Post-War Coalition Government 18-22 Flashcards
What did Lloyd George announce just 24 hours after the Armistice had been signed with Germany?
He announced his decision to hold an election in alliance with his coalition partners, subsequently becoming known as the ‘coupon election’.
Why was this election given the name ‘coupon election’?
It was in reference to Asquith’s ridiculing of George’s and Bonar’s letters sent to each others candidates, which were labelled as ‘coupons’.
Who took part in the coupon election?
The conservatives were under Bonar Law, and the coalition liberals under Lloyd George, they decided to fight for a joint coalition programme. However, Asquith’s independent Liberals were completely against this.
What were the results of this election?
It was a catastrophic loss for the independent Liberals, with all of the Liberal party’s representatives pre-war losing their seats, including Asquith who lost his seat in East Fife. Only 28 Asquithians survived, as opposed to the 133 Lloyd George supporters. The Conservatives did not put up candidates against supporters of Lloyd George.
What was the impact of this election?
The coalition won an overwhelming victory and remained in office for the next 4 years. It also resulted in the shattering of the Liberal party by formalising wartime divisions.
Why did the Conservatives and Liberals want to maintain a coalition?
Lloyd George wanted to build a reputation for himself as the ‘man who won the war’, gaining a great deal of power and prestige after his role as wartime prime minister. The Conservatives were dependent on Lloyd George, as Bonar Law, their leader was not nearly as dynamic and the party had few effective policies that would attract the electorate.
What % of votes/ no. of seats did the Coalition candidates win?
The coalition candidates won 47.6% of votes, and 478 seats, in comparison to the opposition parties’ split 229 seats. Lloyd George however was very dependent on the Conservatives in this election, as 32.6% of votes were for coalition conservatives; 335/478 seats.
What were the results for the losing parties?
The split in Liberal ranks proved fatal for the future of the party, while Labour’s 22.2% of votes signified their rise to become the main party of opposition within the commons.
