MacDonald's Ministry

Question 1

Why do some believe that MacDonald is a traitor?

Answer 1

In economic and political crisis of August 1931, 2nd Lab gov resigned. 3 cabinet ministers joined new ‘Nat Gov’ led by Ramsay. 2 months later in G.E. MacDonald led Conservative-dominated coalition to a crushing victory. The parliamentary Lab Party was decimated.

Question 2

MacDonald’s greatest achievement

Answer 2

Replacing the Liberals as the progressive alternative party of government

Question 3

How did MacDonald replace Liberal Party during WW1?

Answer 3

Socialist rhetoric, and respect for his principled stand against war in 1914, underpinned his postwar success in holding the ILP and Labour Party back from association with the newly-formed Communist Party

Question 4

How did he prevent a split between socialists and communists?

Answer 4

Prestige on the left gave him ILP MP’s total support when he reclaimed leadership of the Lab Party in 1922

Question 5

How did he succeed in moving middle and upper-class radicals away from the Liberal party?

Answer 5

Active in the Union of Democratic control, a small but vociferous body opposed of the war, active in promoting a truly open and democratic foreign policy. Aligned UDC with ILP.

Question 6

What precedent did MacDonald set for subsequent Labour premiers?

Answer 6

Appointing ministers rather than allowing MP’s to choose them

Question 7

How did MacDonald handle the relationship with the TUC?

Answer 7

Made it clear from first dem. that striking workers couldn’t automatically expect sympathetic treatment from gov.