Changes

|seq=69

|seq=69

|party=Labour Party

|party=Labour Party

|term_start=October 16 1964

|term_start=October 16, 1964

|term_end=June 19 1970

|term_end=June 19, 1970

|previous=Alec Douglas-Home

|previous=Alec Douglas-Home

|next=Edward Heath

|next=Edward Heath

|term_start2=March 4 1974

|term_start2=March 4, 1974

|term_end2=April 5 1976

|term_end2=April 5, 1976

|previous2=Edward Heath

|previous2=Edward Heath

|next2=James Callaghan

|next2=James Callaghan

|birth_date=March 11 1916

|birth_date=March 11, 1916

|birth_place=Huddersfield

|birth_place=Huddersfield

|death_date=May 24 1995 (aged 79)

|death_date=May 24, 1995 (aged 79)

|death_place=London

|death_place=London

|spouse=

|spouse=

Although the United States and Britain have shared a "special relationship" in foreign relations since 1940, this link was weakened during the 1960s by several factors: differing foreign policy aims, varying national and international security ideas, and unfriendly personal relations between President [[Lyndon Johnson]] and Wilson. The relationship did not improve until the 1970s.  

Although the United States and Britain have shared a "special relationship" in foreign relations since 1940, this link was weakened during the 1960s by several factors: differing foreign policy aims, varying national and international security ideas, and unfriendly personal relations between President [[Lyndon Johnson]] and Wilson. The relationship did not improve until the 1970s.  

In 1965, Johnson proposed that the United States prop up Britain's pound sterling. In return he sought from Wilson's government such measures as support of deflationary policies and of American policies in the Vietnam War. Wilson refused to involve Britain in the conflict<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 80</ref>. The initiative failed to materialize. Wilson defenders say the United States reneged after Wilson fended off American efforts to compromise Britain's sovereignty. Americans believe the change in US policy stemmed from new perceptions in the Johnson administration on Labour Party misrule in Britain. Americans concluded it was a mistake to indulge Britain in light of the Wilson government's unsatisfactory positions on Vietnam, its smaller contributions to European defense, its international monetary ideas, and its Middle Eastern policies.<ref> John Dumbrell, "The Johnson Administration and the British Labour Government: Vietnam, the Pound and East of Suez" ''Journal of American Studies'' 1996 30(2): 211-231. </ref>

In 1965, Johnson proposed that the United States prop up Britain's pound sterling. In return he sought from Wilson's government such measures as support of deflationary policies and of American policies in the Vietnam War. Wilson refused to involve Britain in the conflict.<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 80</ref> The initiative failed to materialize. Wilson defenders say the United States reneged after Wilson fended off American efforts to compromise Britain's sovereignty. Americans believe the change in US policy stemmed from new perceptions in the Johnson administration on Labour Party misrule in Britain. Americans concluded it was a mistake to indulge Britain in light of the Wilson government's unsatisfactory positions on Vietnam, its smaller contributions to European defense, its international monetary ideas, and its Middle Eastern policies.<ref>John Dumbrell, "The Johnson Administration and the British Labour Government: Vietnam, the Pound and East of Suez" ''Journal of American Studies'' 1996 30(2): 211-231.</ref>

===Economy===

===Economy===

Much of the disillusionment with Wilson was due to his perceived failure on the economic front. He pledged not to devalue sterling, however he crumbled under pressure by striking from the National Union of Seamen and resorted to devaluation in 1967<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 53</ref> He also promised to keep unemployment low, but by 1970 had accepted a higher rate of joblessness than the Conservatives had endorsed. Wilson failed to implement two radical election pledges: to produce a comprehensive state earnings-related pension scheme and to introduce the 'income guarantee' - a minimum benefit to be paid without recourse to the traditional means test.  

