Chapter 5-Politics in war time Flashcards
What was the initial reaction from the government towards WW1?
The Liberals believed it would be over by Christmas and so the motto was ‘business as usual’. The only change they made was to bring in Lord Kitchener as Secretary for war.
What was the Defence of the Realm Act?
The government passed it to give the state control. It covered censorship and measures against spying, the protection of docks and railways and the regulation of all aspects of people’s lives such as rationing.
Why were the Liberals losing support?
It was clear by April 1915 that the war was going to last. Military disasters at Gallipoli and a scandal over shell shortages lowered the government’s prestige. This lead Asquith with no choice but to form a coalition with the Conservatives.
Why were Liberals unhappy with the government’s actions?
They didn’t like the government interfering in the war and many disagreed with the introduction of conscription. They also felt their freedom was being threatened and divisions in the party continued with the Maurice debate.
What did Lloyd George think of the coalition?
He supported it as he wanted a ‘total’ war. He became minister of munitions and when Lord Kitchener died, he became Secretary of War.
How successful was the cabinet?
There were 23 cabinet ministers which meant there were too many to carry out the business of conducting a war. Furthermore, there was tension in the coalition as all of the key positions were held by Liberals, leading to many disagreements.
What did Lloyd George and Bonar Law propose?
After the Conservatives withdrew support for Asquith, LG proposed the creation of a small war cabinet with himself, Bonar Law and Carson(Ulster Unionist). Asquith remained as PM but didn’t take part in the cabinet.
What developments were there in December 1917?
Asquith agreed to resign so that the War Cabinet could form. After an article made negative comments on Asquith, he decided he would lead the cabinet and Lloyd George resigned. The Conservative members of the cabinet also resigned and so Asquith resigned. George V organised a meeting and asked Bonar Law to form a government but he said only if Asquith served under him. Asquith refused and so Lloyd George was then offered the opportunity to form a government. LG persuaded enough Conservatives to form a government and all Liberal ministers resigned.
How did Lloyd George’s government change the way Britain was governed?
A small war cabinet of 5 was used to replace the old cabinet and most top jobs were held be Conservatives. A Cabinet Secretariat made the cabinet more efficient and the PM developed his own Secretariat to give new advice. More government industries were set up for wartime needs such as labour, shipping and food.
How was Lloyd George treated by the Liberals after he formed a new government?
The Liberal MPs pledged to support the government in the conduct of war but man Liberals saw Lloyd George as a traitor and so the feud divided the Liberal Party. Lloyd George’s support now depended on the Conservatives.
How did the Labour party view the war?
They almost split over whether they should support the war as some leaders like MacDonald refused to support the war whereas others supported the war. The cooperation of the trade unions, the backbone of Labour, was recognised as a vital effort to the war.
What influence did Labour have on social policy?
With the rising wartime priced increasing the cost of rent, it forced the government to pass legislation which fixed rent at pre-war levels. It also pushed for controls on profiteering and for high taxation on war profits. Price controls helped to stabilise food prices and this enhances Labour’s credibility.
What role did Labour have in the government?
Henderson became the first ever Labour politician to have a place in the cabinet. He wanted to attend the Stockholm conference which was talks to negotiate reparations after Germany lost the war. However, France wanted Germany to pay and so banned Lloyd George from allowing Henderson to go. As a result, Henderson resigned from the cabinet in August 1917.
What did Henderson do when he left the government?
He reorganised the Labuor party and put together policies for post-war Britain. This united the Labour party and put them in a stronger position to compete in elections.
What was the Labour Party Constitution?
It was adopted to clearly show Labour’s aims and principles. It said that the party should contain various groups including: trade unions, socialists, trade councils and local Labour parties. It said that the party would be managed by 23 elected members and that surplus wealth should be redistributed. Also it said means of production and transport should be taken over by the government (nationalised) and this became known a Clause IV. Labour also wanted to give trade unions more power.
