Political Developments in the First World War

Question 1

August 1914

Answer 1

The ‘Defence of the Realm Act’ (DORA). It extended state power to an unprecedented level- challenge to Liberal values.

Question 2

What was the political response to the war?

Answer 2

Political parties agreed to a ‘political truce’ throughout the war, they thought it would end quickly. Era of ‘consensus politics’ (LG pushed for)

Question 3

March 1915

Answer 3

Coalition government was formed under Asquith, Lib=28, Cons=10, Lab=1. (betrayal of Liberal values)

Question 4

Jan 1916

Answer 4

The ‘Military Service Act’, introduces conscription. 50 Liberal MPs vote against it- betrayal of Liberal values

Question 5

July 1916

Answer 5

Lloyd George (M. for Munitions) considers resignation over slow progress, but L.Kitchener dies and LG is made M. for War (6th July)

Question 6

September 1916

Answer 6

LG proposes a three-man ‘War Cabinet’, excluding Asquith. He has Conservative+media support.

Question 7

December 1916

Answer 7

LG becomes PM, heads new coalition government, splits Liberal party, 130 follow LG, 142 remain Asquithian.

Question 8

January 1917

Answer 8

LG introduces more Conservatives to cabinet, Lib=12, Cons=44, Lab=2
Forms new ‘War Cabinet’, Lib=1 (LG), Cons=5, Lab=2

Question 9

February 1918

Answer 9

Maurice Debate- General Maurice accuses LG of inflating troop figures, Asquith calls for a vote of no confidence, LG wins with 293:106 votes.
Arthur Henderson implements new Labour Party constitution.

Question 10

June 1918

Answer 10

‘Representation of the People Act’ (ROPA) (Fourth Reform Act) passed. This trebles the electorate (7.7 million, 1910, 21 million, 1918) and transforms constituencies.

Question 11

December 1918

Answer 11

Coalition continues, LG + Andrew Bonar Law.
‘Coupon Election’- coalition wins with 478 seats