History of the Labour Party

Question 1

When was the Labour Party founded?

Answer 1

1900

Question 2

When Labour was first founded, what type of party was it and what did it want to achieve?

Answer 2

Socialist party committed to a peaceful parliamentary route to socialism
Historically shown committment to social democracy (milder version of socialism)

Question 3

What is social democracy?

Answer 3

Seeks to reform capitalism, not abolish it

Question 4

When was Old Labour in place?

Answer 4

1945-1994

Question 5

State the ideas and principles of Old Labour

Answer 5

Equality
Collectivism
Capitalism
Social justice
Class and society

Question 6

Old Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Equality

Answer 6

People are of equal worth and there should be no unjustified privilege or inequality in society
Examples in policies:
Tax and welfare should be used to reduce differences in income
Wealth should not give anyone unjustified access to power

Question 7

Old Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Collectivism

Answer 7

Humans are social animals who prefer to work collectiviely
Examples of policies reflecting this:
The welfare state to be funded by taxes and all should be equally entitled to it
Strong trade unions are needed to defend workers’ interests

Question 8

Old Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Capitalism

Answer 8

Capitalism must be controlled
Example reflecting this in policies:
Key industries should be nationalised
Control capitalism to limit its expoitation of the working class

Question 9

Old Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Social justice

Answer 9

All should have access to a decent standard of living
Example in policies reflecting this:
Free education and welfare are at the heart of social justice
Strong laws to guarantee equal rights and outlaw discrimination

Question 10

Old Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Class and society

Answer 10

Recognise class divisions as problematic in society
Examples in policies reflecting this:
Highly progressive taxes and welfare to make society more economically equal
Firm economic management to control unemployment

Question 11

When was New Labour in place?

Answer 11

1994-2010

Question 12

State New Labour ideas and principles

Answer 12

Individualism
Free market
Welfare state
Social justice
Communitarianism

Question 13

New Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Individualism

Answer 13

Greater emphasis on the ability of the individual to realise their own potential
Examples reflected in policies:
Low income tax to be retained to encourage work
Home ownership to be encouraged
Small business to be encouraged and supported

Question 14

New Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Free market

Answer 14

Accepted as the best form of wealth creation
Examples reflected in policies:
No more nationalisation and some further privatisation
Reduce corporate taxes to encourage enterprise
Trade unions should be weak to ensure free labour markets

Question 15

New Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Welfare state

Answer 15

Support welfare state and increase spending
Examples reflected in policies:
Increased spending on health and education
Education to maximise ability of individuals
Welfare to be targeted to most needy and as an incentive to work

Question 16

New Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Social justice

Answer 16

All should have access to a decent standard of living
Examples reflected in policies:
Welfare state to guarentee living standards
Strong laws to guarentee equal rights and outlaw discrimination
Minimum wage

Question 17

New Labour ideas/principles (explain and examples): Communitarianism

Answer 17

All have responsibility to care for the community collectively
Examples reflected in policies:
Caring attitude towards the environment
Emphasis on schools and strong social services
State support for local voluntary associations