Labour Party 1920's Flashcards
Why did tariff reform lead to the failure of the Conservative Party?
Baldwin judged that the best way to reverse the recession and tackle unemployment was to return to a policy of protection. He called a general election on this single policy, failing to grasp the controversy that tariff reform would bring. This effectively led to the Conservative party becoming a one-policy party. However in 1923, both the press and even the middle class were unprepared to support Baldwin’s Tariff Reform and the election which he called. Even the pro-tariff press refused to endorse the Conservatives in the election, because he did not promise their favoured model of tariffs that included an Empire free trade zone.
How did tariff reform strengthen the Liberal and Labour party?
The majority of the working class disagreed with tariff reform, causing the divided Liberal party to rapidly pull themselves together in a almost entirely negative and defensive campaign against Tariff reform. Baldwin had, ironically, forced the Liberals together. Meanwhile Labour, the official opposition, was steadily building strength in industrial Britain. The Liberal upsurge created a strange election result. Although, the Conservative party were the largest party in terms of seats, 258 seats, compared to 191 for Labour and 159 Liberals, they didn’t have the majority of votes which meant they could not pass the one policy which defined their party in the 1923 election. Since they couldn’t pass this policy, they could no longer be in government thus causing the Labour party to be called upon to form a government.
How did being a minority government affect the two Labour governments?
Lacked an overall majority and were dependent on Liberal votes to stay in office. Therefore, had to pursue moderate policies, couldn’t introduce nationalisation and disarmament even if McD wanted to. Meant their policies were not very different to Liberals.
Did Labour project itself as a genuinely national party?
Had difficulty projecting itself as a genuinely national party since from the beginning it claimed to be the party of industrial workers and was closely tied to the TU’s. Distrusted by people of property, who feared nationalisation and the link with militant trade unionism.
How did Trade Union’s negatively affect the Labour governments?
Could not break its ties with TU’s because they provided most of party’s funds. In return, TU’s expected to control the party causing serious friction because union leaders were preoccupied with furthering the interests of their members. Gave very little support to 1924 Lab gov, made no allowance for its dependence on Lib support, criticising it’s ‘half-measures’.
How were Labour relations with the unions strained?
Almost immediately there was a docker’s strike in support of a demand of an extra 2 shillings a day. (organised by Bevin general sec. of Transport and General Worker’s Union). Following the success of the strike London Transport workers also came out and McD proclaimed a state of emergency, enabling the gov to use armed lorries for moving essential supplies. -> Not necessary because employers gave way and made acceptable wage offers but embarrassing for gov. + left union relations strained.
What were the economic problems during both Labour governments?
A million unemployed in 1924. World economic crisis 1930-1. Labour had no answer beyond nationalisation, and since that was out of the question, they were helpless.
How did McDonald offend the left?
Didn’t give them a fair representation in the Cabinet, calmly accepted the limitations of a minority gov. Scottish Clydeside MP’s and ILP wanted him to bring in genuinely socialist measures but McD had no intention of attempting such heroics. He wanted moderaterate policies to gain the confidence of the country, condemning strikes for wage increases.
What were the social reforms of the first Labour government?
- Wheatley’s Housing Act provided grants of 9 million a year for the building of council houses.
- Old age pensions and unemployment benefits were increased, gap between the two 16-week benefit periods was removed.
- Number of free places in grammar schools was increased, and state scholarships to universities brought back. Sir Henry Hadow appointed to work out the needs of education.
What were the social reforms of the second Labour government?
- The Housing Act of 1930 (Arthur Greenwood, Minister of Health.) It renewed the gov. subsidy for council-house-building and organised the speeding up of slum clearance.
- The Coal Mines Act 1930, reduced the miner’s working day from 8 hours to 7 and a half.
Outline the May report
Published in July 1931. In order to prevent a budget deficit of 120 mill, proposed a general reduction of salaries in public-sector jobs eg, armed forces, civil servants, judges and police up to 20% and recommended that unemployment benefit should be cut by the same amount.
Why were the suggestions in the May Report needed?
The May report led foreign bankers to conclude the Britain must be on the verge of bankruptcy and withdrew gold, plunging the country into a deeper financial crisis. The Bank of England informed gov that immediate economies were needed to restore confidence in sterling: Am. + Fr. bankers said that further loans could be made if unemployment benefit was cut by 10%.
Why did the Labour government fall?
The cabinet approved of the reduction in unemployment benefits 11 votes to 9. McD claimed the minority was too large for the gov. to continue and went to hand in resignation to George V. -> Stayed on as PM of a National Gov.
Did McD betray his party?
Cuts went against the principles of the Lab. party. National Gov. ran against the trad. Lab. party.
