Lloyd George had been supreme in British politics and his popularity has rarely been equalled. He was seen as the man who ‘won the war’. Although the leading conservatives favoured Lloyd George, this was being challenged by the back bench conservatives who were rising in ranks. Even his Lib supporters became to fall apart to the conservatives, labour and even to the Asquithian Liberals. Simply enough, the collapse of support was due to the conservatives simply opting to terminate their alliance. This happened also because of the looming 1923 election and the conservatives issue whether to split the coalition and all the parties fight it out as normal, which left no place for Lloyd George
He originally wanted to continue as Prime Minister, as did Bonar Law (who resigned due to terminal cancer) and succeeded by Austen Chamberlain. He and Balfour agreed to support Lloyd George, and organised a meeting in which the conservative leadership offered to support Lloyd George. It was known that the backbenchers were unwilling to support, and so if Chamberlain failed to convince, not only would the coalition disband, but his leadership position would falter, chamberlain believed he could do it.
The Carlton club meeting was what was arranged, Chamberlain and Balfour advocated the continuation of the coalition asking for the support. They were, countered by one Stanley Baldwin, an increasingly influential member who argued that they must give up Lloyd George or face being destroyed the same way that he had destroyed the Liberal Party (according to him) and that Lloyd George was a ‘Dynamic Force’ in politics, ‘The same thing will happen to our party’
Baldwin was actually supported by Bonar Law who had been temporarily restored to better health, as he had time to reflect and reassess the position and w how Lloyd George had being to cause concerns. His support was crucial because he could be PM and Baldwin could not, the backbenchers ended the coalition, and so the leading ministers resigned as did eventually Lloyd George. Bonar Law became PM, Baldwin Chancellor of Exchequer and Curzon Foreign secretary. Apart from that, the government was weak.
The Circumstances for the fall of Lloyd george maybe straightforward, but a number of factors lead to growing concerns to the Conservative Coalition.
- Many unhappy with LG’s handling of Ireland (conservatives were known as Unionists in the period before the war)
- Imperial affairs under coalition alienated conservative party members. As Egyptian independence which was key to route to India (suez canal) and the criticisms of the 379 indian demostrators who were shot at governmental level did not go down well
- Lloyd George although hostile to Communism, was also against intervention in the Russian civil war, and even did a trade with the Communist Russia.
- Lloyd George’s style too unconventional, rarely attending parliament and becoming very impatient
- He was known publicly as ‘The Goat’ and cheated on his wife with his lover.
- His attitude to the honours system created a scandal, he refused any for himself except for companion of honour which couldn’t be refused, he saw no reason not to cash into the snobbery of those who valued class, he sold Honours, 15,000 a knighthood, 25000 was baronetcy, and 50000 was a peerage. The proceeds were split between LG and the conservatives. Funs
- Lloyd george was heavily involved in foreign policy and almost caused another war between turkey. This was known as the Chanak crisis, as Turkish troops approached an allied position at Dardanelles. LG threatened force. This was seen as the final straw and provoked the Back bench revolt of Stanley Baldwin
SUMMARY
LG previously supreme in british politics. Leading cons supported but backbenchers started to doubt. His libs went to Cons, Lab and Asq-Libs often. His fall was due to cons opting out of coalition leaving no place for LG.
Wanted to Continue as PM, BL + Balfour then CHAM/BALF arranged carlton club meeting to argue point. Chamberlain believed he could reassert backbenchers. Countered by Baldwin ‘Dynamic force, split our party’
A temporary BL agreed. They all resigned, and formed a new if not weak gov.
Reason for collapse was he would split the party like he split libs, but series of events influenced their decisions
- Cons unhappy with Home Rule (unionists)
- Imperial affairs were criticised, made cons mad.
- Seen as lessening stand against Bolsh
- Unfamiliar style of gov, publicly known as a Womaniser
- Honours Scandal – Splitting of profits made
- Chanak crisis.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Coalition's return to normality.
The main aims due to the considerable talent found in the coalition government followed along the lines of:
• Making Britain a better place to forget about the first world war stresses
• The massive governmental debt (from 650 – 8000 mil) needed to be funded.
• Lloyd George also wanted unity within the Coalition as there was such a broad base of ideas.
• Lloyd George was also concerned with Foreign affairs of which he saw as essential after the war.
Lloyd George was determined to continue the liberal reformation of old, even before the War was over, he basically said that there was no turning back the clock on governmental intervention, and that these reforms would continue. He first, influenced by the Liberal Whitby, set up the Whitby Councils which contained employers and employees to talk about wages and working conditions. He next set up the Council of Reconstruction under Christopher Addison, the famous slogan ‘Homes fit for Heroes’ in reforms over housing, NH, banking and industry. He also proposed to extend pensions, and a new education act had been passes so that LEA’s had to set up schemes of work, and a min leaving age of 14.
