Why the Labour Government lost the election in 1924 Flashcards
How long were the Labour party in government for?
9/10 months.
Why did Asquith offer conditional support to the Labour government?
He could then displace the Conservative party, limit the Labour government to only Liberal approved actions and to have the capability of bringing the new government down if he chooses.
When did the Campbell case take place?
September 1924.
What was the Campbell case?
Government was accused of interfering with the justice system and withdrawing prosecution against left-wing journalist, J.R.Campbell.
What did J.R.Campbell do?
Encouraged soldiers to disobey orders if they were told to fire on striking workers.
How did the Conservatives and Liberals want to handle the situation?
They wanted an inquiry to consider the matter.
How did James Ramsey-Macdonald react to the inquiry?
He threatened to resign if the inquiry went ahead.
What did Ramsey-Macdonald mean when he referred to the Liberals as a “spent force”?
Labour had replaced the Liberals as the only alternative party to the Conservatives.
How many seats did Labour lose in the October 1924 election?
40 seats.
What was the Zinoviev letter?
A letter addressed to the British Communist Party from the Chief Comintern encouraging its members to infiltrate the Labour Party and use it to bring the down the British state. It was published in the British Daily Mail.
Why was the Zinoviev letter bad?
It came out the same time as the Anglo-Russian Treaty and many people believed the labour party was a front for the Soviet Subversion and therefore communist.
