Political changes- Before War.

Question 1

The Liberal Fall

Answer 1

George Dangerfield, failed to deal with trade union strikes, suffragette militancy and Northern Island problems. 
George Bernstein stated that the Liberals failed to adapt to voting habits and dismissed MP's for their working class identity. 
Trevor Wilson said that it was the 'rampant omnibus' war that destroyed the Liberal government.

Question 2

Lloyd George and Asquith feud

Answer 2

During the war the liberals were forced to pursue ‘illiberal measures’ such as conscription, economic control and rationing’.
Party split in 1916 as David Lloyd George approved of these changes, where as Asquith’s traditionalism didn’t.
1918 coupon election.
Lloyd George PM and Conservatives form a coalition.
Asquith led a parliamentary attack but failed to oust DLG as a PM.
Chanak Incident 1922.
Cash for honors
Carlton Club Meeting 1922
DLG refused to use his money to help the Liberals until 1926 when Asquith resigned. By this time, it was too late.

Question 3

Labour Uprise

Answer 3

Emerged from war united
Trade Unions funded Labour which led to the party gaining a lot of money.
1922 Labour beat Liberals for the first time and became the second largest party.
1924 MacDonald becomes first Labour PM. He rules with economic caution and impresses with foreign affairs.
Zinoviev writes a letter suggesting that Labour promoted communism due to the relations with the soviet union. Despite claims, and Donald’s resignation he regained PM in 1929.
Gave working class an identity.
Had concentrated areas of support in the North, Cons in the South. Liberals were spread across the UK which led to their demise in 1924.

Question 4

1918 Representation of the People Act

Answer 4

Played a part in the rise of Labour and decline of the Liberals.
Meant men over the age of 21 could vote, and women who were over 30+ and made wartime contributions. Many women over 30 would be married and their political ideas would be suppressed by their husbands.
Affected Liberals as they didn’t support working class men.
They adapted to new voting habits.
Gave working class people an identity.

Question 5

Role of Conservative Government

Answer 5

Played a part in the growth of the Labour party.
1924, Labour did so well that they pushed the Liberals into third-party position.
FPTP system didn’t favour third parties.