The rise of the labour party in the interwar years

Question 1

What happened in 1918 which directly supported labour’s share of voters.

Answer 1

The 1918 ROPA expanded the franchise (People who could vote) to most of the working class and women over 27.

Question 2

How many seats did labour get in all the major elections of the time.

Answer 2

1918 - 57 seats

1922 - 142 seats

1923 - 191 seats and formed a minority government with the support of 158 liberals.

1924 - Labour is accused of having soviet sympathies and tank in popularity.

1929 - 287 seats and forms a minority government which lasts until 1931.

1931 - 46 seats losing many leading politicians. Meltdown.

Question 3

When was the labour party formed.

Answer 3

1900

Question 4

Describe the origins of the labour party.

Answer 4

It’s what’s called a grass-roots organisation meaning it came about from the working class it society, having emerged from the Trades Union Congress. As a result it was closely tied to the trade unions.

Question 5

How did wartime increase trade union membership.

Answer 5

in 1915 membership was at 4.3 million compared to 1918 having a membership of 8.3 million.