britain 5.1 Flashcards
(25 cards)
What were the initial political changes at the start of WW1?
Initially, it was believed that the war would be over by Christmas, so the liberal government tried to continue without much change, with the motto being ‘business as usual’. The only change was bringing in Lord Kitchener as Secretary for War and passing the Defense of the Realm Act in 1914 (DORA).
What was the Defense of the Realm Act (DORA)?
DORA allowed the government to react quickly to crises without needing an act of parliament. It covered control of information, protection of important communication centers-E.G DOCKS, regulation of people’s lives-RATIONING AND OPENING TIMES OF PUBS , and increased powers to detain people without trial.
Why was the 1915 coalition formed?
From April to May 1915, Asquith and his government were losing confidence. It was clear the war would last long, requiring sustained recruitment and production of weapons. Military disaster at Gallipoli and a shell shortage scandal lowered the government’s prestige, forcing Asquith to accept an all-party coalition.
Why were many liberals unhappy with the government’s interventionist position in the war?
They were uncomfortable with the introduction of conscription in January 1916 and believed the state was threatening civil liberties through DORA. Some joined the Union of Democratic Control to promote peace by negotiation.
How did Lloyd George progress through the coalition?
DLG supported the coalition idea and understood the demands of total war. He became Minister of Munitions, cutting through bureaucracy to address the war crisis, and took over as Secretary of War after Kitchener’s death in 1916.
What was the problem with the coalition?
The new coalition cabinet had 23 ministers, making it ineffective for conducting a war. Tensions existed as key positions were held by liberals, and conservatives distrusted Asquith, leading to hesitant and piecemeal war direction.
What were the challenges to traditional liberal thinking during WW1?
The need for greater state intervention to manage the war economy conflicted with traditional liberal policies of ‘laissez faire’. DLG recognized the need for state powers, while Asquith struggled to abandon his liberal principles.
What was the crisis of 1916?
Setbacks included the Easter Rising, failure at the Battle of Jutland, and heavy casualties at the Battle of the Somme, which further destroyed confidence in Asquith.
What happened in 1916 after Asquith began to lose support?
The conservatives withdrew support for Asquith, wanting DLG to replace him. DLG proposed a small war cabinet, with Asquith remaining as Prime Minister but not part of the war cabinet.
What were the developments in the coalition from December 3rd to December 7th, 1916?
The King asked Bonar Law to form a government, but Asquith refused to serve under him. Finally, DLG gained enough support to become Prime Minister.
How did DLG’s new coalition government change governance in Britain?
A small war cabinet of 5 replaced the normal cabinet of 23. Most top jobs were held by conservatives, and new ministries were set up for wartime needs.
What did many liberals think of DLG after he replaced Asquith as Prime Minister?
Liberal MPs recognized Asquith as their leader but supported the war government. Many viewed DLG as a traitor, leading to a division within the liberal party.
What did the Labour Party almost split over in 1914?
The party debated whether to support the war. Some leaders opposed it-e.g MacDonald, while most of the Labour movement supported the war, leading to Arthur Henderson’s cabinet position in 1916.
How did the Labour Party change social policy as part of the coalition?
Labour pushed for rent controls to keep wartime rents at prewar levels.
They demanded fair play: controls on profiteering and high taxes on war profits.
1915: Excess Profits Duty introduced.
1917: Price controls introduced to stabilise food prices.
These actions boosted Labour’s credibility and confidence in using government for social reform.
Why did Labour end its wartime cooperation with DLG?
This cooperation ended when Henderson was denied permission to attend the Stockholm conference aimed at negotiating peace, leading to his resignation from the cabinet in August 1917.
What was involved in the new Labour Party constitution in February 1918?
the party was to be composed of various affiliated groups: trade unions, socialist societies, co-operative societies , trade councils and local Labour parties.
an executive of 23 members would manage the party.
Nationalisation . - known as clause 4
surplus wealth would be redistributed
trade unions would have more power, and the Labour Party would co operate with them in formulation of policy.
What were examples of how DLG and Bonar Law worked well together?
DLG met with Bonar Law every morning to discuss policy; Bonar Law’s approval helped get things through Cabinet and Commons.
Bonar Law acted as a mediator between DLG and Conservative backbenchers.
Bonar Law’s support was crucial to DLG becoming Prime Minister.
As Chancellor of the exchequer (1916–18), Bonar Law helped raise war funds, including £600 million in 1917 through a war loan with a 5% interest rate.
By the end of WW1, what was the rivalry between DLG and Asquith like?
DLG was popular, but most liberal party funds and organization were under Asquith’s control, forcing DLG to rely on conservative support.
What was the ‘coupon election’?
DLG convinced Bonar Law to call an election before 1918’s end, with candidates receiving a ‘coupon’ certificate to support the coalition. The coalition won a landslide victory.
What measures did DLG’s coalition initially carry out to ‘reconstruct’ after the war?
1918 Education Act:
Raised school leaving age to 14.
Gave more funding to improve teacher pay.
More scholarships offered for secondary schools (still fee-paying).
1919 Addison Housing Act:
Local authorities had to ensure decent housing.
170,000 subsidised houses built.
1920 Unemployment Act:
Extended to cover 12 million more workers.
1920 Agriculture Act:
Guaranteed prices for wheat and oats.
Set a minimum wage for farm workers.
By 1922, what were the key problems facing the DLG coalition?
Economic depression led to cuts in government spending, increased trade union activityn 1921 86 million working days were lost .-, and the Irish troubles. Bonar Law’s resignation weakened DLG’s position.
What was the honours scandal?
DLG was accused of selling peerages to finance his political party, selling 1500 knighthoods and nearly 100 peerages, shocking due to his anti-privilege stance.
What was the Chanak Affair?
DLG ordered British forces to Chanak to stop advancing Turkish forces, damaging his reputation as he acted without consulting coalition partners.
When and why did the post-war coalition end?
October 1922:
By-election win at Newport made Conservatives confident they could win alone.
Carlton Club meeting:
Baldwin and Bonar Law gave key speeches.
Conservatives voted to leave DLG’s coalition.
Bonar Law withdrew support — this had the biggest impact.
DLG resigned shortly after.
The post-war coalition ended.
