Formation of the Labour Party Flashcards
The formation of the Labour Party.
The Labour Party’s formation was a result of many years of struggle by working class people, trade unionists and socialists, united by the goal of representation of the working class in parliament.
When/ where was the ILP formed?
The ILP was formed at a conference in Bradford in 1893.The conference was led by Kier Hardie, an MP that had worked in the mines from the age of 7-24.
What was the ILP short for?
Independent Labour Party
What was the 1867 Reform Act?
The Act enabled more of the working class to vote (after a property qualification), therefore increasing the demand for representation within parliament.
Why was there opposition to a united Labour party by 1900?
There was little support for socialist ideas at the time, people didn’t want the money they worked hard for to be shared. Trade Unions were more interested in workers pay and conditions rather than politics and therefore didn’t want to be involved, the party had no electoral success.
What aided the growth of the Labour Party? Disputes.
Disputes between employers and employees; New machinery had lessened the need for skilled workers, causing strikes. In retaliation employers had set up their own federations to resist these strikes. The government increasingly seemed to side with employers during disputes, as the current government was mostly made up of higher class businessmen.
What aided the growth of the Labour Party? Relationship.
More ILP members were getting elected into local councils; therefore the TUC decided to start investing in these conditions to attempt to get them into parliament also.
What was the LRC?
The LRC was set up in 1900, the meeting was between members of the SDF, ILP, Fabian Society, Trade Unionists and Ramsey MacDonald as secretary.
What was the impact of Taff Vale Judgement on the LRC?
After the Taff Vale Judgement, it meant that effectively Trade Unions and workers could no longer go on strike. The only way to overturn this was through a change in law, meaning workers would need representation within parliament. Due to this many more workers and unions became affiliated with the LRC had a fund of £5000.
What was the ‘Lib-Lab’ pact?
The secret electoral pact meant the two parties needed compatible manifestos in order to appeal to supporters of both parties. The Liberals pledged to introduce Trade Unions legislation and they made a pact with the new Labour party in 1903 not to oppose Labour candidates in some seats.