Much of the disillusionment with Wilson was due to his perceived failure on the economic front. He pledged not to devalue sterling, however he crumbled under pressure by striking from the National Union of Seamen and resorted to devaluation in 1967<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 53</ref> He also promised to keep unemployment low, but by 1970 had accepted a higher rate of joblessness than the Conservatives had endorsed. Wilson failed to implement two radical election pledges: to produce a comprehensive state earnings-related pension scheme and to introduce the 'income guarantee' - a minimum benefit to be paid without recourse to the traditional means test.  

Wilson's problems and defeats have obscured some of the modest achievements of the period. Science and education spending grew very quickly, industrial investment rose, and government was increasingly well-informed and better advised about the performance of the economy. In an increasingly unstable and rapidly changing economic environment, this government's economic record was one of muddling through, with little long-term vision.<ref> O'Hara (2006)</ref>  

Wilson's problems and defeats have obscured some of the modest achievements of the period. Science and education spending grew very quickly, industrial investment rose, and government was increasingly well-informed and better advised about the performance of the economy. In an increasingly unstable and rapidly changing economic environment, this government's economic record was one of muddling through, with little long-term vision.<ref>O'Hara (2006)</ref>  

The Labour Party when it was out of power in the early 1960s argued that Britain was lagging behind in science and technology. In 1963 Wilson, as party leader, pledged that a Labour government would lead the country through the "white heat" of a technological revolution. In fact, Britain in the 1960s spent more on research and development (R&D), both industrially and governmentally funded, than any other capitalist country besides the United States. The Labour government coming to power in 1964 found that Britain lacked not technology but strong industrial organization and management. Under [[Anthony Wedgwood Benn]], 1966-70, the Ministry of Technology attempted to rectify these deficiencies in high technology industries. This effort, only marginally successful, confirmed the lack of positive correlation between R&D and overall economic growth. Indeed, overexpenditure on "high tech" R&D could even be detrimental to such growth.<ref> David Edgerton, "The 'White Heat' Revisited: The British Government and Technology in the 1960s." ''Twentieth Century British History'' 1996 7(1): 53-82. in [[EBSCO]]</ref>  

The Labour Party when it was out of power in the early 1960s argued that Britain was lagging behind in science and technology. In 1963 Wilson, as party leader, pledged that a Labour government would lead the country through the "white heat" of a technological revolution. In fact, Britain in the 1960s spent more on research and development (R&D), both industrially and governmentally funded, than any other capitalist country besides the United States. The Labour government coming to power in 1964 found that Britain lacked not technology but strong industrial organization and management. Under [[Anthony Wedgwood Benn]], 1966–70, the Ministry of Technology attempted to rectify these deficiencies in high technology industries. This effort, only marginally successful, confirmed the lack of positive correlation between R&D and overall economic growth. Indeed, overexpenditure on "high tech" R&D could even be detrimental to such growth.<ref>David Edgerton, "The 'White Heat' Revisited: The British Government and Technology in the 1960s." ''Twentieth Century British History'' 1996 7(1): 53-82. in [[EBSCO]]</ref>  

Wilson realized he had to fight the 1966 strike by the National Union of Seamen. Determined to save his government's income policy and bolster the British pound, Wilson declared a state of emergency. When that proved ineffective, he turned to claiming that the union was being influenced by Communists. The 47-day strike ended when the shipowners presented an acceptable offer. While Wilson appeared to be the winner, his tactics antagonized many Labour Party supporters.<ref> Keir Thorpe, "The 'Juggernaut Method': The 1966 State of Emergency and the Wilson Government's Response to the Seamen's Strike". ''Twentieth Century British History'' 2001 12(4): 461-485 in [[EBSCO]].</ref>

Wilson realized he had to fight the 1966 strike by the National Union of Seamen. Determined to save his government's income policy and bolster the British pound, Wilson declared a state of emergency. When that proved ineffective, he turned to claiming that the union was being influenced by Communists. The 47-day strike ended when the shipowners presented an acceptable offer. While Wilson appeared to be the winner, his tactics antagonized many Labour Party supporters.<ref>Keir Thorpe, "The 'Juggernaut Method': The 1966 State of Emergency and the Wilson Government's Response to the Seamen's Strike". ''Twentieth Century British History'' 2001 12(4): 461-485 in [[EBSCO]].</ref>

