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Difficulty: MediumThe 1970s: Economic Issues and the EEC

In 1973, the United Kingdom formally joined the European Economic Community (EEC). However, this period was also marked by severe domestic industrial unrest and energy shortages. Which of the following was a specific measure introduced in the early 1970s to manage the impact of these economic crises?

  1. The introduction of a 'Three-Day Week' to conserve electricityAnswer
  2. B
    The passage of major social reforms such as the Abortion Act and the Sexual Offences Act
  3. C
    The establishment of the National Health Service and the modern Welfare State
  4. D
    The privatization of major national industries such as British Telecom and British Gas

Answer

The correct answer is the introduction of a 'Three-Day Week' to conserve electricity.
During the early 1970s, the UK faced intense industrial disputes, notably with the National Union of Mineworkers, combined with a global oil crisis. To prevent the national grid from failing due to coal shortages, the government mandated a 'Three-Day Week' for commercial users to conserve electricity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key timeframe and context.
The question specifies the early 1970s, coinciding with the 1973 EEC entry and period of industrial unrest.
Establishing the correct decade helps eliminate events from the 1940s, 1960s, or 1980s.
2
Recall the major domestic economic responses of that period.
Industrial disputes with trade unions (particularly miners) and oil shortages led the government to restrict electricity usage.
This specific policy is a hallmark of the 1970s economic history in the UK.
3
Select the option that matches this historical event.
The 'Three-Day Week' was the specific policy implemented to handle the 1973–74 energy crisis.
This differentiates the 1970s from other post-war decades characterized by growth or different types of reform.

Key Concept

Economic instability and the Three-Day Week of the 1970s
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Topics

The 1970s: Economic Issues and the EEC

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