12.3 The new Labour government

Question 1

Why was the 1929 government limited in the policies it could pass?

Answer 1

It had only won by a minority

Question 2

Who was the PM in 1929?

Answer 2

MacDonald

Question 3

Who was the Chancellor the Exchequer in 1929?

Answer 3

Snowden

Question 4

What were notable changes to the cabinet since the first Labour government?

Answer 4

• Left wing George Lansbury was charged with Ministry of Works
• 1st Female cabinet member Margaret Bondfield!

Question 5

Who was the Foreign secretary in 1929?

Answer 5

Arthur Henderson

Question 6

What approach did the Foreign Secretary have to the LoN?

Answer 6

Henderson was strongest supporter of the LoN than any previous Foreign Secretary (disarmament (collapsed in 1933))

Question 7

Why had there been a moment of optimism in 1929 as Labour gained control?

Answer 7

As Labour took over there was a slight decrease in unemployment

Question 8

What were some of Labour’s key aims in 1929? (3)

Answer 8

• Build council houses
• Raise school leaving age to 15
• Take government control over London Transport

Question 9

What had Macdonald been advised not to do?

• instead what did MacDonald think?

Answer 9

• MacDonald had been advised by some on the left to not create another minority government as it would be powerless to introduce socialism so bear any great consequence.
• MacDonald though that it was an opportunity to gain trust of the people and prove Labour’s ability to govern