Possible Questions 12

Question 1

Explain why the campaign in the vote for women became increasingly militant in the years 1906-1914.

Answer 1

1. Demands for Women’s suffrage increased- By 1906, a woman could be a mayor, town councillor, nurse, doctor, teacher or a factory hand. - Although women proved they could work equally as well as men, they were paid less. -> needed representation-New occupations allowed women to become rate and tax payers and therefore demand the right to representation alike other taxpayers rose. - second and third reform acts of 1867, 1884. -Many people agreed that giving to vote to uneducated male agricultural worked and unskilled labours had not damaged the country -surely giving the vote to educated women would not harm the country. Link: This led to a stronger women’s suffrage movement to develop over the discussion over the second reform act in 1866-67. 2. Failure of NUWSS to gain female suffrage-The NUWSS wanted the vote for middle class property-owning women -> Many women felt this was not enough-Believed they would achieve their end using peaceful tactics - non-violent demonstrations, petitions and the lobbying of MPs. -By 1905 the media had lost interest in the struggle for women’s rights. -Newspapers rarely reported meetings and usually refused to publish articles and letters written by supporters of women’s suffrage. Link: Emmeline Pankhurst felt that a militant campaign would once again gain the attention of those in Parliament and media3. Frustration with Liberal Government - Libs divided on the issue of women’s suffrage ; some were against it entirely and others were unclear about how to achieve it. -In 1906, many Liberal candidates expressed their support of the idea of women’s suffrage raising hopes but in reality the 1906 government had no intention of risking the issue. -1906 government ignored the issue of women’s suffrage beyond allowing women to sit on local councils -1907 Qualification of Women Act- Not enough support in Parliament to pass bills- WSPU believed violent tactics would disrupt Parliament enough so that Women’s suffrage would be passed

Question 2

Explain why state control over society increased in the years 1914-1916.

Answer 2

1. Nationalisation and centralisation became crucial for efficiency in the war effort. -Railways nationalised and profits became fixed-Shells became collectivised after the shell shortage in 1915 which led to increased casualties b/c of supply failure -Shipping and coal industry also centralised -> by 1917, a increase in shipping + decrease in strikes seen in coal industry -Imports/ production = controlled -> essentials + commodities rationed Link: factors increased efficiency in transportation and production, aiding the war effort -> taxes also needed to aid war effort2. Increased taxes necessary to maintain the cost of war. -WW1 cost GB under $5 mill a day -> increased national debt bank borrowing -> USA $2mill a dayran down GB gold reserves -Although Lib usually only taxed unproductive wealth, clearly this would not sustain war cost-Income tax rose from 9d to 6 s 1914-18-Death duties rose sharply + excess profits taxes imposed on a range of goodsLink: The strains of taxes and war meant that Censorship and Propaganda became necessary in order to maintain morale 3. Defence of Realm Act introduced 1914 -> restricted freedom of press + censored newspaper + films + -decreased pub licensing hours -Men dying b/c supply failure -Rumours of rebellion within the Liberal gov -Public had to have trust in their gov otherwise society would not function -Sep 1914 450k volunteers -> Dec 1915 55k -> evident that the war would not ‘end by christmas’-Dept. of information 1917 used radio to spread beliefs that the Somme was a success b/c boost of morale would mean increased war effort

Question 3

Explain why the Liberal Party formed an electoral pact with the Labour Representative Committee (LRC) in 1903.

Answer 3

1. Consensus- joint concerns between the LRC and the Liberals- 1902 Education Act - Chinese Labour- Free trade over tariff reform -> Ramsay Macdonald leader of LRC = moderate not radical 2. Enabled them to win more seats- ensured a degree of political growth for Liberals because it was based on ensuring the Party would be able to stand in anti-Conservative constituencies and there would be no opposition from the Labour - Conservative Party was becoming increasingly unpopular during the years 1902 to 1906. - inevitably benefitted the emerging Labour movement. In order to further- exploit this development the Liberals formed the pact with the LRC3. Economics of election- Labour + TU closely linked -> considerable financial support -> £150k - financial strength of the LRC made it an attractive partner in the eyes of the Liberals. - did not need to campaign in constituencies which Lib knew Lab would win -> reduced cost

Question 4

Explain why the House of Lords rejected the People’s Budget in 1909.

Answer 4

1. Hidden reforms in the finance bill- Budget included licensing + land valuation -> alrdy rejected -> H of L stand up to underhand tactics- Cons belief that budget designed to side step their power b/c libs = maj in H of C -> Cons. maj H of L- power of Aristocracy already been reduced 1905-1909eg. Electoral reform 1884 = less influence on WC-> less say in local affairs 2. Link: This blatant attempt to reduce the power of aristocracy was also evident in that the Budget went above and beyond normal financial provisions- introduced child allowances £10 a year for every child land valuation, graduated income tax -> seen as socialist- many were landowners -> felt subjected to unfair treatment - Alrdy felt under attack financially by 1876 reforms - context of 80’s + Ag depression -> less moneyLink: Such opposition was not only confined to the Conservative party but also widespread3. Widespread opposition- many liberals had doubts- Irish Nationalists MP’s opposed b/c whisky export trade = vital to employment -> brewers+ distillers would have to pay duty- motorists unimpressed -> HR 1893 didn’t show pub support + budget wasn’t a mandate -> duty to protect GB institutions

Question 5

Explain why the 1911 Parliament Act was passed.