After the war, it first aimed to improve pre-war reformation
- Maternity and child welfare act of 1918 Updated benefits of the ‘Children Act of 1908’
- Pensions had seen some of the restrictions removed
- Health insurance was for all earning under 250
Next were efforts to win the working class over
- Ex-servicemen allowed special unemployment benefits
- Act to prevent wage reductions after the drop in demand after the war
- New miner reforms
Then followed structural reforms, to deal with the social issues of the time
- The Unemployment Act of 1920, extended provisions to all employees (except a select few with their own schemes), but doing this at the time of high unemployment (due to the war) led to problems. This had to be changed as the Surplus made for the Act of 22 million had been wiped out. 1921 act changed this to after 26 weeks they would be put on a new uninsured scheme.
- Housing scheme under Addison followed next, where 70,000 homes would be built, offered at low rents until the market picked up.
The Economic problems dominated the governments concerns, as the war had led to high levels of taxation and government interference with the economy. Britain’s structure did remain intact however. The next aim happened to be lower taxation, which would be difficult as Britain’s military would be used in the LofN. At the Start, Death duties and profits tax was raised, but this was eventually changed back to normal.
The recovery was directed by the Geddes’ Committee who aimed to cut spending by 86 Million in education, health and military issues;
- Army and navy facing a 41 million cut.
- Education lost 18 million by docking wages
- Reductions in army personal
- Children under six removed from school
- Police pay was cut.
The government accepted a total of 64 Million in cuts.
The war exposed the agriculture and industry side of Britain as being to be weak, and needed modernisation. The government during the war often nationalised some of the weakening areas of the industry, such as the mines. The Sankey committee of 1919 reported that mining had be nationalised in order to survive. The mines were eventually returned to private ownership, but falling coal prices pushed down wages, which lead to the ‘Black Friday’ event, the breakdown of the national miners strike on Friday 15 april, 1921. The Railways act reduced 120 rail companies to four, with a Railway tribunal, as it had shown to be rather inefficient during the war.
Agriculture had shown its value during the war, as it reduced Britain’s dangerous dependence on foreign importing of food. The 1920’s act, set up a wage board, to guarantee prices for farmers, to protect the downturn period after the war. But what followed was a boom, so wages grew massively and THEN was hit by a slump in which prices plummeted.
The government however, did not create enough homes on the scale needed, nor did it develop social reform on what it introduced after the second world war, as the majority conservatives and even liberals did not embrace such deep reformation.
SUMMARY
LG wanted to focus on
- Make Britain a better place
- Tackling debt
- Industry/agriculture
- Continuation of reform
- International Co-op
LG – Intervention would increase but should be more private enterprise again
Whitby Councils – Working conditions and Wages
Council of Reconstruction – Addison ‘Homes of heroes’
Proposed extension of reforms, LEA'S SCHEME OF WORK + MIN leaving age
Improve pre-war reformation
- Pensions extended
- Updated 1908 children’s act (benefit)
- Health insurance
Efforts to win working class
- ex-service men extended benefits
- Act for miners
Structural
- Unemployment act, caused problems and had to be changed
- Housing scheme. 70’000 houses
¬Britain lower taxes, the Geddes Cut, military cuts, education cuts, totalling 64 Million. Industry was weak, and gov wanted mines to be privately owned, eventually happened but wage cuts followed.
General miners strike – Black Friday
Agriculture useful, Act introduced to support wages. However, there was post war boom, then slump so wages fell anyway.
NOT A FAILURE but not a success, Reforms not as extensive as they should be. HOUSING ACT WAS TOO SMALL, and poorly made houses. Coalition too CAUTIOUS, and un-nationalisation, not big enough
• Making Britain a better place to forget about the first world war stresses
• The massive governmental debt (from 650 – 8000 mil) needed to be funded.
• Lloyd George also wanted unity within the Coalition as there was such a broad base of ideas.
• Lloyd George was also concerned with Foreign affairs of which he saw as essential after the war.
Lloyd George was determined to continue the liberal reformation of old, even before the War was over, he basically said that there was no turning back the clock on governmental intervention, and that these reforms would continue. He first, influenced by the Liberal Whitby, set up the Whitby Councils which contained employers and employees to talk about wages and working conditions. He next set up the Council of Reconstruction under Christopher Addison, the famous slogan ‘Homes fit for Heroes’ in reforms over housing, NH, banking and industry. He also proposed to extend pensions, and a new education act had been passes so that LEA’s had to set up schemes of work, and a min leaving age of 14.
After the war, it first aimed to improve pre-war reformation
- Maternity and child welfare act of 1918 Updated benefits of the ‘Children Act of 1908’
- Pensions had seen some of the restrictions removed
- Health insurance was for all earning under 250
Next were efforts to win the working class over
- Ex-servicemen allowed special unemployment benefits
- Act to prevent wage reductions after the drop in demand after the war
- New miner reforms
Then followed structural reforms, to deal with the social issues of the time
- The Unemployment Act of 1920, extended provisions to all employees (except a select few with their own schemes), but doing this at the time of high unemployment (due to the war) led to problems. This had to be changed as the Surplus made for the Act of 22 million had been wiped out. 1921 act changed this to after 26 weeks they would be put on a new uninsured scheme.
