Why was the 1st Labour Government so short lived? Flashcards
What were the background difficulties faced by this government?
Inexperience of being in power.
Divided support.
High expectations from ‘partners’, the Trades Union.
Limited aims - only really survival in power and determination to prove they were fit to govern.
What were the political difficulties faced by this government?
They were a minority government.
Choice of ministers.
RMD’s style of leadership.
Aimed for moderation - seen as aloof.
What was expensive and ineffectual?
Foreign Policy
When was the Dawes Plan (foreign policy)?
1924
What was the Dawes Plan?
An injection of money into German economy to re-kickstart it. Mostly positive.
How did the Dawes Plan backfire on Britain?
Slowed coal industry down as the Ruhr was reinvigorated.
Who created a housing act in 1924?
Wheatley.
What financial aid went up?
Unemployment benefit & pensions.
Who had high expectations of the Labour Gov?
The Trades Union.
Why did the TU have high expectations?
Because the Labour Party ‘stood’ in defence of the everyday worker.
What letter sent to Britain caused uproarious panic?
The Zinoviev Letter.
What was the Zinoviev Letter?
A controversial letter published in the mail days before the election.
What was the Honours Scandal?
RMD took a share of the McVities biscuit company and ‘gifted’ a peerage to his long-time friend.
What came about as a result of the Labour Gov?
The Campbell Case.
What is the Campbell Case?
Involved charges against a newspaper which ‘incited mutiny’ through an openly published provocative letter to the military. It was embarrassing for RMD’s Gov.
