Decline of the liberal party. Interwar years Flashcards
When was the first sign of a divide in the liberal party
David Lloyd George supported DORA which gave the government extensive power over people’s lives in 1914. On the other hand Asquith was against this.
What did the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) do
- Diluted beer
- Took control of mines and railways
- Rationing
- Censorship
- Conscription
- Licensing hours
- British summer time
Describe the Maurice debate
The Maurice debate took place in the house of commons during 1918. A general Maurice who served during WW1 questioned Lloyd’s leadership and criticised him for moving soldiers to Palestine from the Western front. Asquith took on these allegations and attacked DLG.
What was the result of the Maurice debate
Many see it as the liberal party “Commiting suicide”.
Herbert Asquith was politically vanished by DLG who defended himself refuting all the allegations. This tore apart the liberal party.
When did David Lloyd George first become PM
DLG replaced Asquith as PM in 1916 after Asquith was seen as an incompetent leader during the war
When was the coupon election and who won it.
The coupon election was in 1918 and was won by the liberal-conservative coalition led by DLG. He did become prime minister but the majority of his MPs were conservatives.
Why was it called the coupon election.
Anyone who stood for DLG were issued with a coupon saying they stood for the coalition.
What were the consequences of the election of the coalition government and DLG as PM.
- The Lloyd George liberals were dependant on the conservatives and had a weak position in parliament.
- The divide in the party deepened.
- DLG tried to make the coalition permanent with the formation of an anti-labour ‘centre party’.
What scandalous events transpired in 1922 relating to the coalition government.
DLG was reported to be selling knighthoods for up to £10,000 which made him seem corrupt.
DLG was also seen as a warmonger threatening Turkey over the Chanak incident.
These events led to the conservatives leaving the coalition and forcing DLG to resign.
Describe key reasons for the liberals failure to bounce back in the 1922, 1923 and 1924 elections.
David Lloyds personal unpopularity
Division between the liberals
Lack of funding to carry out successful campaigns
Rise of labour - 142 seats in 1922
- In the 1924 election their vote fell by 12% despite supporting a minority labour government. This was because they lost the confidence of their traditional voters.