===Liberalisation===

===Liberalisation===

The Wilson government committed itself to the Liberalisation of British Society in the 1960's. Wilson's Home Secretary [[Roy Jenkins]] undertook an extreme liberal agenda abolishing Capital Punishment, completely legalizing abortion and then homosexuality<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 51</ref>. At the same time censorship on obsenity was abolished paving the way for what would become known as the "Permissive Society" in Britain during the 1960's and a new sex culture emerged. This polarized society creating tense divisions between the [[Liberal]] young generations and older Conservative Christians such as [[Mary Whitehouse]] who seeked to defend tradition morals and values in the country, becoming what would be known as the "Generation Gap" in Britain.<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 69</ref>

The Wilson government committed itself to the Liberalisation of British Society in the 1960's. Wilson's Home Secretary [[Roy Jenkins]] undertook an extreme liberal agenda abolishing Capital Punishment, completely legalizing abortion and then homosexuality.<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 51</ref> At the same time censorship on obsenity was abolished paving the way for what would become known as the "Permissive Society" in Britain during the 1960's and a new sex culture emerged. This polarized society creating tense divisions between the [[Liberal]] young generations and older Conservative Christians such as [[Mary Whitehouse]] who seeked to defend tradition morals and values in the country, becoming what would be known as the "Generation Gap" in Britain.<ref>The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007- Chris Rowe: Page 69</ref>

===Immigration===

===Immigration===

Wilson reversed the policy of uncontrolled Commonwealth immigration of his predecessor Hugh Gaitskell. With an eye on public opinion and election returns, Wilson developed a three-phased race-relations policy, including tightened immigration controls, prohibition of domestic racial discrimination and incitement, and creation of local conciliation and integration mechanisms. His pragmatic, carefully balanced immigration and race-relations policies were in the short run successful, not least because of acquiescence by the opposition Conservative leadership. Racial issues, conspicuous in some urban working-class constituencies in the 1964 general election, were marginalized in the 1966 election. During Wilson's second administration (1966-70), pressure by Asian immigrants from East Africa and [[Enoch Powell]]'s populist Conservatism rekindled race-related issues.<ref>Dennis Dean, "The Race Relations Policy of the First Wilson Government". ''Twentieth Century British History'' 2000 11(3): 259-283  in [[EBSCO]] </ref>

Wilson reversed the policy of uncontrolled Commonwealth immigration of his predecessor Hugh Gaitskell. With an eye on public opinion and election returns, Wilson developed a three-phased race-relations policy, including tightened immigration controls, prohibition of domestic racial discrimination and incitement, and creation of local conciliation and integration mechanisms. His pragmatic, carefully balanced immigration and race-relations policies were in the short run successful, not least because of acquiescence by the opposition Conservative leadership. Racial issues, conspicuous in some urban working-class constituencies in the 1964 general election, were marginalized in the 1966 election. During Wilson's second administration (1966–70), pressure by Asian immigrants from East Africa and [[Enoch Powell]]'s populist Conservatism rekindled race-related issues.<ref>Dennis Dean, "The Race Relations Policy of the First Wilson Government". ''Twentieth Century British History'' 2000 11(3): 259-283  in [[EBSCO]]</ref>

===Socialism===

===Socialism===

Despite its alleged commitment to socialism, the British Labour Party has been flexible and reformist in its doctrine ever since it was founded in 1900. After the crisis of 1931, the party adopted a broadly social democratic program in which socialism was linked with the idea of economic planning and social welfare. The Attlee government of 1945-51 was very moderate in its commitment to socialism. The years of opposition saw violent arguments in the party between left-wing Bevanites and the center-right supporters of Hugh Gaitskell. But the main differences concerned foreign and defense policy. On domestic issues, the party was now broadly revisionist, committed to the mixed economy and social equality.  