- Housing scheme under Addison followed next, where 70,000 homes would be built, offered at low rents until the market picked up.
The Economic problems dominated the governments concerns, as the war had led to high levels of taxation and government interference with the economy. Britain’s structure did remain intact however. The next aim happened to be lower taxation, which would be difficult as Britain’s military would be used in the LofN. At the Start, Death duties and profits tax was raised, but this was eventually changed back to normal.
The recovery was directed by the Geddes’ Committee who aimed to cut spending by 86 Million in education, health and military issues;
- Army and navy facing a 41 million cut.
- Education lost 18 million by docking wages
- Reductions in army personal
- Children under six removed from school
- Police pay was cut.
The government accepted a total of 64 Million in cuts.
The war exposed the agriculture and industry side of Britain as being to be weak, and needed modernisation. The government during the war often nationalised some of the weakening areas of the industry, such as the mines. The Sankey committee of 1919 reported that mining had be nationalised in order to survive. The mines were eventually returned to private ownership, but falling coal prices pushed down wages, which lead to the ‘Black Friday’ event, the breakdown of the national miners strike on Friday 15 april, 1921. The Railways act reduced 120 rail companies to four, with a Railway tribunal, as it had shown to be rather inefficient during the war.
Agriculture had shown its value during the war, as it reduced Britain’s dangerous dependence on foreign importing of food. The 1920’s act, set up a wage board, to guarantee prices for farmers, to protect the downturn period after the war. But what followed was a boom, so wages grew massively and THEN was hit by a slump in which prices plummeted.
The government however, did not create enough homes on the scale needed, nor did it develop social reform on what it introduced after the second world war, as the majority conservatives and even liberals did not embrace such deep reformation.
SUMMARY
LG wanted to focus on
- Make Britain a better place
- Tackling debt
- Industry/agriculture
- Continuation of reform
- International Co-op
LG – Intervention would increase but should be more private enterprise again
Whitby Councils – Working conditions and Wages
Council of Reconstruction – Addison ‘Homes of heroes’
Proposed extension of reforms, LEA'S SCHEME OF WORK + MIN leaving age
Improve pre-war reformation
- Pensions extended
- Updated 1908 children’s act (benefit)
- Health insurance
Efforts to win working class
- ex-service men extended benefits
- Act for miners
Structural
- Unemployment act, caused problems and had to be changed
- Housing scheme. 70’000 houses
¬Britain lower taxes, the Geddes Cut, military cuts, education cuts, totalling 64 Million. Industry was weak, and gov wanted mines to be privately owned, eventually happened but wage cuts followed.
General miners strike – Black Friday
Agriculture useful, Act introduced to support wages. However, there was post war boom, then slump so wages fell anyway.
NOT A FAILURE but not a success, Reforms not as extensive as they should be. HOUSING ACT WAS TOO SMALL, and poorly made houses. Coalition too CAUTIOUS, and un-nationalisation, not big enough
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Britain and the First World War
Despite the mounting differences between the political parties up to 1914, such as Suffrage and Home Rule, August the 2nd saw the Conservatives pledge their support, The Irish Nationalist followed soon after and then the Labour Party, and so the Liberals had the support of almost all of Parliament to steer Britain through war.
Asquith as Prime Minister, conducted the war through his means of ‘Wait and See’ by usual processes and procedures, but this didn’t work effectively with a cabinet over 20 members. There was little planning, only reaction to the events that happened. Lord Kitchener was Secretary of State for War, who struggled to face trench warfare, and his lack of skills undermined Asquith’s position. The key members of the government struggled to work together under this pressure.
• Asquith though intellectually brilliant could not make decisions quickly
• Winston Churchill developed impractical schemes (Dardanelles)
• Lloyd George became impatient with both, certain he could do better.
Lloyd George as impatient as he was released a memorandum in spring 1915 arguing that Britain’s economy should be prepared for Total War, producing munitions for its services and its Allies. Kitchener disagreed and they argued frequently. By this time, the shortage of shells on the western front became public with Major Repington ‘We had not sufficient high explosives to lower the enemy’s parapets to the ground’ This was partly because of Sir John French (whom was a weak diplomat and staff work), the commander-in-chief, assured Lord Kitchener that he had all the ammo needed. This was a major crisis, and was followed by the resignation of Sir John Fisher, the First Sea Lord who did so because of a series of major quarrels with Winston Churchill over the Dardanelles campaign in which the fleet would of needed to be increased.
Because of these reasons, H.H Asquith was now fatally compromised, and could no longer depend on conservative support due to the resignation of the Conservative Sea Lord. He had to look to form a governmental coalition. Asquith needed Andrew Bonar Law’s support, and so he dictated his on terms on the issue of coalition, with Law becoming colonial secretary, Balfour as Admiralty and LG took over minister of Munitions. However the new coalition was no stronger than the Last Liberal Government as the direction of the war was still hesitant and the government became increasingly divided in opinion. Conscription was one issue, with the creation of a war cabinet being the other.
