Bevanites Versus Gaitskellites

Question 1

What ideological position does Hugh Gaitskell represent?

Answer 1

Social democratic (right) of the party

Question 2

What did Gaitskell prioritise in government?

Answer 2

National interest over party interest

Question 3

What side of the party did Bevan represent?

Answer 3

He was a Welsh radical, the left of the party

Question 4

What did Bevan prioritise in government?

Answer 4

Staying true to labour ideology over cuts that Gaitskell argued were in the natural interest

Question 5

Arguments for Gaitskell?

Answer 5

1. In order to be deemed a successful government, you have to work within the national interests of the country, and not be afraid to make difficult choices.
2. His decision to go against the ‘socialist grain’ would’ve appealed to middle class voters and made the party seem more moderate

Question 6

What are the reasons against Gaitskell?

Answer 6

Implementing the party risked splitting the Labour Party, and alienating their support base
He said if he’d have realised how difficult the process of implementation was going to be, he’d have backed down, did this reduce the validity of his argument that these cuts were necessary

Question 7

Reasons against Bevan

Answer 7

His constant threat of resignation undermined the principle at hand and meant people struggled to take him seriously
Could view the issue as Bevan having problems with the state of the Labour Party in general, rather than focussing on specific issues at hand

Question 8

Reasons for Bevan

Answer 8

He fought to defend the NHS which was a cherished institution
His actions were ethical in that he tried to represent and uphold the views of,and the promises he had made to, those who elected him