Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumMargaret Thatcher and the 1980s

After taking office in 1979, Margaret Thatcher oversaw a fundamental shift in the United Kingdom's economic strategy. What was a central goal of her government's policies during the following decade?

  1. A
    To increase the number of major industries, such as coal and steel, managed directly by the state
  2. B
    To establish the National Health Service to provide free medical treatment for all citizens
  3. To reduce state control of the economy by selling government-owned industries to private investorsAnswer
  4. D
    To sign the Good Friday Agreement and establish a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland

Answer

The correct answer is the reduction of state control by selling government-owned industries to the private sector.
The correct answer accurately describes the core of Margaret Thatcher's economic reforms, which sought to decrease the size of the public sector and increase competition by transferring ownership of major utilities and industries from the government to private shareholders.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the time period and leader mentioned in the stem.
The period is after 1979, specifically the 1980s, under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher.
This establishes the historical context of 'Thatcherism' and its specific policy focus.
2
Recall the defining economic philosophy of the Thatcher administration.
The government aimed to move away from state-managed industry and towards a free-market economy.
This helps distinguish her policies from the 'Post-war Consensus' of the mid-20th century.
3
Evaluate the options based on their historical accuracy for the 1980s.
Selling off state-owned businesses (such as gas, electricity, and telecommunications) was a primary method used to achieve her goals.
This matches the historical record of the 1980s economic reforms.

Key Concept

Economic reforms of the Thatcher era (Privatisation and Deregulation)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Margaret Thatcher and the 1980s

More questions from this topic