Growth of Labour

Question 1

how was the Independent Labour Party formed?

Answer 1

1893
- trade union delegates from Fabians and SDF formed ILP

Question 2

what was the Independent Labour Party’s ideals?

Answer 2

• programme rejecting Marxist agenda of SDF
• proposed progressive reforms (e.g. free education, minimum wage, free healthcare, e.c.t.)

Question 3

what was the Labour Representation Committee?

Answer 3

• 1900 the LRC was formed by the Trade Unions, Socialist Organisations and the Independent Labour Party
• Formed in response to Trade Unions congress deciding that more action was required for parliamentary candidates

Question 4

What was the Taff Vale Railway Company Case?

Answer 4

• 1901 the Lords ordered the Trade Unions to pay £23,000 to Taff Vale for profit loss from strike action
• this led to made the LRC a mass movement due to dismay in the Trade Unions
• Meant the Trade Unions could promote their interests and LRC gained electoral support from union members

Question 5

when did LRC change its name?

Answer 5

1906
- to the Labour Party
- suggested it was promoting the interests of a class rather than political beliefs

Question 6

When was Labour established as a major political force?

Answer 6

• 1918-24
• in war 3 Labour members given minor roles in Asquith’s government
• 1918 ROPA increased Labour’s support base
• 1922 election won 142 seats
• 1929 election won 287 seats

Question 7

when did Labour form coalition with Liberals?

Answer 7

1924
- doesn’t last
- Liberals lose 118 seats
- leads to collapse of Liberals