Early Labour Government Flashcards
Why was it difficult for Bonar Law to form a Government in 1922?
Because leading conservatives refused this.
What did the Bonar Law replace?
The Treaty of Sevres because the Turks hated it during Chanak.
What did Chamberlain do?
He was the minister of health and he passed laws which encouraged more houses built.
What were the difficulties for Bonar Law?
Britain had to pay back the USA over 62 years with interest due to strained relations,v which was embarrassing for Britain. Bonar got cancer in the throat and resigned in May 1923 with no nomination of a successor, so Baldwin became Prime Minister.
Why did Baldwin become prime minister?
Bonar resigned and George V chose Baldwin as there were no nominations.
Why did Baldwin call a General Election in December 1923?
To introduce protection, as he thought that tariffs on goods imported into the country would protect industry and agriculture. He also thought it would relieve unemployment.
What did Labour and Liberal think of this?
They supported free trade instead of protection, They thought this was better because they would be free from Government interference which was the opposite of what the Conservatives wanted.
Why did the 1923 election cause problems for the Conservatives?
There was a decline in Liberals and a rise in Labour. Labours popularity grew because the working class moved from Liberals to Labour, and they had strong links with trade unions. Politicians in Labour had experience from being cabinet ministers and Labour became more formal. It was new, enthusiastic, and there was a new franchise - men at 21 and women at 30 were allowed to vote. The King made Labour a Government because they were the second largest party.
Why was there a Liberal decline?
DLG and Asquith had split, although they reunited in 1923 but people were still suspicious and moral authority was lost during WW1. Liberals were unsure if they could make any changes to society, they were strapped for money, they lost enthusiasm the ‘first past the post’ did not work for them as they could not spread support.
What did Labour do about old age pensions and unemployment benefit?
They raised pensions and they eased unemployment benefit.
What did Labour do about the Geddes Axe, which cut state scholarships to universities?
They introduced more public funding to provide goods and services to the general public.
What did Labour do about the industrial unrest that caused issues for all of the governments?
They had poor relationships with strikers and there was no favourable treatment from Labour, which was unexpected as they should support trade unions who they work with closely.
What did Labour do when the Homes Fit For Heroes plan was cut back?
They introduced the Wheatley’s Housing Act, which gave £9 for every house, where as the Conservatives previously only paid £6.
How did Labour help Franco-German relations?
They persuaded a settlement and allowed Germany to join the League of Nations to reduce reparations (Dawes Plan, where America provided.
How did Labour develop develop relations with Russia?
They introduced the Anglo-Russian Treaty, which offered a £30 million loan and Britain got compensation for this in return. However this was controversial because Russian’s were communists, and Britain feared communism. But the Treaty was never passed.
