Theme 1A- Changing Political Environment Flashcards
How was Britain governed during WWI?
Liberal-Conservative coalition led by DLG
What was the 1918 Representation of the People Act?
Almost triples the electorate, all women over 30 who own property and all men over 21 can now vote
What was the dominant party in 1918?
The conservatives- seen as the party of the middle and upper class, but have votes from aspirational and patriotic working class
Who was the opposition in 1918?
The Liberals- led wartime coalition but deeply divided between Asquith and DLG supporters over issues of wartime control
What was the position of the Labour party in 1918?
very new (formed 1900), represented the TU movement
What was the result of the 1918 election?
Overwhelming win for the wartime coalition, but most MPs Conservatives and Liberals now rely on them for support
How did the Labour party change 1918-31?
Supplanted Liberals as opposition, eventually form two governments 1924-31
How did the Liberal party change 1918-31?
Declined, don’t have strong consistent voter base and couldn’t compete against Labour party for working-class vote. Once they start going to elections as two separate parties they have no chance of being a major threat
How did the Conservative party change 1918-31?
Dominate, good at adapting to political circumstances and resist temptation to clamp down on TU powers to retain their WC voter base. Gradually warm to the idea of welfare as necessary
What was the result of the 1929 election?
First time Labour has most seats, but gov collapses in 1931 due to depression. King invites all political parties to come together to form National Government
What was the make-up of the National Government?
Comes to be dominated by the Conservatives, despite initially having a Labour leader (Macdonald)
What policies does the National Government enact?
10% tariff on imported goods, reduced interest rates, introduce means test on benefits
To what extent did the National Government face a threat from Extremism?
Were extremists- Oswald Moseley, Comnunist party- but Moseley lacked party structure eg promoting ideas and fighting elections, mainly based on his personality
What was the effect of the National Government?
Gradual improvement in economy, Britain suffers less from depression than other countries
What was the result of the 1945 election?
Labour landslide with Attlee, allows them to usher in new era of consensus on key policy areas
