02-11 UK starters Flashcards
What is the name of the voting system used in the UK?
First Past the Post (FPTP)
Describe what a trade union is?
- An organisation made up of workers from a certain industry or business
- They fight for workers’ rights and pay
Explain the term coalition government?
If no party wins a majority, the biggest party may team up with another party
Explain why it is important for governments to have strong majorities in parliament?
It is difficult to get laws passed without a majority
What three major political parties existed at the start of the 20th century in Britain?
The Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal party.
What three political parties existed at the start of the 20th century in Britain?
The Liberals, Conservatives and Labour
What happened to the Liberal Party in 1916?
The Liberal Party split between supporters of Asquith and David Lloyd George
Describe how Britain was governed from 1916-1922?
A coalition government of Liberals and Conservatives led by David Lloyd George
Who was the leader of the Conservative Party for the majority of the interwar period?
Stanley Baldwin
Why did the 1911 Wages for MP Act help the Labour Party?
It gave them the ability to send working-class MPs to parliament
What kind of government did Labour have in 1924 and 1929-31?
Minority governments: dependent on Liberal support
Why did the Liberal Party decline in the interwar years?
- Splits in 1916 between Asquithites and Georgites
- DLG mistakes: Geddes Axe, Cash For Honours, Chanak Crisis
- RISE OF LABOUR!
Explain why the Conservatives could be seen as ‘competent’ across this period?
- Adapted well to new electorate post-ROPA
- No class war rhetoric vs Labour
- Baldwin’s reputation for economic competence
Explain how the voting system benefitted the Tories?
- Plural voting favoured the Tories
- They won over many new voters in 1918 with ROPA
What struggles prevented Labour from dominating interwar politics?
Minority governments made it difficult to pass legislation/have strong government
Suspicion of communist sympathies: Campbell affair, Zinoviev Letter
World events: Great Depression
What was the legacy of WW1?
Loss of export markets
750,000 deaths
£3.25 billion debt
What two things did people invest their money in after WW1?
Shares in industries
Luxury Goods
What was the impact of the recession 1920-21?
Unemployment rose to 12%
North-South Gap increased
Retrenchment measures introduced (Geddes Axe)
What was the impact of going back on the Gold Standard?
Pound overvalued by 10%
Exports became uncompetitive
Traditional industries hit hard
Interest rates rose
What was the impact of the Great Depression on Britain?
Unemployment rose to 2.5m
British exports reduced by 50%
Economy shrunk by 5% in 1931
Describe the term industrial relations?
Relations between industries and government
Explain what the term ‘Two Englands’ means?
The divide between traditional industry in the North and newer, light industries in the South
Describe how strike action changed after WW1?
During the war, DLG negotiated to keep it low.
It increased after WW1: 84m days lost to strikes in 1921
What was ‘Red Clydeside’?
A protest of 90,000 workers in Glasgow in response to working hours being cut. Tanks and soldiers were brought in to stop the protest.
What was the Triple Alliance?
An alliance of the Transport, Mining and Railway Unions, who striked in solidarity.
What were the consequences of the General Strike 1926?
Miners’ pay was slashed
The Trade Disputes Act 1927 weakened all union activity
What was the General Strike 1926?
When the Triple Alliance went on strike in protest of miners’ grievances (issues). It lasted 9 days in June before being put down.
What happened to the mines in 1921?
They were returned to private owners
Why was the coal industry going into decline after WW1?
Recession
Traditional industries were becoming uncompetitive
Coal pits overmined during WW1
Oil now available as fuel on ships
More countries mined coal themselves
What key event in 1925 caused the coal industry to suffer?
The return to the Gold Standard
Exports became overpriced and uncompetitive and interest rates rose, making borrowing hard.
What did the Samuel Commission recommend in May 1926?
The government should end the subsidy to miners
They should also cut wages by 13.5%
What were the key consequences of the General Strike 1926?
Trade Disputes Act 1927
Conservative Party strengthened
Mining Industry faced pay cuts