Thatcherism and British Politics, 1975-99 (Modern British History) Book

What was the impact of Margaret Thatcher on British politics in the 20th century? Why was she electorally so successful? Has Thatcherism really been a distinct ideological phenomenon in the Conservative Party's history? Was the ideological course of her governments charted before she came to power or was she the begetter of a new doctrine? This study sets out to answer these and other questions, placing Thatcherism within the context of the Conservative Party history and post-war politics. It explores the forces which account for Thatcher's emergence as Tory leader in 1975, her caution as leader of the opposition unitl 1979, and her growing confidence and resulting domination of the British political scene until her downfall in 1990. After explaining her demise, the book examines the extent to which John Major continued the Thatcherite project and assesses whether or not her impact has been enduring. Taking as his endpoint the mid-term of the 1997 Blair government, the crippling of the Parliamentary Conservative Party and the prevalence of the new "ism" - Blairism - Evans's review of the dominating political phenomenon of the final quarter of the 20th century should appeal to students of history and politics.Read More