Answer 5

1. Long Term rejection of Liberal bills by H of L- maj. of H of L (355) were Conservative- used by Cons. to undermine Lib gov. - Education Bill 1906 aimed to appeal to NC- meant Libs could not fulfil electoral promise to NC- Trade Disputes Bill + Plural voting bill-> both major items on Lib gov legislative programme- Such bills also undermined the power of aristocracyLink: blatant attempt to reduce the power of aristocracy was also evident in that the Budget went above and beyond normal financial provisions2. 1909 Budget - introduced child allowances £10 a year for every child land valuation, graduated income tax -> seen as socialist- many were landowners -> felt subjected to unfair treatment - Alrdy felt under attack financially by 1876 reforms - context of 80’s + Ag depression -> less money- However, H of L didn’t normally reject financial bills- Non-elected H of L rejected a elected H of C billLink: This led to great controversy in the Liberal Gov. with belief that the power of the H of L should be reduced3. H of L reluctant to pass bill b/c included provisions alrdy rejected- Budget included licensing + land valuation -> alrdy rejected -> H of L stand up to underhand tactics- Cons belief that budget designed to side step their power b/c libs = maj in H of C -> Cons. maj H of L- power of Aristocracy already been reduced 1905-1909eg. Electoral reform 1884 = less influence on WC-> less say in local affairs

Question 6

Explain why the third Home Rule Bill was introduced in 1912.

Answer 6

1. Long term support for Home Rule-2 attempts were made by Liberals under British Prime Minister Gladstone to enact home rule bills. -> Gladstone had become personally committed to granting Irish home rule in 1885. - 1st attempt -> 1886 Home Rule to Ireland in honour rather than being compelled to do so one day in humiliation. -> His bill was defeated in the Commons by 30 votes.- second attempt 1892 -> steered through the Commons with a majority of 30 votes, only to be defeated in the Conservative’s pro-unionist majority controlled House of Lords.Link: It was this same conservative majority in the H of L which arguably caused the need for a general election 19102. INP held balance of power- The rejection of the 1909 Budget was seen as a last straw by many Libs - Lib gov used this as an opportunity to once and for all reduce power of H of L by passing the parliament act- King George V agreed to flush H of L if Lib gov. won a general election - Lib gov would not have majority without INP - Redmond agreed to support Asquith on the promise that HR would be introduced -> threatened to disrupt parliament if not Link: Asquith was not willing to call Redmond’s bluff b/c the long term importance of reducing the power of the H of L3. Parliament Act reduced the power of the lords - Previously the H of L had been the main factor to why the HR bill was not passed in 1892 - 1911 Parliament Act removed the ability of the H of L to veto bills and replaced this with the power of delay- The maj. of Libs in the H of C meant that HR could finally stand a chance

Question 7

Explain why issues arising from the Boer War contributed to a Liberal Victory in the 1906 General Election.

Answer 7

1. Uncaring - B war conc. camps 26k women + children = immoral - Taff Vale Judgement 1901 -> seen as repression to not allow workers to strike- Reminded of this by Chinese Slavery 1902-4 -> appalling living conditions-> separation of men + women - flaggings allegedly authorised by MilnerLink: B war led to a shift in public opinion for imperialism 2. Tariff reform - Tariff reform controversial -> idea of free trade was practically a religion- public against empire against + imperial preference - created op. for libs to criticise Cons. gov -> reminding public of treatment of WC with TV + CS, using ‘Big loaf, little loaf’ campaign to show WC that tariff reform would lead to increased prices - Many cons. members supported free trade- Churchill + Duke of Devonshire cross the floor to Libs- Tariff reform split Cons. party -> split party = weak partyLink: Chamberlain felt that tariff reform was needed to recover the funds used for B war3. Debt- B war cost £210 mill - Education act 1902 - Granted ratepayers’ money to voluntary Church of England schools -> NC voluntary schools funds from the state rather than from rates - Licensing act 1904 -> used by NC to castigate gov for intro a levy on industry so brewers could receive compensation for losses through NC taxes -> Cons. gov. couldn’t fund acts without taxes b/c B war drained finances of state

Question 8

Explain why Liberal governments failed to grant women the right to vote.

Answer 8

1. Liberals were divided on the issue of women’s suffrage -some were against it entirely and others were unclear about how to achieve it. -> The concern was that extension of the Franchise to women was likely to help the Unionists-universal adult suffrage might benefit Labour. ->In 1906, many Liberal candidates expressed their support of the idea of women’s suffrage raising hopes but in reality the 1906 government had no intention of risking the issue.- Too controversialLink: This controversy was heightened by suffragette militancy 2. Suffragette militancy-Although drew attention from the public,in the long term it allowed the 1906 government to ignore the issue of women’s suffrage -> beyond allowing women to sit on local councils (1907 Qualification of Women Act). - violent tactics used by suffragette militancy groups galvanised the opposition -able to accuse women of being emotionally unbalanced and unfit to take a more active role in society. Link: It supported the idea that women were irresponsible 3. Women biologically different -> too emotional + sentimental - as the suffragettes smashed windows and sent peppered letters. ->legitimate reason for the liberal government not to introduce a reform - no government at the time would have given into the behaviour and violence of the suffragette militants. - allow men to represent women -> women having vote may split families + divide society as a whole

Question 9

Explain why the Liberal Party achieved a landslide victory in the 1906 General election.

Answer 9

1. Boer war- Cost $210 mill -> debt 25% - Conc. camps women + children 26k -> immoral- ‘National Efficiency’ -> 8k/11k Manchester deemed unfit for service - money needed for social reforms rather than f.p. -> highlighted by Booth + Rowntree investigations Link: It was the effects of the B war which highlighted Balfour’s cold and callous actions 2. Balfour’s mistakes-> Lost vote of WC- lack of action Taff Vale judgement 1901 = uncaring -> prohibited WC from striking only set up royal commission-highlighted by Chinese Slavery 1902-4 - C workers appalling living conditions-> separation of men + women - flaggings allegedly authorised by Milner- publicly viewed as morally wrong- reminded public of B war conc. camps - WC not valued -> lost job op.Link: Arguably one of Balfour’s greatest mistakes was allowing tariff reform to split the conservative party3. Tariff reform- Tariff reform controversial -> idea of free trade was practically a religion- public against empire against + imperial preference - created op. for libs to criticise Cons. gov -> reminding public of treatment of WC with TV + CS, using ‘Big loaf, little loaf’ campaign to show WC that tariff reform would lead to increased prices - Many cons. members supported free trade- Churchill + Duke of Devonshire cross the floor to Libs- Tariff reform split Cons. party -> split party = weak party

