Liberal win of 1906 Flashcards
How many seats did the Liberals win?
400.
What had Campbell Bannerman capitalised on?
The unpopularity of the previous tory administration, which had been replaced by his new liberal government in December 1905.
How many seats did the conservatives win?
A mere 157.
Explain how the weakness of the Conservatives aided the Liberal win.
-The conservatives were deeply internally divided over tariff reform, the issue had split the party into two groups: Free Food League and the Tariff Reform League.
-Key figures within the Conservative party had defected to the Liberals. For example, in May 1903, Winston Churchill defected. This made it extremely apparent to the public of how deep the divisions within the party actually were.
How did the issue of Tariffs attract voters to the Liberals?
The Liberals were united in opposition to tariffs, exemplifying the strength of the party in comparison to the conservatives, who were deeply divided. The voters also did not want their everyday necessities to become more expensive so most disliked the idea of tariffs anyway.
Explain how the Liberals Election campaign aided the Liberal win.
-The Liberals had capitalised on the unpopularity of the previous Tory administration culminated by a number of factors. For example, the issue of Chinese Slavery in South Africa had given the Liberals a huge upper hand in the election as they had a moral issue to unite behind, enabling them to portray the unionists as exploiters of the workers.
-The Liberals had put aside previous differences politically and personally, with key figures like H.H Asquith and Sir Edward Grey agreeing to serve under Campbell-Bannerman, with whom they had personally disagreed with. This unity within the party allowed them to differentiate themselves and stand out.
What were the 3 main reasons for the Liberal win of 1906?
-Weakness of Conservatives
-Liberal’s Election Campaign
-Longer Term Factors; New Liberalism, Alienation of Conservative voters.
Explain the impact of ‘New Liberalism’ on the results of the 1906 election.
The emerging philosophical influence of the ‘New Liberalism’ played a decisive part, its ideas appealed to many voters, who were concerned about poverty, as they proposed increased state intervention in public affairs, particularly for the poorest in society.
Explain the impact of Non-Conformists on the results of the 1906 election.
Non-Conformists had been outraged by the 1902 Education Act. This was because the act meant voluntary schools were to be funded by rate-payers, meaning non-conformists would have to contribute towards the development of Anglican and Catholic schools. They played a leading role in mobilising opinion against the Conservatives; voting instead for the Liberals.