Despite its alleged commitment to socialism, the British Labour Party has been flexible and reformist in its doctrine ever since it was founded in 1900. After the crisis of 1931, the party adopted a broadly social democratic program in which socialism was linked with the idea of economic planning and social welfare. The Attlee government of 1945-51 was very moderate in its commitment to socialism. The years of opposition saw violent arguments in the party between left-wing Bevanites and the center-right supporters of Hugh Gaitskell. But the main differences concerned foreign and defense policy. On domestic issues, the party was now broadly revisionist, committed to the mixed economy and social equality.  

===New Left===

===New Left===

Wilson, on becoming prime minister in 1964, tried to bypass old doctrinal arguments by harnessing socialism to ideas of scientific modernization. But his government was a great failure, not least in its relations with the trade unions, the linchpin of the party since its founding. This bred much disillusionment and launched a new left-wing socialism in the 1970s. Wilson represented the older traditions of the Party and never understood the emerging "New Left" with new social roots, radical new ideas and new styles of political behaviour in the late 1970s. Following the disillusion and demoralization of traditional Labour Party activists with Wilson's government, a more radical and well-educated local Labour leadership appeared at the local level.  The Labour government of 1974-79 added to this division. The left-wing pressure reached its climax in the early 1980s when Thatcher was in power, but resulted only in heavy defeats for Labour in 1983 and 1987. The general impression in 1989 is of a loss of political and intellectual confidence, with British socialism trapped between a cherished past and an uncertain future.<ref> Kenneth O. Morgan, ''Britain since 1945: The People's Peace'' (2001)</ref>

Wilson, on becoming prime minister in 1964, tried to bypass old doctrinal arguments by harnessing socialism to ideas of scientific modernization. But his government was a great failure, not least in its relations with the trade unions, the linchpin of the party since its founding. This bred much disillusionment and launched a new left-wing socialism in the 1970s. Wilson represented the older traditions of the Party and never understood the emerging "New Left" with new social roots, radical new ideas and new styles of political behaviour in the late 1970s. Following the disillusion and demoralization of traditional Labour Party activists with Wilson's government, a more radical and well-educated local Labour leadership appeared at the local level.  The Labour government of 1974-79 added to this division. The left-wing pressure reached its climax in the early 1980s when Thatcher was in power, but resulted only in heavy defeats for Labour in 1983 and 1987. The general impression in 1989 is of a loss of political and intellectual confidence, with British socialism trapped between a cherished past and an uncertain future.<ref>Kenneth O. Morgan, ''Britain since 1945: The People's Peace'' (2001)</ref>

===Europe===

===Europe===

===Administration===

===Administration===

Changes to the machinery of government were central to the British Labour Party's policy agenda during 1964-70, key parts of which, particularly the drive for planned economic growth, were not achieved. The ideological basis for the objectives being pursued, such as economic expansion, was never properly explored or developed. However, some of Wilson's innovations, such as the incorporation of more outsiders into Whitehall, the first use of special advisers, and the establishment of the Ministry of Overseas Development and the Welsh Office, were successful.<ref>Andrew Blick, "Harold Wilson, Labour and the Machinery of Government" ''Contemporary British History'' 2006 20(3): 343-362   </ref>

Changes to the machinery of government were central to the British Labour Party's policy agenda during 1964-70, key parts of which, particularly the drive for planned economic growth, were not achieved. The ideological basis for the objectives being pursued, such as economic expansion, was never properly explored or developed. However, some of Wilson's innovations, such as the incorporation of more outsiders into Whitehall, the first use of special advisers, and the establishment of the Ministry of Overseas Development and the Welsh Office, were successful.<ref>Andrew Blick, "Harold Wilson, Labour and the Machinery of Government" ''Contemporary British History'' 2006 20(3): 343-362</ref>

==Image==

==Image==