Question 10

Explain why Britain formed the Entente Cordiale with France

Answer 10

1. Germany’s economic strength. - 1870 - 1900 GB declined from being the world’s leading industrial nation to third in economic performance. - G greater population than GB, 1910-1911 20% greater -> larger work force and a larger consumer market. - By 1906 to 1910, the German percentage of world manufacturing capacity was greater than Britain’s. - 860, Britain was the captain of the steel industry producing as much as two times the amount of steel Germany was producing. 1914 1/2 - evident that GB econ in decline + beginning to rely more heavily on German exports.-> left GB vulnerable as G became a stronger power which upset the balance of power Link: Decline in GB econ proved that it could not afford to maintain tensions with France. 2. Entente Cordiale would reduce costs for GB- Long term tension over Suez Canal -> Opened under French control 1869 -> Gb control over Suez still not internationally recognised-> Suez provided GB with trade routes - By its terms, Fr promised not to challenge GB control over Egypt-> GB only concern with Morocco was the link to Egypt -> reduce cost of troops needed to maintain power in Egypt -diplomatic support from France meant they could afford to compete with G - Didn’t have to provide military support to France Link: Entente Cordial would also mean that GB wouldn’t have to provide military support to Jap 3. Prevent being drawn into R-J war - Anglo-Jap alliance 1902 -> If Jap attacked by more than 1 nation then GB had to intervene - Franco-Russian Alliance 1892 -> force Fr to fight for Russia against Jap -> GB just out of B war with negative impacts in domestic policies -> another war would lead to extreme decrease in support for Cons. party - In order to avoid going to war, both powers “shucked off their ancient rivalry” and resolved their differences.

Question 11

Explain why the issue of ‘Chinese slavery’ in 1903 caused opposition to the Conservative Government.

Answer 11

1. Upset WC- lost opportunity to work -> lowered amount of av. jobs- giving GB jobs to immigrants- reminder of Taff Vale -> Balfour didn’t reverse decision only set up a royal commission- prevented them from immigration- worried about policy applying in GBLink: WC also upset by the immorality of the way in which Chinese workers were being treated2. Immoral - appalling living conditions-> separation of men + women - flaggings allegedly authorised by Milner- publicly viewed as morally wrong- reminded public of B war conc. camps 26k women + children diedLink: Uncaring, inhumane view which the public had of the Cons. party stemmed from the imperialism displayed during B war3. Decreased support for imperialism due to B war- Chinese workers used to revive S. African econ- f.p. cons. imperialist -> libs not- feared this would become acceptable- gov. again focused more on f.p. than internal problems -> national efficiency + Booth + Rowntree -> poverty

Question 12

Explain why a new coalition government was established in December 1916.

Answer 12

1.Asquith’s failures-Ammunition shortages-Country was not producing enough ammunition for W frontdispatch from Colonel Repington in the Times blamed lib gov for shell shortage -attempt to land a GB force at Dardanelles in April 1915 to knock Turkey out of war failed-Decreased A’s popularity only 130 of 272 seats willingly support A Link: Cons. were never content with A’s leadership -> 2.Popularity of L.G. increased-as head of ministry of munitions -> machine guns increased by 248,670 1914-18-established the idea of consulting industrial experts in areas of prod. + supply -> national e. -shared the same frustration with war as Cons. -> willing to give up lib values for the benefit of the nationas war minster -> not afraid to criticise General Haig + Sir Robertson for the military miscalculation of Battle of the Somme Link: Frustrations with war led to L.G. belief that War Committee was the only way 3.Wanted to reform Military incompetence -> somme -L.G. believed he understood + represented expectations of a nation-Asquith’s duties were too heavy -> unreasonable to expect dedication to war aswell-However, A saw War Committee as a vehicle for L.G. to undermine his power-Demanded to be head of war committee b/c he was essentially being demoted-L.G. threatened to leave Lib party, Cons backed L.G. in a new coalition gov-through newspapers, public opinion turned against A -> A resignation subsequent L.G.+Cons Gov

Question 13

Explain why there were concerns about the British economy by 1902.

Answer 13

1. Social investigations by Booth + Rowntree- highly unprecedented levels of poverty in diff parts of GB- 1889-1903 -> Booth 30% E. London below ‘pov line’ - Rowntree -> 78% of York some degree of poverty- proved poverty not laziness-> common belief- Lib. gov. self-help system not working-> social reform- idea of taxing ‘unproductive’ wealth to provide for poor became well- supported idea by LibsLink: It was the poor physical conditions of recruits for B war that brought the scale of poverty unearthed by B+ R to surface2. B war + national efficiency- Manchester -> 8k/11k volunteers turned away- GB lost its military supremacy -> difficulty defeating small number of dutch farmers - mishaps of B war brought concerns for ‘national efficiency’ of GB against Eu neighbours esp. G + USA econ grown stronger which threatened GB security- low levels of national efficiency threatened Gb. econ. b/c it contained a workforce that was unfit to work which would decrease prod. Link: Such low levels of national efficiency allowed Germany to gain a foot ahead of Britain in terms of economy3. Germany- By end of 19th century GB no longer world’s strongest industrial nation -> serious competition from G- eg. prod. of coal 1880 GB 3x as much by 1906 G same- In G, a system of welfare benefits + old age pensions already been established 1880’s- G provision of economic security provided political stability in G - G able to support growing pop. -> increased workforceeg. 1871-1907 -> 9% increase in workforce -> Lib gov. understood that in order to compete with G same measures needed to be taken

Question 14

Explain why social reform became an issue by 1906.