Conscription
Kitchener’s volunteer campaign was undoubtedly a success, but as losses grew it was clear conscription was needed to retain full fighting strength. Lloyd George said that Britain would lose the war without it, but many liberals were uneasy because of their traditional individualism attitude. Sir John Simon, the home secretary resigned over the introduction.
War Cabinet
The war was conducted disastrously by too many originally, and the cabinet of the war needed diversity and the will to make very quick decisions. A committee put together for the Dardanelles campaign became the war cabinet, although it lacked any real power and was nothing more than a ‘talking shop’. Two events put an end to the cabinet, in that Lord Kitchener drowned when his ship struck a mine, and Lloyd George became War minister.
Lloyd George, with more authority finally had the power to take initiative. On the first of December 1916, he proposed the formation of a War Cabinet that did NOT include Asquith but did Bonar Law, Carson. Asquith would still be prime-minister. This was because he always remained on the fence with issues over the War. Asquith firstly dismissed the whole thing as out of hand. Then when the conservatives threatened to resign, he changed his mind. As soon as the newspapers criticised Asquith, he reverted back to his old opinion. Because of this, Lloyd George resigned, as did all conservative ministers, soon followed by Asquith himself.
The 6th December, 1916 saw the meeting of the party leaders at Buckingham Palace, Attended by Asquith and Lloyd, Bonar Law and Balfour, and Henderson. Bonar Law was offered PM Job, but turned it down only agreeing if Asquith would serve under him, Asquith refused. And so Lloyd George, supported by conservative ministers, became Prime Minister. Asquith and his Asquithian Liberals resigned. Lloyd George however, secured the support of the Conservative and Labour party with 100 Liberal ministers. Lloyd George was the prime minister whilst Asquith was the leader of the Liberals, many liberals saw Lloyd George as a traitor.
Lloyd George did however, have an immediate effect on the conduction of the war, in that it became invigorated, which was needed. Losses on the western front and U-boats put pressure on britain, with morale desperately low. Lloyd George rocketed a will to win that Britain had previously not seen. He immediately appointed a War Cabinet, of Henderson, Curzon, Bonar Law and Milner, with Carson becoming first lord of Admiralty and Balfour Foreign secretary.
The Prime Minister did have critics however, such as the Military Chiefs who objected to him taking control of areas of tactics, and he used the excuse that the military's huge use of supplies and men meant that he should be involved, which lead to Lloyd George holding back 18 year olds and the creation of Armoured convoys. Lloyd George was also criticised for rarely attending Parliament and relying on outside experrs and not his cabinet. This was seen as far too radical.
The final offensive in March 1918, Lloyd George answered his critics about keeping troops back, by saying that their were more troops in Jan 1918, than Jan 1917. This was directly challenged by General F.D maurice, of the military operations who had just retired, accusing him of 'Misstatements'. It was at this point that Asquith, mounted his only public challenge, taking the side of Maurice and proposed a 'no confidence' vote in the coalition. Lloyd George on the 9th pointed out the information he had used was directly from Maurice's old department, and so he won the Vote of confidence, however Lloyd George failed to mention that the Department had sent him the corrected figures before the statement. This had two consequences
- It destroyed any chance of Unification, as Asquith sided with Maurice, as did 96 other liberals, and so the liberals were even further divided.
- It also revealed that Lloyd George needed his conservative support.
The Representation of the Peoples Act became law in 1918, the first time some householding women could vote and all men over 21, and so no one knew what effect women would have on the votes. Because of this, the Coupon Election as it became known, would be radically difficult from the ones of Previous.
SUMMARY
All political parties pledged support
Asquith misdirects war 'wait and see', cabinet too large and no unity
Lord Kitchener poor in skills
______________________________
Lloyd George memorandum on Total War vs Kitchener
The shell scandal a serious problem
Sir John fishers resignation removed Conservative support
_______________________________
Asquith searches for coalition. BL on his own terms
BL replaces positions
Coalition no stronger than previous gov, with more conflict over Conscription/War cab
_______________________________
Conscription - Britain would lose war without it, some liberals uneasy
War Cabinet - the Dardanelles previous', without power
Kitchener drowns, LG becomes minister
__________________________________
LG acts quickly, plans war cabinet EXCLUDING Asquith
Asquith dismisses but is threatened with Cons resignations
Asquith soon comes back to this. All members resign
__________________________________
Buckingham - LG becomes leader
Asquith remains from coalition
LG injects much needed will to win to war effort
criticised for untraditional methods and his interference in strategy.
__________________________________
LG wins vote of no confidence, Maurice debate by holding back facts
Representation of People Act set up next Gen elect to be interesting.
