Labour Party Split Flashcards
What happened in the 1951 election
Labour narrowly lost, they got more public votes but less seats than conservatives.
What led to the labour split
Ideologies and personalities of individuals including Bevan and Gaitskell.
Who is Bevan and what is his role in the government
The minister of health and architect of the NHS. More Left wing and gained support of trade unions and labour MP’s
Who is Gaitskell and what was his role in the government.
Chancellor of the exchequer and introduced prescription charges. More right wing. Defeated Bevan as labour leader, attempted to reform the Labour Party but was unsuccessful.
What did Bevan want for the Labour Party
A more socialist party, opposed Britain developing nuclear weapons. Found the welfare state and led a campaign for the NHS to provide free medical care.
What did Gaitskell want for Labour Party
Wanted to Promoted policies that would be popular with voters. To abolish the clause IV ( commitment to nationalisation). Wanted to convince the conference to reject unilateral nuclear disarmament.
What is nationalisation?
the process of taking privately controlled companies, industries, or assets and putting them under the control of the government.
How is nationalisation going to improve the lives of the public
Governments can guarantee the production of strategically important goods, such as energy, water supply, transport and food. This allows goods to be cheaper and the public to benefit from nationalisation.
Who is frank cousins
Leader of a powerful trade union, the transport and general workers union. led fierce union opposition to Gaitskell over nuclear weapons.
What are trade unions
organisation made up of members and its membership must be made up mainly of workers. Aimed at protecting the interests of its members.
