1914-1922 (The Impact of War)- Political (Politics in Wartime) Flashcards
When did people initially think the war would be over?
Christmas 1914
What was the only change made to the government at first (1914)?
Lord Kitchener made Secretary for War
What does ‘DORA’ stand for?
Defence of the Realm Act
When was DORA passed and why?
8th August 1914
So that the government could act quickly and without having to get an Act of Parliament to approve things
What 4 things did DORA control in 1914?
- Control of information (censorship/spying)
- Protection of all important centres of communication (e.g. railways/docks)
- Regulation of all aspects of people’s lives (e.g. rationing, the opening/closing of pubs)
- Detainment of people without trial
What 3 problems lead Asquith to accept to formation of an all party coalition (in April/May 1915)?
- Government losing early support
- War looked last lasting a long time
- Military disaster at Gallipoli and the scandal over shell shortages had caused the gov to lose prestige
In the coalition government of 1915, who were put in the positions of:
- Head of Colonial Office
- Treasury
- Minister of Munitions
- Colonial Office= Bonar Law
- Treasury= Balfour
- Minister of Munitions= DLG
Why were many Liberals (and others) unhappy with the now interventionist position of the gov?
They did not like conscription as they believed the state threatened civil Liberties
What was the Maurice Debate?
When General Maurice (Director of Military Operations) said the gov had lied about the strength of the British Army
Why did DLG support the coalition?
Thought it was necessary as he understood the demand of total war upon the nation
Define ‘total war’?
Government uses all resources (military, economic and human) to win a war
When did Lord Kitchener die?
1916
Who succeed Kitchener as Secretary of War?
DLG
Give 3 reasons for government problems in 1916
- Cons held no major positions (despite coalition)
- Cons distrusted Asquith
- Direction of war was hesitant and held back by disagreements
In 1916, the Cons totally withdrew their support for Asquith; who did they want to replace him as PM?
DLG
What were the 5 events in the crisis of December 1916?
3rd- Asquith resigns so war cabinet can be formed
4th-War Cabinet plan revealed by The Times; DLG resigns
6th-King George V invites Bonar Law to form gov; declines as he wants Asquith, but Asquith won’t accept
6th- DLG asked to be PM by King
7th- DLG forms gov after persuading enough Cons; Asquith and Liberal ministers resign
What were the initial plans for a War Cabinet?
- Would consist of DLG, Boanr Law and Edward Carson
- Asquith wouldn’t be in WC, but would be PM
How many people were in the new WC?
5
Name something achieved by the WC?
More gov ministries set up for wartime needs (e.g. food, shipping)
Post 1916, who did the Liberals see as their leader?
Asquith (despite DLG being PM)
Who did DLG rely on for support?
Conservatives
Why was Ramsay Macdonald heavily criticised in the press during the war?
He didn’t support it
What 2 things did the Labour influence on the coalition achieve?
- Fixed rent at pre-wartime prices
- Price controls introduced in 1917 to stabilise food prices
Why did Labour end its support for DLG in 1917?
DLG refused to allow Arthur Henderson to attend the Stockholm Conference
Who initiated the Stockholm Conference of 1917, and who attended?
New Russian Gov
All socialist parties from warring countries
What did trade union membership increase to due to the war?
8m
Give 3 points from the 1918 Labour party constitution
- Executive 23 members would run party (elected annually)
- Party to be composed of different groups (TUs, socialist societies etc.)
- All Labour party members resigned from coalition at end of war
Who was the key figure in the relationship between DLG and Cons?
Bonar Law
Why was the 1918 election also called the ‘coupon election’?
Those who fought the election in support of the coalition were given a certificate from DLG and B-L (a coupon)
Why did DLG believe a coalition post war would be a good thing?
Preserve unity and restore normality
What was the main problem for the Liberals in the 1918 election?
Split into National Liberals (DLG) and Liberals (Asquith)
How many seats did the Cons win in 1918?
344
How many seats did Labour win in 1918?
142
Which key figure lost their seat?
Asquith
What 2 things benefited Cons most in 1918?
- Consistent support of war (patriotic)
- Split of southern constituencies (typically their strongest regions)
What 6 difficulties did DLG have to face post 1918?
- Rising economic power of USA
- Worries of growth of TUs
- Divisions over Home Rule from 1914
- Gov debt
- Dislocation of trade/industry
- Demobilising 5m men
Name 4 Acts that aimed for reconstruction?
- 1918 education act (school leaving age up to 14)
- 1919 Addison Housing Act (ensure decent housing, 200k built)
- 1920 Unemployment Act (cover 12m more workers)
- 1920 Agricultural Act (maintained wartime prices for wheat/oats)
What weakened DLG’s position?
When Bonar Law resigned due to ill health
What was the ‘Honours Scandal’ 1922?
DLG accused of selling peerages to fund own party
What was the Chanak Affair?
Accusing DLG of ordering GB troops without consulting coalition
Who won the 1922 election?
Conservatives (330 seats) without DLG
Who was now GB’s second party after 1922?
Labour (142 seats, to a combined 116 of DLG Libs+ Asquith Libs)