THE COUPON ELECTION 1918
The war was now clearly reaching a climax, and Lloyd George could quite easily of made the claim to be a successful Wartime leader. However, the political parties remained with a number or problems. The Liberal party was completely destroyed, and how would Lloyd George with his remaining liberals stay in politics? The Labour Party also had to decide whether to keep their support for Lloyd George or use their new found experience to fight it out on their own. The Conservatives too, had to decided whether to support Lloyd George.
The Labour Party eventually decided to leave the Coalition because of their experiences gained in the Coalition governmentm and because Trade-unionism put them in a wealthy position. The Lloyd George Liberals, met with themselves to discuss their future, in which they wrote to him, urging him to continue the coalition and sign an agreement with Andrew Bonar Law. They came up with a letter, in which both ABL + LG would have to sign in order to support the coalition, and all party members who were willing to support the coalition. This agreement also, which correlates to the Macdonald-Bannerman (lib-lab) ruled out the chance of a split vote and Coalition Libs would not oppose Coalition Conservatives and vice versa. Asquith mocked these letters as ‘Coupons’ – The ration cards from the war. The Conservatives were keen to continue, as they believed that Lloyd George genuinely was a brilliant leader with huge popularity, Andrew Bonar Law was a particularly fond and close friend, ‘We must not let the little man go’. They also seen him as the one who could effectively stamp out Bolshevism as he was so socially minded.
The Election took place on the 14 of Dec. The results were a clear triumph for the Coalition. However, this was most definitely the end of the Liberal Party. This was also a victory for the conservatives, as Liberals were split and the Labour party was neutralised.
Asquith as Prime Minister, conducted the war through his means of ‘Wait and See’ by usual processes and procedures, but this didn’t work effectively with a cabinet over 20 members. There was little planning, only reaction to the events that happened. Lord Kitchener was Secretary of State for War, who struggled to face trench warfare, and his lack of skills undermined Asquith’s position. The key members of the government struggled to work together under this pressure.
• Asquith though intellectually brilliant could not make decisions quickly
• Winston Churchill developed impractical schemes (Dardanelles)
• Lloyd George became impatient with both, certain he could do better.
Lloyd George as impatient as he was released a memorandum in spring 1915 arguing that Britain’s economy should be prepared for Total War, producing munitions for its services and its Allies. Kitchener disagreed and they argued frequently. By this time, the shortage of shells on the western front became public with Major Repington ‘We had not sufficient high explosives to lower the enemy’s parapets to the ground’ This was partly because of Sir John French (whom was a weak diplomat and staff work), the commander-in-chief, assured Lord Kitchener that he had all the ammo needed. This was a major crisis, and was followed by the resignation of Sir John Fisher, the First Sea Lord who did so because of a series of major quarrels with Winston Churchill over the Dardanelles campaign in which the fleet would of needed to be increased.
Because of these reasons, H.H Asquith was now fatally compromised, and could no longer depend on conservative support due to the resignation of the Conservative Sea Lord. He had to look to form a governmental coalition. Asquith needed Andrew Bonar Law’s support, and so he dictated his on terms on the issue of coalition, with Law becoming colonial secretary, Balfour as Admiralty and LG took over minister of Munitions. However the new coalition was no stronger than the Last Liberal Government as the direction of the war was still hesitant and the government became increasingly divided in opinion. Conscription was one issue, with the creation of a war cabinet being the other.
Conscription
Kitchener’s volunteer campaign was undoubtedly a success, but as losses grew it was clear conscription was needed to retain full fighting strength. Lloyd George said that Britain would lose the war without it, but many liberals were uneasy because of their traditional individualism attitude. Sir John Simon, the home secretary resigned over the introduction.
War Cabinet
The war was conducted disastrously by too many originally, and the cabinet of the war needed diversity and the will to make very quick decisions. A committee put together for the Dardanelles campaign became the war cabinet, although it lacked any real power and was nothing more than a ‘talking shop’. Two events put an end to the cabinet, in that Lord Kitchener drowned when his ship struck a mine, and Lloyd George became War minister.
Lloyd George, with more authority finally had the power to take initiative. On the first of December 1916, he proposed the formation of a War Cabinet that did NOT include Asquith but did Bonar Law, Carson. Asquith would still be prime-minister. This was because he always remained on the fence with issues over the War. Asquith firstly dismissed the whole thing as out of hand. Then when the conservatives threatened to resign, he changed his mind. As soon as the newspapers criticised Asquith, he reverted back to his old opinion. Because of this, Lloyd George resigned, as did all conservative ministers, soon followed by Asquith himself.
The 6th December, 1916 saw the meeting of the party leaders at Buckingham Palace, Attended by Asquith and Lloyd, Bonar Law and Balfour, and Henderson. Bonar Law was offered PM Job, but turned it down only agreeing if Asquith would serve under him, Asquith refused. And so Lloyd George, supported by conservative ministers, became Prime Minister. Asquith and his Asquithian Liberals resigned. Lloyd George however, secured the support of the Conservative and Labour party with 100 Liberal ministers. Lloyd George was the prime minister whilst Asquith was the leader of the Liberals, many liberals saw Lloyd George as a traitor.
