that leaving would damage Britain. - The government was divided. - There were debates about loss of British sovereignty/democracy through union with Europe

Answer 9

Period of unrest, centered around strikes against wage restrictions, accompanied by storms that occurred during 1978-1979 in the UK

Answer 10

- Main purpose was to set a deadline for creation of a full single market by 1992. - It created integration by making it easier to pass laws, strengthening the EU Parliament and laying the basis for a European foreign policy

Answer 11

- By Thatcher to College of Europe at the Belfry of Bruges, Belgium, 1988. - Thatcher was opposed to moves to transition the EEC into federal Europe that would take powers from members

Answer 12

Political practice of campaigning for one's genuinely-held political convictions rather than adjusting one's political opinions to adhere to a political consensus

Answer 13

- Economic theory says inflation is caused by government spending. - The solution to inflation is, therefore, for governments to control the money supply and reduce public expenditure.

Answer 14

Demands lower taxes, decreased regulation and government interference with trade practices, and allowing a free market.

Answer 15

- Community Charge - it was unpopular, everybody paid the same regardless of income or the value of their house.

Answer 16

~ Territorial dispute between Argentina/Britain over Falklands off the coast of Argentina - South Atlantic ~ The Falklands were important to Britain because of: Oil prospecting, Fishing, Rights of self-determination, Political posturing. Also proved helpful as Military Bases. ~ Causes: War was 'last gamble' to gain support from public as winning Falklands would have helped Argentinian nationalist ideology. ~ Results of invasions. UN supports British, affirming right to the Islands. - initially feared as decolonisation resolution. EEC provided economic support by imposing economic sanctions on Argentina Chile supports. ~ What happened: HMS Conqueror sinks the Belgrano, over 300 dead Argentinians. Military success but political disaster. It broke the rules of engagement for war as it was outside territory and ruined any talks of peace. ~ Impacts: Direct; - - PTSD and deaths (just over 900). - Political - In Argentina: Democracy is established. - In UK: Thatcher wins by a landslide- encourages withdrawal of Argentinian troops from the Chilean area. - Public- In Argentina: Anti-colonialism

Answer 17

~ The industry was nationalised ~ Coal became more difficult to mine ~ Government unwilling to fund mining ~ Closure made many redundant ~ Scargill wanted to stop closure but Tebbit tried to weaken TU power, but this was unsuccessful ~ Strike saw violent clashes between the miners and the police ~ Other TU's supported the strike ~ Employment act restrained miners ~ Britain no longer needed the industry and the police finally broke the strike

Answer 18

~ Despite the violence talks between all parties had been ongoing ~ Attempt to halt violence in Ireland but proved more divided than unifying ~ Signed by Thatcher and Irish MP ~ Gave South a say in North to satisfy IRA but this was not liked by SDP - Key Features: ~ It established intergovernmental conference by the UK and Ireland ~ Gave Republic of Ireland a say in North Irish affairs ~ It was first time British government said it would allow a united Ireland ~ Attempted a devolved government

Answer 19

- Privatisation and deregulation of national companies, such as British Rail/British Airways - Attempt to encourage companies to grow without being bogged down in government red tape. - This would then lead to more employment and stronger economy

Answer 20

~ Internal Squabbling (Foot and Benn) rise of SDP ~ She turned against Europe, promised to sort economy but by 1990 the economy got out of hand again (high unemployment and inflation) - Poll tax split her party resulted in resignations ~ Single European act 1986 - Despite her fighting words, Britain was drawn even closer into Europe. She excepted this act which marked the biggest step towards centralised Europe that had been taken ~ Exchange rate mechanisms - was told it would provide a means of fighting inflation but did the opposite ~ Thatcher refused for Britain house the euro as its currency, in her 'Nono no' speech, even though her cabinet signed Britain up for it behind her back ~ Howe's resignation speech galvanised Heseltine, a long standing critic of Thatcher since the Westland affair. He announced a leadership challenge. ~ After failing to win the first ballot, Thatcher resigned. (She called individual cabinet members to her office and most said they don't think to continue but they'd support her if she decided to) Heseltine announced his candidacy for leadership of the party. ~ First ballot - Thatcher 204 vs. Heseltine 152. Margin of victory was not big enough to rule out second ballot as Thatcher lost support of 2/5 of party. ~ Thatcher's intentions to fight ended following individual discussions with ministers. Consultations found most of them advised her to resign). Thatcher resigned two days later - of the regicide ~ She said 'It is something I will never forget and never forgive'