Answer 14

1. Social investigations by Booth + Rowntree- highly unprecedented levels of poverty in diff parts of GB- 1889-1903 -> Booth 30% E. London below ‘pov line’ - Rowntree -> 78% of York some degree of poverty- proved poverty not laziness-> common belief- Lib. gov. self-help system not working-> social reform- idea of taxing ‘unproductive’ wealth to provide for poor became well- supported idea by LibsLink: It was the poor physical conditions of recruits for B war that brought the scale of poverty unearthed by B+ R to surface2. B war + national efficiency- Manchester -> 8k/11k volunteers turned away- GB lost its military supremacy -> difficulty defeating small number of dutch farmers - mishaps of B war brought concerns for ‘national efficiency’ of GB against Eu neighbours esp. G + USA econ grown stronger which threatened GB security- public -> realisation that reforms must be accepted to increased national efficiency thus increasing GB’s economy Link: Britain’s lack of national efficiency allowed Germany to compete with Britain. This threatened the balance of power. 3. Germany- By end of 19th century GB no longer world’s strongest industrial nation -> serious competition from G- eg. prod. of coal 1880 GB 3x as much by 1906 G same- In G, a system of welfare benefits + old age pensions already been established 1880’s- G provision of economic security provided political stability in G - G able to support growing pop. -> increased workforceeg. 1871-1907 -> 9% increase in workforce -> Lib gov. understood that in order to compete with G same measures needed to be taken

Question 15

Explain why the Education Act was introduced in 1902.

Answer 15

1. Social investigations by Booth + Rowntree- highly unprecedented levels of poverty in diff parts of GB- 1889-1903 -> Booth 30% E. London below ‘pov line’ - Rowntree -> 78% of York some degree of poverty- proved poverty not laziness-> common belief- Lib. gov. self-help system not working-> social reform- idea of taxing ‘unproductive’ wealth to provide for poor became well- supported idea by LibsLink: It was the poor physical conditions of recruits for B war that brought the scale of poverty unearthed by B+ R to surface2. B war + national efficiency- Manchester -> 8k/11k volunteers turned away- GB lost its military supremacy -> difficulty defeating small number of dutch farmers - mishaps of B war brought concerns for ‘national efficiency’ of GB against Eu neighbours esp. G + USA econ grown stronger which threatened GB security- Such problems in younger generations could effect the future of BritainLink: Balfour understood that the current education system would lead to greater problems with national efficiency in the future3. Current Education system not working-The “Cockerton Judgment” of 1901 caused a crisis by undermining the legality of “higher grade schools” for children over 12. -> A temporary fix allowed the schools to operate one more year. - A second issue involved the 14,000 church schools, called “voluntary schools”, run chiefly by the Church of England and including some Catholic schools. -They were poorly funded and did not receive local tax moneys, but educated a third of the school children. -too many overlapping jurisdictions, with 2568 school boards set up by the Elementary Education Act 1870, as well as all existing School Attendance Committees. - Balfour recognised that these needed to be abolished for anything to be done

Question 16

Explain why opposition to the Conservative government increased between 1902-1905.

Answer 16

1. Lost vote of WC- lack of action = uncaring highlighted by Chinese Slavery 1902-4 -> reminder of failure to act on Taff Vale judgement 1901 -> prohibited WC from striking only set up royal commission- C workers appalling living conditions-> separation of men + women - flaggings allegedly authorised by Milner- publicly viewed as morally wrong- reminded public of B war conc. camps 26k women + children died - WC not valued -> lost job op.Link: Same lack of understanding for WC showed in Cons. legislation against non-conformists2. Non-conformists- Education act 1902 - Granted ratepayers’ money to voluntary Church of England schools -> NC voluntary schools funds from the state rather than from rates - Licensing act 1904 -> used by NC to castigate gov for intro a levy on industry so brewers could receive compensation for losses through NC taxes -> Cons. gov. couldn’t fund acts without taxes b/c B war drained finances of stateLink: B war not only drained GB finances, but also led to Chamberlain’s tariff reform3. Tariff reform 1903 - Tariff reform controversial -> idea of free trade was practically a religion- public against empire against + imperial preference - created op. for libs to criticise Cons. gov -> reminding public of treatment of WC with TV + CS, using ‘Big loaf, little loaf’ campaign to show WC that tariff reform would lead to increased prices - Many cons. members supported free trade- Churchill + Duke of Devonshire cross the floor to Libs- Tariff reform split Cons. party -> split party = weak party

Question 17

Explain why the impact of the Boer war increased opposition to the Conservative government between 1902-1905.

Answer 17

1. B war shifted public opinion against empirel - war cost £210 mill -> seen as a fight for aristocracy - money could have been spent on social issues in GB- domestic priorities = national efficiency - 8k/11k volunteers Manchester turned away- money needed for social reforms rather than f.p. Link: Chinese workers used to revive S. African econ- f.p. cons. imperialist -> libs not2. Chinese Slavery - lack of action = uncaring highlighted by Chinese Slavery 1902-4 - C workers appalling living conditions-> separation of men + women - flaggings allegedly authorised by Milner- publicly viewed as morally wrong- reminded public of B war conc. camps 26k women + children died - WC not valued -> lost job op.Link: Chinese slavery only decreased publics opinion of empire in GB, imperial preference = last straw3. Tariff reform 1903 - Tariff reform controversial -> idea of free trade was practically a religion- public against empire against + imperial preference - created op. for libs to criticise Cons. gov -> reminding public of treatment of WC with TV + CS, using ‘Big loaf, little loaf’ campaign to show WC that tariff reform would lead to increased prices - Many cons. members supported free trade- Churchill + Duke of Devonshire cross the floor to Libs- Tariff reform split Cons. party -> split party = weak party

Question 18

Explain why the tariff reform issue increased opposition to the Conservative government between 1902-1905.

Answer 18

1. B war shifted public opinion against empire- 3 years to fight a war against ‘dutch farmers’- conc. camps = 26k women + children died -> unethical - war cost £210 mill -> seen as a fight for aristocracy - money could have been spent on social issues in GB- public believed Chamberlain benefitted econ. from war b/c family was in ammunitions-> against empire against imperial preference Link: B war also brought about a new grave concern for national efficiency in GB2. National efficiency - 8k/11k volunteers Manchester turned away- money needed for social reforms - ‘Big loaf, little loaf’ -> free trade + competition drives prices down- belief that tariff reform -> decline in GB econ.- taxes on foreign good -> more expensive home goods - tariff = prices go up Link: To many, the idea of free trade was practically a religion -> not only Lib. party which supported free trade but many members of Cons. party3. Split the Cons. Party- Tariff reform controversial- Churchill + Duke of Devonshire cross the floor to Libs- Balfour resigns before general election 1906 -> new gov. formed by united Lib. over free trade under Campbell Bannerman - loss of Cons. MP’s due to tariff reform led to many new MP’s which public were deemed unexperienced- Lib. Landslide victory general election 1906

Question 19

Explain why some Liberals came to accept ‘New Liberal’ ideas in the years 1902-1905.

Answer 19

1. Social investigations by Booth + Rowntree- highly unprecedented levels of poverty in diff parts of GB- 1889-1903 -> Booth 30% E. London below ‘pov line’ - Rowntree -> 78% of York some degree of poverty- proved poverty not laziness-> common belief- Lib. gov. self-help system not working-> social reform- idea of taxing ‘unproductive’ wealth to provide for poor became well- supported idea by LibsLink: It was the poor physical conditions of recruits for B war that brought the scale of poverty unearthed by B+ R to surface2. B war + national efficiency- Manchester -> 8k/11k volunteers turned away- GB lost its military supremacy -> difficulty defeating small number of dutch farmers - mishaps of B war brought concerns for ‘national efficiency’ of GB against Eu neighbours esp. G + USA econ grown stronger which threatened GB security- Lib gov -> realisation that reforms + new liberal ideas must be accepted to increased national efficiency thus increasing GB’s economy Link: Without the pure detest + resentment from GB statesmen that they were being overshadowed by G industrially, economically + militarily by 1906, many libs may not have come to accept ‘new’ lib ideas3. Germany- By end of 19th century GB no longer world’s strongest industrial nation -> serious competition from G- eg. prod. of coal 1880 GB 3x as much by 1906 G same- In G, a system of welfare benefits + old age pensions already been established 1880’s- G provision of economic security provided political stability in G - G able to support growing pop. -> increased workforceeg. 1871-1907 -> 9% increase in workforce -> Lib gov. understood that in order to compete with G same measures needed to be taken

Question 20

Explain why social reform was controversial in the period 1906-1914.

Answer 20

1. Socialist -> remove the power of aristocracy- Increase state spending + taxes - Old Age Pensions Act 1908 -> Provided a pension of 5s a week of single persons and 7s and 6d for a married couple- National Insurance Act 1911 -> employers had to contribute for the insurance of employees -> undermined self-help which Cons. gov + aristocrats believed in Link: These Acts were funded by tax, such tax was to be increased greatly by the 1909 Budget 2. 1909 Budget - Raide income tax on over 3k pounds per annum to 1s2d from standard rate of 9d and bring in an additional tax of 6d in the pound on incomes over 5k per annum-> Hidden reforms in the finance bill- Budget included licensing + land valuation -> alrdy rejected -> H of L stand up to underhand tactics- Cons belief that budget designed to side step their power b/c libs = maj in H of C -> Cons. maj H of L- power of Aristocracy already been reduced 1905-1909eg. Electoral reform 1884 = less influence on WC-> less say in local affairs Link: The rejection of the budget led to a Liberal opportunity to reform the political system in GB by reducing the power of the H of L3. 1911 Parliament Act- Asquith threatened to flush the H of L with Lib peers if H of L rejected Parliament Act - sought to remove the power of the House of Lords to reject money bills, and to replace the Lords’ veto over other public bills with the power of delay.- Greatly diminished power of H of L which was seen as sacred -> establishment in the foundation of GB -> thus causing great controversy between political parties.

Question 21

Explain why the relations between the Liberal Government and the House of Lords became strained between 1906-1911.

Answer 21

1. Long Term rejection of Liberal bills by H of L- maj. of H of L (355) were Conservative- used by Cons. to undermine Lib gov. - Education Bill 1906 aimed to appeal to NC- meant Libs could not fulfil electoral promise to NC- Trade Disputes Bill + Plural voting bill-> both major items on Lib gov legislative programme- Such bills also undermined the power of aristocracyLink: blatant attempt to reduce the power of aristocracy was also evident in that the Budget went above and beyond normal financial provisions2. 1909 Budget - introduced child allowances £10 a year for every child land valuation, graduated income tax -> seen as socialist- many were landowners -> felt subjected to unfair treatment - Alrdy felt under attack financially by 1876 reforms - context of 80’s + Ag depression -> less money- However, H of L didn’t normally reject financial bills- Non-elected H of L rejected a elected H of C billLink: This led to great controversy in the Liberal Gov. with belief that the power of the H of L should be reduced3. Parliament Act 1911 - Asquith threatened to flush the H of L with Lib peers if H of L rejected Parliament Act - sought to remove the power of the House of Lords to reject money bills, and to replace the Lords’ veto over other public bills with the power of delay.- Greatly diminished power of H of L which was seen as sacred -> establishment in the foundation of GB -> thus causing great tension between H of L and Lib gov

Question 22

Explain why the People’s budget caused a constitutional crisis.

Answer 22

1. Long Term rejection of Liberal bills by H of L- maj. of H of L (355) were Conservative- used by Cons. to undermine Lib gov. - Education Bill 1906 aimed to appeal to NC- meant Libs could not fulfil electoral promise to NC- Trade Disputes Bill + Plural voting bill-> both major items on Lib gov legislative programme- Such bills also undermined the power of aristocracyLink: blatant attempt to reduce the power of aristocracy was also evident in that the Budget went above and beyond normal financial provisions2. 1909 Budget - introduced child allowances £10 a year for every child land valuation, graduated income tax -> seen as socialist- many were landowners -> felt subjected to unfair treatment - Alrdy felt under attack financially by 1876 reforms - context of 80’s + Ag depression -> less money- However, H of L didn’t normally reject financial bills- Non-elected H of L rejected a elected H of C billLink: This led to great controversy in the Liberal Gov. with belief that the power of the H of L should be reduced3. Parliament Act 1911 - Asquith threatened to flush the H of L with Lib peers if H of L rejected Parliament Act - sought to remove the power of the House of Lords to reject money bills, and to replace the Lords’ veto over other public bills with the power of delay.- Greatly diminished power of H of L which was seen as sacred -> establishment in the foundation of GB -> thus causing great tension between H of L and Lib gov

Question 23

Explain why the Labour Party developed in this period.

Answer 23

1. Consensus between different minority political groups-> All wanted nationalisation - Some members of the trades union movement became interested in moving into the political field, and after further extensions of the voting franchise in 1867 and 1885, the Liberal Party endorsed some trade-union sponsored candidates.- With the growing attempts by the bourgeoisie to increase levels of exploitation there was also a concomitant growth of socialist ideas and organisation amongst the working class. Link : need for a new political party to represent the interests and needs of the urban proletariat2. WC -> new voters - 1884 3rd Reform Act-> established a uniform franchise throughout the country-> brought the franchise in the counties into line with the 1867 householder and lodger franchise for boroughs- recently been given franchise- WC voters needed a party to represent them- New demographic which had increased in number Link: great expectations that workers’ conditions could improve if they had a voice in parliament.3. Failures of Cons. gov- Taff Vale Judgement 1901 -> took away the right of the worker to strike -> decision not reversed by Balfour -> only set up a ‘royal commission’ - Chinese slavery 1902-4 - lost opportunity to work -> lowered amount of av. jobs- giving GB jobs to immigrants- reminder of Taff Vale -> Balfour didn’t reverse decision- prevented them from immigration- worried about policy applying in GB

Question 24

Explain why there was industrial unrest in the period 1910-1914.

Answer 24

1. Dismay with the Labour Party-After the gains the Labour Party made during the 1906 election there were great expectations that workers’ conditions would improve now that they had a voice in parliament. -It didn’t take long for these ideas to be dispelled as the Labour Party in parliament cosied up to the Liberal government.- While Liberal gov introduced a series of reforms, the most notable being the National Insurance Act of 1911, -> still not enough to tackle the growing problem of both unemployment and cuts in wages.Link: Belief that if the government was not going to tackle these problems, workers needed to take measures into own hands2. Syndicalism as an Alternative- full time officials were more interested in negotiations rather than settling the dispute in favour of the members. -> led to increasing anger amongst the members, especially younger members -> younger union members began to be pulled towards syndicalism.- appeal of syndicalism was in its rejection of political parties-> working class needed was new forms of union organisation which did away with sectional organisation and replaced it with one union in one industry. -strength of syndicalism lies in the recognition that worker strength lies at the point of production-capitalism will be replaced after workers have staged a general strike and have taken control of the workplace. Link: Strikes carried out by these young union members were proved to be effective 3. Workers Take Action- Syndicalism provided an organisational method for many young worker militants -> first major strikes of this period which was the 1910 strike by Durham miners, which was held against the wishes of the conservative leaders of the Durham Miners Association. -> 8 weeks over an attempt by coal owners to establish a three shift pattern of working rather than the two- lasted for 12 weeks and was followed in 1912 by a national strike demanding a minimum wage-What began in 1911 in Liverpool quickly spread as many rail workers took strike action often against the advice of their union leaders.

Question 25

Explain why Sinn Fein was founded in 1905.

Answer 25

1. Cultural Revival in Ireland - Gaelic League 1893 -> After four years it had 43 branches, and after ten years more than 400- publication of weekly newspaper -> ‘Gaelic Journal’ - revival of Gaelic folk music-> A means of separating Irish and English culture in Ireland-> Subtle way of showing support for Irish independence until Liberal government came into play Link: Through the cultural revival, support for independence and separation from Britain increased in Ireland2. Increased independence mood in Ireland led by Arthur Griffith - The fundamental principles of Sinn Féin -> outlined in an article published in 1904 by Griffith - The Resurrection of Hungary-> noted how in 1867 Hungary went from being part of the Austrian Empire to a separate co-equal kingdom in Austria-Hungary. -> Though not a monarchist himself, Griffith advocated such an approach for the Anglo-Irish relationship-that Ireland should become a separate kingdom alongside Great Britain, the two forming a dual monarchy with a shared monarch but separate governments, as it was thought this solution would be more palatable to the British.”.Link: INP didn’t share such ideas and their idea of independence through HR was not enough for Griffith and his supporters 3. Home Rule ignored and not sufficient for Irish independence- Redmond’s HR limitation was that Ireland would only be able to determine domestic issues -Griffith sought to combine elements of Parnellism with the traditional separatist approach-Central to his strategy was parliamentary abstention: the belief that Irish MPs should refuse to attend the Parliament of the United Kingdom at Westminster, but should instead establish a separate Irish parliament in Dublin.- withdrawal from Westminster and the establishment of a national assembly in Ireland, refusing to pay British taxes, creating independent Irish courts and an Irish civil service, taking control of local authorities and boycotting British products.

Question 26

Explain why there was opposition to the Home Rule bill in 1912-1914.

Answer 26

1. Ulster-This area was the only industrialised part of the island, with a million-strong community different in religion, culture and national feeling from the majority nationalist community. -> Unionist leaders Carson + Craig spoke at several big rallies across the province. -> In September 1912, the Ulster Unionist Council organised the signing of the Solemn League and Covenant by more than 200,000 men pledging them to resist Home Rule.Link: Ulster opposition of Home Rule was ushered by the Cons party 2. Conservative Unionist- Long standing tradition of opposition towards HR-> 2nd HR Bill 1892 rejected by H of L maj Cons-> believed that GB would be stronger united-> At a huge rally of all UK Unionist associations at Blenheim in July 1912, Bonar Law stated that there was ‘no length of resistance’ to which Ulster could go which he would not be ready to support. Link: It was this exact statement from Bonar Law that was used as an approval for violence from the Ulster Unionists3. Ulster Volunteer Force- On 13 January 1913, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) was formally established by the Ulster Unionist Council-> began drilling, though with few weapons as yet. -> Nationalist organs ridiculed such displays and dismissed threats of armed resistance as bluff. - began to smuggle in consignments of guns and ammunition. -> Carson carried out daily inspections of UVF units across Ulster. -No attempt was made to prosecute the leaders for all this illegality, nor were Redmond or Dillon inclined to call for prosecutions.

Question 27

Explain why the Sinn Fein Nationalist Party became increasingly popular by 1918.

Answer 27

1. WW1 - Put 3rd HR bill on shelf just as the H of L delay time from 1912 was coming to an end -> Redmond encouraged Irish to fight in WW1 to represent GB -> Conscription introduced 1916 -> 1 thing to volunteer to fight in war another to force men to die for GB -> 18-40 - 210,000 Irishmen served in the GB forces during WW1-> 35k Irish died -> heightened need for independence Link: Belief that WW1 was the best opportunity to take seize Irish independence 2. Easter Rising-A small minority of separatist republican radicals broke away from Redmond to form the ‘Irish Volunteers’ -believing the old nationalist adage that ‘England’s extremity is Ireland’s opportunity’, they began planning for a rebellion against British rule in Ireland. -At Easter 1916, led by James Connolly and the visionary nationalist, Patrick Pearse, some 1,800 volunteers seized the General Post Office (GPO) and various other major buildings in Dublin ->proclaimed an Irish republic, and held out for a week before overwhelming force obliged them to surrenderLink: The government responded harshly to this rising3. Government response-subsequent executions of 15 leading rebels, including Pearse and Connolly. -The sharp suppression of the Rising undoubtedly caused support for Irish Independence. -Widespread public revulsion at the executions exacerbated a growing alienation from the British administration in Ireland.- In turn this fuelled support for the republican separatist movement, Sinn Féin, which comprehensively defeated the Redmondite nationalists in the December 1918 general election, thus providing a political underpinning for the Irish war of independence

Question 28

Explain why Britain retreated from Splendid isolation.

Answer 28

1.Russian expansion-Tsar Nicholas II’s letter to Edward VII conveyed Europe’s disapproval of the Boer war entering a plea for’a small people desperately defending their country’. -At the time, Salisbury saw the Tsar’s criticism as a threat to comply an ultimatum from Sweden to halt the movement of troops into Finland. -the common interest truly fuelling the alliance was opposition to Russian expansion.-This was made clear as early as the 1890s, when Cecil Spring Rice identified that the United Kingdom and Japan working in concert was the only way to challenge Russian power in the region. -Japan was beginning to become a viable candidate for alliance. -Negotiations began when Russia began to move into China.Link: As well as Russia, Germany also became a key competitor for Britain.2. The GB Admiralty estimated that the German navy would be the world’s second largest by 1906. -G militarism was feared by Britain as the arms race progressed in speed.-In 1903, G began extending the Constantinople railway from Berlin to the Turkish empire, extending influence and trade. This growth left Britain with mistrust and concerns about German intentions. -This concern was escalated by the fact that the British economy was in decline and was beginning to rely more heavily on German exports.-By 1906 to 1910 -> German percentage of world manufacturing capacity greater than Britain’s eg. Stee l1860 -> 2x By 1914, 1/2. Link: The cost of maintaining Russian, German and French expansion clearly would not have been a viable option for Britain.3. France shared similar political views with Britain and Britain had little interest in Morocco. -However, Egypt was a key part of the old spice and trade routes between Europe and Asia. -The Suez Canal provided the quickest way of maintaining communications between Britain and India.-French and Egyptian governments financed the opening of the Suez Canal 1869-In 1875, the Egyptian ruler was forced to sell his shares in the canal operating company to the British government. the majority of shares were still held by French private investors.-The international status of British control over Egypt remained uncertain since 1882 -> profitable Indian Empire was under threat-the Entente Cordiale of April 1904. France promised not to challenge British control over Egypt

Question 29

Explain why Britain declared War on Germany in 1914.

Answer 29

1. German colonisation and expansion. - The British Admiralty estimated that the German navy would be the world’s second largest by 1906.- clear to Britain that Tirpitz’s ultimate goal was a fleet capable of rivaling the British fleet. Britain’s Naval Defence Act of 1889 -> Britain was to maintain a navy superior to Britain’s two largest rivals combined. -German militarism was feared by Britain as the arms race progressed in speed. -Agadir Crisis 1911 when the German ‘panther’ was sent was seen as an attempt to gain a foothold in Africa-Germany could potentially come out of the war with great influence in the west-Therefore, Britain entered the war as a defence mechanism against German colonisation and expansion.2. To allow Germany to expand beyond France would tilt the balance of power. -The Entente Cordial of 1904 had strengthened relations between France and GB-Moroccan Crisis 1905 arguable designed by Kaiser Wilhelm to test the Entente Cordialdisplayed GB support for France-Same support shown during Agadir Crisis 1911 -> outcome = 1912 Anglo-French naval agreement-Evidently, Lord Grey was committed to Francecommitment seen through the protests for war at Trafalgar Square, August 1914-The British public were both protesting for France and for Belgium3. The Schliffen plan meant that France would be invaded through Belgium.-> The treaty of London signed in 1839 catalysed GB entry into warbecame crucial to the GB public to guard the neutrality of Belgium Lib cabinet forced to agree to war b/c they had a duty to represent the people by protecting Belgium

Question 30

Explain why a coalition government was established in Britain in 1915.

