Labour Party Flashcards
Who was the founder of the Labour Party
Kier Hardie
What type of people founded the Labour Party
A group of socialist societies ands trade unions
What was there aim creating the Labour Party
Get more working class represented and campaign for better working conditions
What was the party’s constitution
Clause IV, known as the ‘socialist clause’
What did clause IV commit to
‘Common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange’ (nationalisation of industry)
When was the first labour government
1924
Who was the first labour PM
Macdonald but it was politically weak and only lasted a few months (minority government)
When was the second Labour government
1929
How long did the second Labour government last
2 years, it was blighted by the Wall Street crash and it was a minority government, so quite weak
When was labours first majority government
1945, landslide win
What were 3 things from the reforming administration in labours first majority government
Programme of nationalisation
Established the modernness welfare state
Created the NHS
Worked with the trade unions
Wanted uk to be a leading player on the world stage
How did Harold Wilson and James Callaghan run the country between 1963-1979
Did not try to abolish capitalism but managed it
Emphasised redistribution of wealth through the welfare state to get a fairer society
Created comprehension schools
Trade unions had a powerful influence over policy
It became so left win that party divisions became so apparent and they were defeated by thatcher in 1979
What did micheal foot do with the pastry between 1980-1983
The party split in 1981 as it became so left wing and lots of MPs left to form the SDP
Foot proposed a programme to form a more left wing party
What did micheal foot propose in his left wing programme
Further nationalisation
Increased taxation
Abolishment of nuclear defences
Withdrawal from the EEC
What did Neil kinnock do with the party between 1983-1992 before Blair
Moved the party more politically central
