Problems Faced By Major

Question 1

What issues did he have with leadership?

Answer 1

Lacked gov experience (only in cabinet since June 1987)

He had an uncharismatic personality which was ridiculed in the media (weakened party appearance)

He was elected to block hesletine (so didn’t have full support of the party)

Question 2

What were the divisions over Europe between?

Answer 2

Eurosceptics vs those who wanted to be close with Europe

Question 3

What treaty did he pass to ease divisions over Europe?

Answer 3

Maastrict treaty (commit to full integration)

Question 4

What did the Maastrict treaty lead to?

Answer 4

Led to an alliance between sceptics in his own party and Labour who defeated the government twice

= showed how divided his party was

Question 5

How many tories voted against his leadership?

Answer 5

1/3

Question 6

When was black Wednesday? What was it?

Answer 6

September 1992

Economic depression, high unemployment, buisness fell and GDP diminished

Exchange rate too high

Question 7

What did he do to try and help Black Friday? How effective was it?

Answer 7

Devalued the pound
Thsi failed and fell very quick so interest rates were increased

= ruined conservative reputation for sound economic management

Question 8

Describe new labour, how did this cause a problem for Major?

Answer 8

Tony Blair reconciled Labour to thatchers reforms, abolished clause IV and modernised its image

= improved its reputation and made party electable again

Question 9

What did Labour get the support of?

Answer 9

Support for leading figures in the media and the backing of the sun