Conservatives benefited the most from WW1

Question 1

introduction

Answer 1

1. The Conservative Party benefited the most from the war, as it allowed them to enter government without an election, dominate the coalition, and exploit the Liberal Party’s weaknesses.
2. but - Labour’s rise, Liberal dominance under Lloyd George
3. overall Conservative long-term gains were greater.

Question 2

Paragraph 1: The Conservative Party’s Gains

Answer 2

1. Conservatives entered government through coalition (1915, 1916) without an election.
2. By 1918, they dominated the coalition under Lloyd George (who relied on their support).
3. Most ministers in the coalition were Conservatives, allowing them to shape policy and maintain stability.
4. The 1918 Coupon Election saw Conservatives win the most seats (332) and form the dominant part of the government.
5. By 1922, the Conservatives abandoned Lloyd George, took full power, and ruled until 1929.
6. Evaluation: The war allowed the Conservatives to avoid internal splits, gain political experience, and emerge as the dominant force in government.

Question 3

Paragraph 2: The Decline of the Liberal Party

Answer 3

1. The war caused internal divisions between Asquith and Lloyd George, splitting the party.
2. Liberal principles (e.g., free trade, limited government intervention) were undermined by wartime collectivism.
3. Lloyd George relied more on Conservative support than his own party, weakening the Liberals.
4. Maurice Debate (1918) exposed deep party divisions.
5. By 1924, the Liberals had collapsed as a major party.
6. Evaluation: The war destroyed the Liberal Party’s unity, allowing the Conservatives to take over as the natural party of government.

Question 4

Paragraph 3: The Limited Success of the Labour Party

Answer 4

1. Labour began forming a distinct identity separate from the Liberals.
2. Trade union membership doubled during the war, providing financial strength.
3. First time in government (Henderson in coalition), proving credibility.
4. However, pacifist stance of key leaders (Hardie, MacDonald) hurt their reputation in a patriotic Britain.
5. Labour was ejected from the coalition in 1917, limiting its influence.
6. Gained some seats in 1918 (from 42 to 57) but still far behind the Conservatives.
7. Evaluation: Labour benefited from long-term organisational growth, but in the short term, the Conservatives gained immediate political power.

Question 5

conclusion

Answer 5

1. The Conservatives benefited the most as they gained experience in government, dominated the coalition, and capitalised on Liberal divisions.
2. Labour made some progress but was not yet ready to challenge for power.
3. The war destroyed the Liberals, allowing the Conservatives to emerge as the dominant political force for much of the 20th century.
4. WWI was a turning point that solidified Conservative dominance in British politics.