Lloyd George did however, have an immediate effect on the conduction of the war, in that it became invigorated, which was needed. Losses on the western front and U-boats put pressure on britain, with morale desperately low. Lloyd George rocketed a will to win that Britain had previously not seen. He immediately appointed a War Cabinet, of Henderson, Curzon, Bonar Law and Milner, with Carson becoming first lord of Admiralty and Balfour Foreign secretary.
The Prime Minister did have critics however, such as the Military Chiefs who objected to him taking control of areas of tactics, and he used the excuse that the military's huge use of supplies and men meant that he should be involved, which lead to Lloyd George holding back 18 year olds and the creation of Armoured convoys. Lloyd George was also criticised for rarely attending Parliament and relying on outside experrs and not his cabinet. This was seen as far too radical.
The final offensive in March 1918, Lloyd George answered his critics about keeping troops back, by saying that their were more troops in Jan 1918, than Jan 1917. This was directly challenged by General F.D maurice, of the military operations who had just retired, accusing him of 'Misstatements'. It was at this point that Asquith, mounted his only public challenge, taking the side of Maurice and proposed a 'no confidence' vote in the coalition. Lloyd George on the 9th pointed out the information he had used was directly from Maurice's old department, and so he won the Vote of confidence, however Lloyd George failed to mention that the Department had sent him the corrected figures before the statement. This had two consequences
- It destroyed any chance of Unification, as Asquith sided with Maurice, as did 96 other liberals, and so the liberals were even further divided.
- It also revealed that Lloyd George needed his conservative support.
The Representation of the Peoples Act became law in 1918, the first time some householding women could vote and all men over 21, and so no one knew what effect women would have on the votes. Because of this, the Coupon Election as it became known, would be radically difficult from the ones of Previous.
SUMMARY
All political parties pledged support
Asquith misdirects war 'wait and see', cabinet too large and no unity
Lord Kitchener poor in skills
______________________________
Lloyd George memorandum on Total War vs Kitchener
The shell scandal a serious problem
Sir John fishers resignation removed Conservative support
_______________________________
Asquith searches for coalition. BL on his own terms
BL replaces positions
Coalition no stronger than previous gov, with more conflict over Conscription/War cab
_______________________________
Conscription - Britain would lose war without it, some liberals uneasy
War Cabinet - the Dardanelles previous', without power
Kitchener drowns, LG becomes minister
__________________________________
LG acts quickly, plans war cabinet EXCLUDING Asquith
Asquith dismisses but is threatened with Cons resignations
Asquith soon comes back to this. All members resign
__________________________________
Buckingham - LG becomes leader
Asquith remains from coalition
LG injects much needed will to win to war effort
criticised for untraditional methods and his interference in strategy.
__________________________________
LG wins vote of no confidence, Maurice debate by holding back facts
Representation of People Act set up next Gen elect to be interesting.
THE COUPON ELECTION 1918
The war was now clearly reaching a climax, and Lloyd George could quite easily of made the claim to be a successful Wartime leader. However, the political parties remained with a number or problems. The Liberal party was completely destroyed, and how would Lloyd George with his remaining liberals stay in politics? The Labour Party also had to decide whether to keep their support for Lloyd George or use their new found experience to fight it out on their own. The Conservatives too, had to decided whether to support Lloyd George.
The Labour Party eventually decided to leave the Coalition because of their experiences gained in the Coalition governmentm and because Trade-unionism put them in a wealthy position. The Lloyd George Liberals, met with themselves to discuss their future, in which they wrote to him, urging him to continue the coalition and sign an agreement with Andrew Bonar Law. They came up with a letter, in which both ABL + LG would have to sign in order to support the coalition, and all party members who were willing to support the coalition. This agreement also, which correlates to the Macdonald-Bannerman (lib-lab) ruled out the chance of a split vote and Coalition Libs would not oppose Coalition Conservatives and vice versa. Asquith mocked these letters as ‘Coupons’ – The ration cards from the war. The Conservatives were keen to continue, as they believed that Lloyd George genuinely was a brilliant leader with huge popularity, Andrew Bonar Law was a particularly fond and close friend, ‘We must not let the little man go’. They also seen him as the one who could effectively stamp out Bolshevism as he was so socially minded.
The Election took place on the 14 of Dec. The results were a clear triumph for the Coalition. However, this was most definitely the end of the Liberal Party. This was also a victory for the conservatives, as Liberals were split and the Labour party was neutralised.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Irish Home Rule
The 19th century had been more stable between Ireland and Britain than the 20th
- 1800 Act of Union brought together Ireland with Britain to form 'Great Britain'
- Irelands Parliament became directly elected as MP's in the commons
- The ANGLICAN CHURCH was established even though it was mainly a catholic country, and this did cause resentment until the disestablishment
- Ireland suffered from terrible Potato Blight in which one million died and two million emigrated
- Depressed condition of economic farmers, as the land was owned by English Landlords
with no tenacy agreements or protection. Gladstone did attempt to tackle with two acts.
