It was not all roses before Thatcher came into power.
In 1975, when Labour were in power, inflation reached 26.9% and in the late 70s unemployment was very high.
Then in the winter of 78 / 79, with Labour still in power, we had the so-called Winter of Discontent.
Strikes, rubbish poling up on the streets, hospitals being picketed so only emergencies were admitted and much more.
More here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_of_Discont ent
People talk as though Britain was some sort of Nirvarna before Thatcher came to power and she ruined it.
Far from it, this country was a mess, the poor man of Europe and getting worse.
Thatcher turned that round and any success we have today is down to her.