Political and Economic environment 1918-79 Flashcards
what did liberals traditionally dislike in government?
excessive government interference in economy and peoples lives.
the Maurice debate 1918
cemented personal bitterness between asquith and lloyd George. General Maurice wrote a public letter accusing Lloyd George of lying to parliament about numbers of troops on western front, asquith led attack on him in parliament but failed to oust him as PM.
Coupon election
letter issued by Lloyd George and Cons Leader Andrew Bonar Law to parliamentary candidates who stood for coalition.
1918 representation of the peoples act
all men over 21 allowed to vote, no wealth or property restrictions. allowed women to vote in general election for first time as reward for wartime contribution. had to be over 30 and had land.
fall of the liberals
Asquit - Lloyd George split never healed and had disastrous imoact on party. May 1920 Asquith liberals voted to eject Lloyd George supporters from Leamington party conference, Lloyd geroge had attempted to convert temp Lib - Cons coalition to permanent anti-labour centre ground.
cash for honours
when honours (usuallt titles) are granted in exchange for politicaldonation or direct cash paymentsto politicians.
Chanak incident
the Turks wanted to force Greek, British and French troops out of occupied position in Turkey. when turkish troops marched on British positions Lloyd George(&churchill) wanted war. Army generals and public opposed the war and negotiated settlement was agreed.
First Past the post
electroal system in which the candidate receiving the highest number of votes in a constituency is returned to parliament. none of the other votes cas tin the constituenc count for anything at all.
rise of the Labour party
1923 Labour gained more voted than Libs for first time,1924 Ramsett Macdonals became first Lab PM. May 1929 it became largest Parliamentary party and Macdonald PM for second time.
Conservative Success
Cons promoted as a one nation party, national defence and patriotism in 1872 which appealed to many working class voters. Baldwin able to build upon rebranding once PM. Pioneered use of radio to talk directly to people. promote harmony between workes and employers. promote class based politics and destroy Liberal party.
the National Government
24 August Macdonald announced he would continue to serve as PM of a ‘National Government to face emergency. cons decided to support Masdonald, Bladwin saw that if anything went economically wronf macdonald would get the blame leaving triumph for Cons.
consensus politics
the natioinal government was in importantfoundation for the post-war consensus. a seemingly overwhelming agreement on a range of important policies between the rival parties. war not only represented the victory of deomcracy over fascism nut also success of collectivism. there was also nationalisation of some major industries (coal-mining, NHS)
‘middle way’
attlee’s gov built on the experience of wartime planning with an array of economic initiatives.
middle way initiatives
Nationalisation: B of E, air transport, cable and wireless, coal-mining, public transport, electricity generation, gas, iron and steel.
planning: Economic planning council established july 1947
Control measures: wartime ratining on several foods extended until 1951, coal rationeed during harsh winter 1947/48, control placed on mx levels of rent, profits, interest rates.