- Republican groups emerged demanding independence such as the Irish Republican Brotherhood and some Irish Nationalists and wanted Home Rule which was 'Political independence but not TRADE' Gladstone agreed to in 1886 and 1892 but both bills were defeated in parliament
- The Conservatives of Salisbury offered more tenacy rights and loans in order to kill home rule with 'kindness'
- The Ulster problem also emerged as the ulster region was predominately Protestant and hated the idea of being seperate from Britain to be dictated to by a Roman Catholic government.
The British however, thought ireland could never be seperated for varying reasons.
- Too many influential businessmen had land, and even opposed offering home rule.
- Ireland's Economy was a major factor to the british government
- The home rule would lead to disasterous effects on the british empire
- Most Importantly it was strategic, as this could have compromised security if ireland was to side with a continental power against Britain.
Gladstone was keen to fight another Gen Elect over Irish Home Rule in 1903, his colleagues (cabinet) believed there was no support whatsoever for home rule and they were correct. Gladstone resigned and he was replaced by Lord Rosebery who shelved the issue.
________________________________________________________________
Ireland, in the next 15 years experienced an increase in Nationalism as many irish though it would never have passed anyway and could be left to when political conditions improved. What followed was a revival in culture, with irish sports and the irish language flourishing and the general feel of the revival was 'anti-british' and condemened the 'West Britonism' which ireland was seen as just another geographical landmark of Britain.
The Liberal Unionist/Conservative Coalition between these years hoped to shelve home rule for good by
- Wyndhams Act which completely transfered land from landlords to tenants. The Irish National Party could hardly condemn this, but they saw that they'd lost a good weapon against the government, and only consoled by thinking that the liberals were pledged to home rule. This did appear to pay off when the Landslide victory of Liberals turned around, this was a situation that Gladstone had dreamt of. However the liberals were more committed to their program of Social reformation.
At this time, Irish National forces began to appear. James Connolly directed a labour movement, and was marxist in belief. He wanted a social workers republic to be set up, and encouraged many in ireland and dublin to be part of the seperatism movement. Sinn Fein opposed to 'Citizens Army' of Connolly, rejecting marxist idea's AND the INP's constitutional response. Sinn Fein believed in peaceful resistance, to simply defy the british government and set up their own government. Irish Nationalism was divided, and so the INP was still the firm representation party.
The Constitutional Crisis saw the 1910 election give the INP a balance of power in the commons which the liberals relied on to pass the Budget AND the Parliament Act in return for Home Rule. Home Rule then became top of the agenda once again, as the Home Rule bill could only be postponed now. Asquith however intended to introduce a partial home rule that the Unionists of ulster could not protest against. Most ministers believed that in the end, a seperate deal would have to be devised to not include Ulster from home rule, as violence may even strike out. The Parliament act ensured home rule to be passed but gave two years so that opponents to and for home rule would take extreme positions.
__________________________________________________________________________
The Third Home Rule bill in 1912 was introduced in april, with the terms of
- Irish parliament with two chambers
- 42 irish Mp's still at parliament
- Ulster INCLUDED.
It was rather moderate and constituted a limited creation of an irish government, and John Redmond of the INP saw it as barely acceptable as a starting point, with the Unionists in ulster also rejecting as they were included in home rule. Andrew Bonar Law was also trapped into an extreme stance saying that he could imagine ' no length of resistance to which ulster can go, in which i should not be prepared to support them' this included mass violence. The conservatives attempted to deny for reasons such as
- Been out of office, 1905 and denying home rule would make them popular
- Liberals didnt have a mandate
- believed liberals were forced
- saw it as an attack on the empire
Meanwhile this bill passed in the commons, and was denied by the lords, and eventually had passed once more by 1913. The Unionist resistance began to mount with Sir Edward Carson wanting some provinces of ulster that had RC majority, and so this was an impossible situation.
Ulster Resistance mounted with Edward Carson drawing up a 'covenant to resist home rule' and so the 'Ulster Volunteer Force' was set up with 100,000 men. This provoked a nationalist group, the 'Irish National Volunteers' who aimed to support the INP, but the Irish Republican Brotherhood actually infiltrated, meaning a group of very extremist opposition groups and a civil war was a threat leading to asquith banning arms being transported to Ireland. The government worked frantically to bring a compromise, for both sides, as they had sympathy for the Ulster Unionists. Leading ministers saw that Ulster had to be offered a seperate deal, but this would end INP support to the Liberals meaning a Conservative victory. Asquith persuaded Redmond of the INP eventually that seperation was temporary for six years, but the UVF prevented comprimise. What hurt the government next was the Curragh Mutiny, in which if the UVF proved to be a problem, the government expected that the military units based in ireland would prevent a threat. However, the soldiers were predominately protestant and would resign if they had to. Seely, the Secretary of State for War, offered leave for those officers but that failed. The meeting that followed to close home rule was abandoned. Ireland was on the brink of Civil War with the UVF successfully smuggling in 20,000 rifles into ireland and the INV also smuggled in weapons, being met with some resistance, Carson understood that to stop civil war, a comprimise had to be met. The next week, world war one broke out.
