To what extent was Margret Thatcher's premiership a failure economically?

Margret Thatcher did succesfully tame excessive inflation rates through the use of monetarist polices. However, this came with the oppertunity cost of rising unemployment as well as a shift away from the industrial sector. During Thatcher's premiership coal production fell drastically, reaching the lowest point in 1984 shortly after the battle of Orgreave. Rising unemployment and economic reallignment during this period prevented Britain from achieving a real GDP output which rivalled the previous prosperity of the 50s and 60s.

MB
Answered by Matthew B. History tutor

2868 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

‘Rebellions in the years 1549-1571 stemmed from the weakness of central government.’ Assess the validity of this view. (25 marks)


How should I plan an answer to a History essay question?


With reference to source A and source B interpret the extent to which (quote from either source) can be said to (relate to module topic). (20)


Why did Henry VIII come into conflict with the papacy in the early 1530s?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning