Introduction

By the 1970s, the long-standing post-war consensus, based on full employment, welfare provision, government intervention in the economy and cooperation with trade unions, was under enormous strain. Economic crises, industrial unrest and social change undermined confidence in the political establishment. Between Edward Heath’s Conservative government and the Labour governments of Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, Britain experienced one of its most turbulent decades.

This blog will guide you through the key political, economic and social developments of the 1970s, before moving to a deeper analysis of why the post-war consensus collapsed; a theme crucial for GCSE and A-Level essays.

FAQs: The End of Consensus, 1970–1979

Q1. What was the post-war consensus?
It was the broad agreement between Labour and Conservative governments after 1945 on welfare, state intervention, full employment and union cooperation.

Q2. Why did Heath struggle with the unions?
Heath tried to limit pay rises and union power, but miners’ strikes forced him to back down, showing how strong the unions had become.

Q3. Why was the IMF loan in 1976 significant?
It symbolised Britain’s economic decline and reliance on outside help, undermining national pride and faith in consensus policies.

Q4. What was the Winter of Discontent?
In 1978–79, widespread strikes by public sector workers caused chaos, damaging Labour’s reputation and leading to Thatcher’s election victory.

Q5. How did feminism change Britain in the 1970s?
It led to major legislation, including the Sex Discrimination Act, and greater awareness of gender inequality, marking a turning point in social policy.