Labour Party weaknesses 1951-1964 Flashcards
Who were the Gaitskellites and what did they want for the Labour Party?
The Gaitskellites were followers of Hugh Gaitskell, leader of the Labour Party from 1955-1963. They were on the ‘right’ of the party and wanted to ‘modernise’ it.
Who were the Bevanites and what did they want for the Labour Party?
The Bevanites were followers of Aneurin Bevan, and they were on the ‘left’ of the party. They wanted to maintain traditional socialist principles within the Labour Party.
What did the Bevanites argue regarding state control of the economy?
The Bevanites argued for more state control of the economy. Bevan himself argued in 1952 that socialism meant ‘public ownership’ and nationalisation of key industries.
What did the Gaitskellites argue about the economy and nationalisation?
The Gaitskellites argued for a more mixed economy. Gaitskell argued in 1956 that Labour’s aims could be achieved without nationalisation. Anthony Crosland argued that capitalism could be reformed, rather than replaced with socialism.
What was the Gaitskellites’ stance on the role of trade unions in the Labour Party?
The Gaitskellites believed that decisions over policy should be taken by the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and not by the trade unions.
What was the Bevanites’ stance on nuclear disarmament?
The Bevanites argued for unilateral nuclear disarmament, meaning Britain should abolish its nuclear weapons even if no other country does so, and use the money for social reforms.
What was Bevan’s position on unilateral nuclear disarmament?
Bevan himself rejected unilateral disarmament, despite his supporters pushing for it. He was expelled from the PLP in 1955 for challenging Labour’s foreign policy but was readmitted a month later.
What was the Gaitskellites’ stance on nuclear disarmament?
The Gaitskellites supported maintaining Britain’s nuclear weapons until multilateral nuclear disarmament could be achieved (where all nuclear-armed countries disarm together).
What happened at the 1960 Labour Conference regarding nuclear disarmament?
At the 1960 Labour Conference, despite Gaitskell arguing against it, a vote was passed (with strong support from trade unions) for unilateral nuclear disarmament.
What happened at the 1961 Labour Conference regarding nuclear disarmament?
In 1961, a new vote was passed, this time calling for multilateral nuclear disarmament.
What was the left wing of the Labour Party’s stance on the EEC?
The left of the Labour Party rejected the idea of joining the EEC, seeing it as a pro-market, anti-democratic project.
What was the right wing of the Labour Party’s stance on the EEC?
The right of the Labour Party wanted to join the EEC as part of the modernisation of their party.
What was Hugh Gaitskell’s position on the EEC in 1962?
Gaitskell opposed joining the EEC in 1962, which alienated him from his own faction. He preferred to build strong links with the Commonwealth instead.
What event led to Hugh Gaitskell becoming the leader of the Labour Party?
Hugh Gaitskell became the leader of the Labour Party after Clement Attlee appeared unwell and tired, following the 1955 election.
What were the main divisions within the Labour Party under Gaitskell?
The main divisions within the Labour Party under Gaitskell were over the economy, Europe, and nuclear weapons.
What did Gaitskell promise during the 1959 election?
During the 1959 election, Gaitskell promised to increase state pensions without raising taxes, which was seen as not credible.
What did James Callaghan argue was the reason Labour lost votes in the 1959 election?
James Callaghan argued that Labour lost patriotic working-class votes because it had opposed the Suez invasion in 1956.
What was the sociological explanation for Labour’s loss of votes in the 1959 election?
Sociologists claimed that Labour lost votes due to ‘embourgeoisement’ – more people had become middle class between 1951-1959 and were less likely to vote Labour.
