The National Government, 1931-1945 Flashcards
Why Was It Formed?- Economic Concerns
Ramsay McDonald took office post Wall Street crash- 1929-31 ‘economic blizzard’. Unemployment rose to 3 million.
‘May Committee’ set up to investigate solutions, 10% reduction in unemployment benefits+reduced pay of civil servants, teachers, armed forces. 10 of 21 cabinet members rejected it.
Why Was It Formed?- Great Betrayal
MacDonald announced his resignation, but George V persuaded him not to- instability economically. Stayed as PM of coalition with Stanley Baldwin and Conservatives.
‘Country before party’- Labour voted to expel him from the party.
Split- ‘National Labour Committee’, majority Lab MPs in opposition.
Why Was It Formed?- Elections/MPs
1931 election, Labour Party (non-coalition) lost 236 seats and over 1.7 million seats. Labour out of office for 15 years. National Government very popular, won over two-thirds of the popular vote.
Not a true coalition- only three Labour Cabinet Ministers stayed in post, dominated by Conservatives.
