John Major

• Who succeeded Thatcher as Prime Minister?

  John Major
• What was the outcome of the 1992 General Election?

  Conservatives won despite losing 40 seats
• When did Major resign as party leader?

  1995
• Why did Major resign as party leader?

  Due to party divisions and economic credibility issues
• What significant action did Major take regarding the Gulf War?

  Committed British troops to the war
• What was the Citizen's Charter created by Major?

  Aimed to improve public services and accountability
• What tax did Major remove and replace?

  Poll Tax replaced with Council Tax
• What was Major's role in the Maastricht Treaty?

  He led the negotiations over the treaty
• What was one of the economic challenges during Major's leadership?

  The early 1990s economic crisis
• What was the outcome of the 1997 General Election?

  Conservatives lost in a landslide
• What was Major's stance on homosexuality during his term?

  Lowered consent age from 21 to 18
• What were Major's key actions during his leadership?

  • Created the Citizen's Charter
  • Removed Poll Tax, replaced with Council Tax
  • Committed troops to the Gulf War
  • Negotiated the Maastricht Treaty
  • Managed the early 1990s economic crisis
  • Withdrew the pound from ERM
  • Privatized railways and coal industry
  • Promoted peace in Northern Ireland
• When did the Gulf War begin?

  2nd August 1990
• What was Major's response to the Gulf War?

  Sent British troops and pushed for a no-fly zone
• When did the Gulf War officially end?

  28th February 1991
• What triggered NATO's involvement in the Bosnian War?

  The massacre of Bosnians in 1995
• When was the Downing Street Declaration issued?

  15th December 1991
• What was the significance of the Downing Street Declaration?

  It initiated peace talks between UK and Ireland
• What was Major's educational background?

  Left school before turning sixteen
• What positions did Major hold under Thatcher?

  Chief Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor
• What was Major's political style compared to Thatcher's?

  More mild-mannered and moderate
• What was the outcome of the 1990 Leadership Election?

  Major was nominated after Thatcher withdrew
• How did Major's background influence his leadership?

  His origins made him seem trustworthy
• What factors increased and limited Major's power?

  Increased:

  • Popularity during the leadership election
  • Restored Cabinet government style
  • Success in the Gulf War

  
  

  Limited:

  • Reduced majority in 1992 election
  • Internal divisions over Europe
  • Scandals undermining his reputation