This term paper examines the extent to which Margaret Thatcher’s term in office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, from 1979 to her forced resignation in 1990, affected (conservative) British politics.
It is divided into six chapters. After a brief introduction in chapter 1, an introductory review of literature on contemporary British politics will be presented in chapter 2, with an account of the three distinctive Politics that characterized the period between 1940 and 1990, followed by a brief presentation on Conservatism. Chapter 3 comprises an analysis of what has become known as Thatcherism and includes presentations on Margaret Thatcher as a person and of her political and economic ideals. Chapter 4 will offer some comparisons of the differences and similarities between Conservatism as an ideology and how it has been implemented under Thatcher, considering whether ‘Thatcherism’ exists as a pure political doctrine. Chapter 5 will present a conclusion on the findings from the topics covered in this paper and the final section 6 contains references.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Introductory background to British politics 1940 - 1990
- Consensus politics 1940 - 1955
- Consensus politics endangered 1955 – 1979
- The Thatcher era 1979 - 1990
- Conservatism explained
- Introductory background to British politics 1940 - 1990
- Thatcherism
- Introductory political biography of Margaret Thatcher 1925 - 2013
- Political and economic ideology
- Conservatism vs. Thatcherism in Contemporary British politics
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper explores the impact of Margaret Thatcher's tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1979-1990) on British politics, particularly on conservative politics.- Analyzing the evolution of British politics from 1940 to 1990, highlighting key periods of consensus and change.
- Examining the rise and fall of "consensus politics" in the post-war era.
- Defining and analyzing the principles of Thatcherism as a distinct political ideology.
- Comparing and contrasting Thatcherism with traditional conservatism.
- Assessing the lasting legacy of Margaret Thatcher on British politics.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides an introduction to the paper's objectives and scope, focusing on Margaret Thatcher's influence on British politics from 1940 to 1990. The second chapter delves into the literary review, presenting an introductory background to British politics from 1940 to 1990, divided into three phases: consensus politics (1940-1955), consensus politics endangered (1955-1979), and the Thatcher era (1979-1990). This chapter also explores the concept of Conservatism.
Chapter three focuses on Thatcherism, examining the political biography of Margaret Thatcher and her political and economic ideology. Chapter four then contrasts Thatcherism with traditional conservatism, exploring the differences and similarities between these two ideologies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This term paper revolves around key concepts including British politics, Margaret Thatcher, Thatcherism, Conservatism, consensus politics, post-war politics, economic ideology, and political legacy. The analysis examines the evolution of British politics from 1940 to 1990, focusing on the impact of Margaret Thatcher's leadership and the emergence of Thatcherism as a distinct political ideology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Margaret Thatcher influence British politics?
Margaret Thatcher's tenure (1979-1990) fundamentally shifted British politics by ending the era of "consensus politics" and introducing radical economic and political reforms known as Thatcherism.
What is the difference between traditional Conservatism and Thatcherism?
While both share common roots, Thatcherism is characterized by a more radical approach to free-market economics, individualism, and a departure from the post-war social democratic consensus that many traditional conservatives previously accepted.
What was "consensus politics" in the UK?
Consensus politics refers to the period between 1940 and 1979 where major political parties largely agreed on key issues like the welfare state, full employment, and a mixed economy.
What are the key themes of Thatcher's economic ideology?
Key themes include privatization, deregulation, reducing the power of trade unions, and a strong emphasis on individual responsibility and market competition.
What time period does this analysis cover?
The paper analyzes British politics from 1940 to 1990, with a specific focus on the Thatcher era from 1979 to 1990.
- Quote paper
- Divine Swerwzie Agbleke (Author), 2014, What influence did Margaret Thatcher have on British politics?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/274892
