Thatcher's Rise to Power in 1979:
- Thatcher won the 1979 election with a 43-seat majority, marking the beginning of Thatcherism.
- Callaghan refrained from attacking Thatcher aggressively due to her gender and desire not to appear ungallant.
- Despite Callaghan being more popular than Thatcher during the campaign, she ultimately emerged victorious.
Impact of Falklands War on Thatcher's Popularity:
- The Falklands War occurred during a period when Thatcher faced unpopularity due to economic challenges like high unemployment reaching 3 million.
- Statistical analysis indicates that even without the Falklands War, Thatcher would have won the election as economic indicators were already moving in her favor throughout 1982.
Polarization and Debates in the 1980s:
- Britain experienced polarization with booming areas contrasting decaying towns, leading to sharp debates throughout the 80s.
- Authors like Salman Rushdie and Angela Carter expressed strong opinions about Britain becoming fascist amidst societal divides.
Thatcher's Campaign Strategies in 1983 Election:
- Economic indicators like interest rates, mortgage rates, inflation rate, property prices, and consumer confidence were pivotal in shifting momentum towards Mrs. Thatcher before the war.
- The Guardian editorial raised concerns that the 1945 election might be the last due to fears of a fascist state or global destruction by Mrs. Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.
- In the 1983 election, Labour's left-wing split allowed Mrs. Thatcher to secure votes on the right and win decisively.
- Studies indicated that if the SDP-Liberal Alliance hadn't existed, more of their voters would have chosen Conservative, potentially leading to an even larger majority for Mrs. Thatcher.
Impact of Europe Debate in 1983 Election:
- Labour proposed leaving what became the EU without a referendum during the campaign.
- Peter Shaw from Labour called entering Europe a "rape of the British people," advocating for leaving without a vote.
- Mrs. Thatcher highlighted economic benefits of being part of Europe as a key point in her campaign strategy.
John Major's Campaign Style in 1992 Election:
- John Major adopted a retro campaign style with personal touches like revisiting his old house in Brixton and using a wooden crate as a soapbox for speeches.
- Despite appearing boring on television, Major was described as charismatic and impressive when met in person.
Decline in Political Standards Over Time:
- Politicians today face greater restrictions due to social media scrutiny and lack of room for error compared to past eras.
- The demands on politicians are higher while pay relative to other professions is lower, potentially deterring talented individuals from entering politics.
- The ecosystem has changed negatively over time, making it difficult for politicians to shine or grow personally within the political landscape.