Political Impact - First World War Flashcards
Why was Asquith’s government in crisis by 1915?
In May 1915 his government was blamed for the disaster at Gallipoli and ultimately his government was put in a state of crisis.
Why was a National Government created and what did this mean?
As the crisis worsened Lloyd George and the Conservative leader Bonar Law provided an ultimatum to Asquith. On the 25th of May the National Government was founded. Half of the Liberal ministers stepped down and were replaced by Conservatives. Churchill was replaced as lord of the admiralty by Balfour. Lloyd George became Minister of Munitions. Kitchener remained due to his immense popularity. Labour also got their first ever cabinet Minister Arthur Henderson.
What was the state of the army in 1914?
- Each Battalion only had two machine guns.
- The entire army had just 80 motor vehicles.
- All guns and supplies were transported by Horses.
- Army lacked field telephones and wireless equipment.
- Only 30’000 shells were being produced each month.
What was the state of the Army after Lloyd George’s efficiency drive?
- 5.3 million shells were delivered from July to December 1915.
- Machine gun output rose from 287 in 1914 to 33’500 in 1916.
- Heavy machine gun production also increased massively.
- He raised finances from an Indian prince to make Stokes Mortars.
- He also supported the production of Tanks against Kitchener’s wishes.
How did the Death of Kitchener effect the government?
In June 1916 the ship Kitchener was travelling on hit a mine and he drowned. Lloyd George subsequently replaced him as the Secretary of State for War.
Why had the confidence of the public decline by the end of 1916 and what did this result in?
By the end of 1916 the war was going poorly and the public had lost confidence in the Government. On the 3rd of December leading Conservatives wrote to Asquith calling for him to resign.
What happened after the Conservative letter of no confidence?
Between the 5 - 7 of December Lloyd George, Bonar Law and Asquith all resigned. On the 7th David Lloyd George seized the opportunity and became prime minister with limited support from all 3 parties although almost no liberals supported him.
