Theme 1a: Changing Political Environment

Question 1

Britain in 1918

Answer 1

-Governed by wartime coalition of Liberals and Conservatives (Labour refuses)
-Led by Lloyd George (Libs)
-Representation of People Act passed (electorate tripled in size)
-All women over 30 could vote, all men over 21

Question 2

Conservatives

Answer 2

-Traditionally seen as party for middle and upper class
-Have a working class vote (those more skill full/patriotic)

Question 3

Liberals

Answer 3

-Led wartime coalition but deeply divided
-Split between Asquith and Lloyd George over war policy
-Asquith was against government intervention during inter war period, Lloyd George was for it

Question 4

Labour

Answer 4

-Created late 19th century to represent trade union movement
-Wanted workers pay and condition to improve

Question 5

1918 Election

Answer 5

-Overwhelming for wartime coalition
-Libs relied mainly on Cons MPs

Question 6

Party Fortunes 1918-31

Answer 6

-Labour replaces Liberals as official opposition in 1922 election, formed 2 governments between 1924-31
-Liberals never took power again and became insignificant (partly due to Representation of People Act and splits in party)
-Conservatives adjusted to changing circumstances of the decade and governed most of period

Question 7

National Government 1931-45

Answer 7

-Labour comes in 1929 but collapsed 1931 due to depression
-Dominated by Conservative government
-Policies involved 10% tariff, reducing interest rates and means test
-Faced threat of extremism, Moslem’s fascists attempted to challenge them, failed due to lack of organisation