Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-270) and index.

"What was the impact of Margaret Thatcher on British politics in the twentieth 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 Conservative Party history and postwar politics. It explores the forces which account for Thatcher's emergence as Tory leader in 1975, her caution as leader of the opposition until 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."--BOOK JACKET.