Conservative Economic Policymaking and the Birth of Thatcherism, 1964-1979

The recent death of Margaret Thatcher, in the context of the Global Financial Crisis, has led many to re-evaluate 'Thatcherism' and its role in British economic policy-making. While much rhetoric and propaganda surrounds the topic, there is little scholarly work on Thatcherism or on the profound change in British economic policy that subsequently occurred after 1979. This book addresses two key areas. Firstly, it examines the debates that took place within the Conservative Party between 1964 and 1979, and the core policies that were adopted in this time, and that predated, but remained a part of, Thatcherism. Adrian Williamson then goes on to investigate the processes by which Thatcherism became established in Tory thinking, and questions to what extent the politician herself was responsible for Thatcherism within the Conservative Party. In Conservative Economic Policymaking and the Birth of Thatcherism, 1964-1979, the evolution of Conservative core policy is considered in detail, including tax, trade union reform and European competition. Additionally, the author examines how the economic crisis of the 1970s influenced Conservative policy in public spending, anti-inflation measures and industrial strategy. It will be of interest to economic and political historians of Modern Britain and post-war politics, and a core source of reference to undergraduate and post-graduate students alike.