Answer 21

Cash for questions - Neil Hamilton was accused of accepting cash for questions in Parliament on behalf of the controversial owner of Harrods,Hamilton refused to resign Sex candles - Involving MPs having extramarital affairs including two cabinet ministers, Mellor and Yeo, they were both forced to resign 'Cone' hotline - A phone number motorists could call if motorway lanes were closed without signs Pit closure - Hestletine announced closure of 31 pits but an outcry forced him into a U-turn (short-term) Eventually the closures went ahead Citizens charter - Attempt to give public service users more power over the quality of services they received by providing standards information National lottery - Sums raised by people, betting paid for the prizes, costs, profits of administrations and also donated large sums of money to the arts, heritage and sport

Answer 22

Black Wednesday - Foreign exchange speculators buy and sell currency, if many want to buy pounds, the pound will gain in value compared to other currencies. In 1992, there was a wave speculated selling of the pound in foreign markets. Lamont had announced an increase in interest rates hoping to persuade foreign investors to buy pounds again. The Bank of England spent reserves in buying pounds Exchange rate mechanism - System for reducing inflation by creating parity between various European currencies by pegging them to the value of the Deutschmark. The pound began to fall sharply so interest rates rose and UK foreign reserves were sold Consequences of ERM withdraw; - Case of Britain becoming involved in European monetary union was weakened - Argument of Eurosceptics against deeper integration with Europe was strengthened - Cabinet divisions widened between Eurosceptics and pro-Europeans Lawson Boom 1990s - House prices has a massive increase, this made home owners think they were getting richer. People were fearful that there would be no properties left that they could afford. By the end of 1992 900,000 houses were in negative equity

Answer 23

Jobseeker's Allowance 1996 - Replaced existing unemployment benefit and income support. Claimants had to show evidence they were looking for work Minimum wage 1998 - Established 4.85p for adult workers. this raised wages for over 1.5 million people Human rights act 1998 - To achieve 'better balance between rights and responsibilities between power of state and freedom of individuals' Growth in funding - Saw education as the broader goal in social inclusion, it all starts at the beginning. State education mostly showed huge improvements NHS plan 1998 - Health spending would increase to the average level in the EU, this was well received PFI - Private finance initiative - private funding to improve public services and avoid raising taxes Civil partnership act 2004 - Paved the way for extension on gay rights, created dispute in Parliament. Same sex couples were given the same rights as heterosexual couples Winter fuel allowance 1997 - For senior citizens, granted a float per person, regardless of income, many thought it was a waste of government money

Answer 24

New Labour and Northern Ireland: - John Major’s government made huge strides towards peace - The intervention of President Bill Clinton and Senator George Mitchell had laid down principles on which a peace process might be developed - Blair acknowledged the part Major played and built upon it - He invited Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, to 10 Dowling Street for talks - This in turn eased the path towards the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998 Good Friday Agreement 1998: - Northern Ireland’s union with Britain was guaranteed for as long as the majority of the people of the province wanted it - The Irish republic withdrew its territorial claim to Northern Ireland - A Northern Ireland Assembly with a new power sharing executive government was created - As an act of goodwill – all terrorist prisoners would be released within 2 years St Andrews Agreement 2006: - The Northern Ireland Assembly was restored - DUP agreed to share power with republicans/nationalists in the Northern Ireland executive - Sinn Fein accepted authority of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which had replaced the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Northern Ireland Executive May 2007: - British Army withdrawn from Northern Ireland - Power-sharing all party executive formed