Answer 30

1. Consensus-Social reform -> when econ started to slump 1902-10 unionists linked commitment to tarfifs with funding of social reforms-within social reforms created-> emphasis remained on role of individual + self help-both found practical problems with female suffrage-free trade + protectionism -> although Libs publicly supported free trade as war time settled in -> clear that protectionism would boost economy -> true for most cons. beliefsLink: Liberal failures b/c of liberal beliefs of individual freedom2. Ammunition shortages-Country was not producing enough ammunition for W frontdispatch from Colonel Repington in the Times blamed lib gov for shell shortage -attempt to land a GB force at Dardanelles in April 1915 to knock Turkey out of war failed-Disagreements between Churchill and Fisher led to Fisher’s public resignationLink: Liberal failures caused many Conservatives to believe a general election was the only way3. Bonar law knew a general election would be costly and time consuming-even if Cons. did win this would damage war effort -cons. would be blamed for loss of war-purely Cons. gov would find it difficult to run the war -> had to prevent conservative MP’s from attacking the gov

Question 31

Explain why there was support in Ulster for the Solemn League and Covenant in 1912.

Answer 31

1. 1912 Home Rule Bill - 1912 HR Bill created an Irish Parliament despite the numerous limitations on the power of this Parliament its existence was enough to drive unionists to commit tothe Covenant- Protests in Belfast 2 days before HR Bill introduced with over 100k people ignored by Lib gov.-> It included Ulster despite Carson’s demands for Ulster to be excluded- the passage of the 1911 Parliament Act meant that the 1912 Home Rule Bill would eventually become law. The pro-Unionist House of Lords would be unable to prevent ordelay it any longer. This was a simple reality known and understood by all Ulster UnionistsLink: Ulster Unionists had made it clear since the 1st attempt to pass a HR bill in 1886, that Ulster was to be excluded2. Unionist Opposition-it was a long standing Unionist movement and its members and supporters had developed a political voice and organisation since the threat of Home Rule had emergedin the 1880s-This area was the only industrialised part of the island, with a million-strong community different in religion, culture and national feeling from the majority nationalist community. - Ulster unionists felt it was their birth right to be a part of England and that HR was ripping this away from them-many Ulstermen believed that the Covenant would act as a powerful form of pressure on the Liberal government and they knew they had political support amongst manyConservatives in Britain, and some LiberalsLink: The leaders of these views convinced many to support the covenant. 3. Carson was a powerful and charismatic leader and drew many followers by his absolutely uncompromising stance against Home Rule-> Unionist leaders Carson + Craig spoke at several big rallies across the province. - Support from B law - Convinced Unionists of the economic damages of HR- Many Ulstermen saw Home Rule as the beginning of a new economic order which would result in Ulster providing economic support for the ailing south of Ireland. -The Covenant was effectively a commitment not to accept this

Question 32

Explain why the Labour Representation Committee (LRC) formed a political pact with the Liberals in 1903.

Answer 32

1. Consensus- joint concerns between the LRC and the Liberals, including opposition- 1902 Education Act - Chinese Labour- Free trade over tariff reform -> Ramsay Macdonald leader of LRC -> felt Gladstone would ensure the reform desired by LabourLink:2. Ensured a degree of political growth for Labour -> based on ensuring the Party would be able to stand in anti-Conservative constituencies and there would be noopposition from the Liberals- the LRC was relatively new and it needed additional political support to strengthen itschances of influencing decision making nationally- TU not fully behind the Party. The LRC needed some guarantee of political support over and above the Trade Unions and the pact provided thisLink: Conservative Party was becoming increasingly unpopular during the years 1902 to 1906. 3. Growth of LRC-benefitted the emerging Labour movement. In order to further exploit this development the LRC formed the pact with the Liberals-the Taff Vale judgement reinforced the LRC’s support from some trade unions. This not only suggested considerable financial support but also electoral support from manyunion members. The financial strength of the LRC made it an attractive partner in the eyes of the Liberals. -The LRC exploited this financial strength

Question 33

Explain why Balfour’s leadership weakened the Conservative Party in the years 1902 to 1905.

Answer 33

1. Non-conformists- Education act 1902 - Granted ratepayers’ money to voluntary Church of England schools -> NC voluntary schools funds from the state rather than from rates - Licensing act 1904 -> used by NC to castigate gov for intro a levy on industry so brewers could receive compensation for losses through NC taxes Link: Same lack of understanding for NC showed in Balfour legislation against WC2. Lost vote of WC- lack of action = uncaring highlighted by Chinese Slavery 1902-4 -> reminder of failure to act on Taff Vale judgement 1901 -> prohibited WC from striking only set up royal commission- C workers appalling living conditions-> separation of men + women - flaggings allegedly authorised by Milner- publicly viewed as morally wrong- reminded public of B war conc. camps 26k women + children died - WC not valued -> lost job op.Link: Balfour’s callous and uncaring nature was manipulated by the Liberals in their campaign against Tariff reform3. Tariff reform 1903 - Tariff reform controversial -> idea of free trade was practically a religion- Balfour never formally opposed the policy -> gave impression that this was a cons. view - created op. for libs to criticise Cons. gov -> reminding public of treatment of WC with TV + CS, using ‘Big loaf, little loaf’ campaign to show WC that tariff reform would lead to increased prices - Many cons. members supported free trade- Churchill + Duke of Devonshire cross the floor to Libs- Tariff reform split Cons. party -> Balfour resigns before general election 1906