Answer 25

Population changes: - Growth in population of around 5 million - Britain had a rapidly ageing population - Increased life expectancy of the last century Social impact of population shift: - Welfare services are funded by revenue raised in taxes of those who work - Increasingly ageing population make more demands on those services - Although the amount people paid in taxes seemed high, inflation meant it was not - To sustain these services at expected level, means ever-increasing burden in taxation Immigration: - Indians were the largest single ethnic minority group in Britain - Ethnic minority groups represented over 7% of the British population - One argument was that immigrants played a huge role in the economy by taking unpleasant needed low-paid jobs to contribute to the nation's revenue - The other argument was that once immigrants were settled, they began demanding better wages and conditions - They contributed a smaller amount to taxations but still required it for family and education Multicultural: - The issue to remain resolved was not a racial but a cultural one - This included freedom of speech, race and gender equality, and how they were treated - 2001 riots in Bradford and Manchester as equality was not shown in deprived areas - Catholic and Jewish faith schools had long been established in Britain - Islamic values were compatible for preparing young people to be responsible British citizens - Religious Hatred act 2006, protect people from being attacked and abused for religious beliefs - London bombings 2005, 300 Muslims demonstrated against their previous publication - 4 of them were arrested for violence and murder - Religious hatred act went through in a watered-down form - Labour passed the national identity card to fight terrorism - Terrorist act 2006, increased time a suspect could be help without charge to 28 days - Opinion polls 2001 election found immigration was vital by only 3% of voters - Migrant families tended to have younger children which was beneficial to birth rates - Many British people were leaving Britain to retire and buy holiday homes Environmentalism: - Attempted to preserve the world from harmful effects of uncontrolled economic growth - Environmentalist parties believed that global economic trends were leading to world disaster - This was particularly fierce over climate change - Environmentalists case: Emissions of greenhouse gases was raising earth's temperature, ice caps were melting causing sea levels to rise, the ecosystem was deteriorating due to a loss of animals, this was all drawn from scientific researchers - Deniers’ case: In reality, the erth was warming less than 1 degree in the past 100 years, and world sea levels have risen less than 1-inch, solar heat is not a constant the sun determines whether the earth cools or heats, this comes from a pressure group Scepticism about traditional policies: - Referred to a lack of substance in the new generation's MPs – lack of experience - Many went straight from university a job without having done a proper job - Growth of central government power had declined in influence - MPs were not held in high esteem by the public - They were earning easy money and had many perks, yet the system had defenders

Answer 26

- He spoke of an EU made up of friendly states, retaining their individual sovereignty, but collaborating on economic and political interest - It was intended for home consumption made little impression on EU ministers and officials; they believed their way no room for a third way in the EU - The EU was waiting for Britain to catch up and start conforming to the rules drawn up already - Blair was made aware of this when he tried to push for a reform of the expensive Common Agriculture Policy (CAP)

Answer 27

- He declared that in exchange for the reform of CAP, he was willing to accept majority voting and the dropping of the veto principle - Anticipating that he would do this, the French and German governments got together to block any attempts to alter the system - The system from the beginning was to protect French agriculture and this was non-negotiable

Answer 28

- 2002 Euro became common currency Eurozone – countries that gave up their currency to the Euro - Brown laid down 5 economic tests for their Euro before he passed it as currency, these included impacts on jobs, trade and inflation - Blair was prepared to have a national referendum on the issue - Blair was willing to step down and give the role of PM to Brown if he was willing to commit to the Euro, but in 2003 Brown concluded that it did not come close to the pound

Answer 29

- The return of a proportion of Britians’s budgetary payment - Blair told Europe that Britian was prepared to pay its fair share of the costs of enlargement - He added that it would not give up its rebate and that he would use Britain’s veto to block any EU attempt to force the UK to do so - Despite Blair’s fighting word in 2004, he did not achieve the reform of CAP - When Europe closed ranks against Britain in 2005 and demanded that it increase its budget contributions, he gave in and complied - During 2006, EU imposed 3000 regulations on Britain - 80% of regulations which came into force in Britain during Blair’s years as Prime Minister were laid down by the Europeann Union

Answer 30

Before 9/11 US felt invulnerable from outside attack so the event came as a shock. Preparations began for NATO forces to invade Afghanistan. The Taliban government had allowed Al-Queda to use the country as a base for training and planning terrorist operations. 2001, Britain joined US in a military campaign to overthrow the Taliban and expel Al-Queda from Afghanistan. This was supported by Nato and the United Nations. There was no immediate pacification of the country and the Taliban leaders escaped. From 2002, attentions were drawn to Iraq, critics argued that this allowed the Taliban to regroup in 2006 and 2007

Answer 31

Final phase of the Balkan wars began as a result of Serbian attacks on Kosovo, Blair devoted his main diplomatic efforts to persuading a reluctant Clinton to back military action against Serbia. In 1999, there was a prolonged NATO bombing campaign. In 2002, rebel forces in Sierra Leone in the civil war threatened to take over the capital, the British government sent armed forces.

Answer 32

Military interventions to support the war on terror proved more controversial and their success is harder to judge. It began after the Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on the United Stated in 2001

Answer 33

There was a feeling in the bush administration that Hussein should have been finished off after the First Gulf War in 1991. The hawks in the administration such as Rumsfeld saw 9/11 as a chance to attack Iraq. Blair had harbored disgust for some time at the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Bush administration decided to invade Iraq and change regimes as early as 2002

britain Flashcards

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