War overtook the home rule question at a crucial stage, as all sides in the meeting realised compromise was probably inevitable, and Carson was far more moderate than led to believe, all sides allowed home rule to be shelved to concentrate on war, and the Home Rule was passed but suspended because of war. This was a bad outcome for Ulster but Anglo-irish connections were at a high point with both Ulster/Ireland going to war to stop germany. Redmond said the INV would protect ireland from invasion and even urged them to go overseas, this was pushing it too far.
The Easter Rising was because of the split in the INV for support of the war, with most supporting redmond, but a minority split due to 'betrayal of irish claim' and pushed them closer to James Connolly's Citizen Army. A small group planned the rising, James Conolly, Patrick Pearse and Tom Clarke, who were all deeply committed. The rising however was ill-planned and timed
- leaders kept plans secret to maintain security
- counted on support from germany (arms shipment) but was intercepted.
- commanding officer of INV Eoin McNeil was not informed until latest possible point, he reluctantly supported but when he learned that the arms shipment had been lost, he tried to stop the rising. The leaders however tricked him with a letter saying the british were going to disarm them and so he was forced to fight.
It was doomed to fail from the start however as the INV were inadequately armed and were too small to have the desired effect. Although they successfully took area's of the city (post office), they were too small to keep them. Even with more support the odds would be against them. Immediately most Irish condemned the rising as they wanted to support Britain and the war. However the fighting took a week and some fought courageously with great skill to put english forces at bay. Dublin however was reduced to rubble by Artillery and the INP urged for leniency on those captured, as over 90 were sentenced to death, only 14 leaders were shot including Pearse and Connolly with 1 execution but this changed the temporary pro-british ireland to fear the execution policy.
The aftermath that followed changed the atmosphere of Ireland completely, and the rising became known as the Sinn Fein rising for no apparent reason. The leaders however became 'heroes and martyrs', and wanted their release, and it was difficult to get a lenient result from treason, and opinion was split:
- unionists 'rebels got what they deserve
- RC nationalist 'heroes need releasing'
The British Government however offered immediate home rule, with a provision for six counties to be excluded. Sinn Fein had become popular and the remnants of the rebels, and they refused to attend the Asquith convention to discuss the 'length of time' that ulster would be seperate. Britain then extended conscription to ireland, The INP refused to accept but the shift of power had gone to Sinn Fein and in the 1918 Coupon election Sinn Fein became the largest Irish Party, and set up their own government in Ireland to be the only 'legitimate legislative authority' for Ireland.
Civil war was soon to follow as the Irish Parliament or Dail as it was known was ruled by the Griffiths, De Valera (a commander in the rising) and Collins. De Valera became president of the Sinn Fein, and Collins organised the Irish Republican Army. The Irish hoped that the US would force home rule upon britain but woodrow wilson required LG at the versailles treaty signing. The IRA remained bitter, and independent groups took arms and acts of terrorism followed. The British government acted by drafting in Royal Irish Constabulary, with too many few police uniforms they became known as the Blacks and Tans. Ex Army officers became the auxiliaries and so Ireland fell into terror vs terror. The IRA fought for independence and the B&T/A fought for the crown.
- The British government were embarrassed by the situation as they co-operated for peace after the war
- press in britain were critical of Tans actions
- IRA desperately short of men and weapons
- Irish leaders willing to negotiate a truce.
The coalition had to seek a comprimise. The conservative party were strong unionists, and the conservatives were a majority. LG already proposed Partitioning, with seperate parliaments for northern and republican ireland, and ireland Ulster favoured this. However the nationalists were completely against this and ulster strangely began to accept the possibility of home rule. George V opened the Northern Ireland Parliament and used this to deliver a plea for peace. De Valera responded and signed an armistice, which lead to the 'FINAL SETTLEMENT'
The final settlement and Lloyd George offered independent status, and accidently offered northern ireland under Dublin parliament. De Valera responded immediately but LG overstepped the mark. He had to withdraw Ulster and LG threatened war to crush the IRA unless accepted. LG wanted to set up a boundary commission so that Ulster would definately return to IRELAND, and DE VALERA accepted even though dublin would be divided, and Ireland was still answerable to the crown.
This oath to the crown was too much for nationalists to bear, with divisions between collins and De Valera, collins won a small majority in the Dail. Bitter resistance broke out and collins rushed to crush opposition from opposing IRA, with a huge number of murder and execution, amd collins himself was assassinated. As LG lost office, the boundary commission never happened, and so NI parliament simply refused.
SUMMARY
1800 act of union with Irish parliament at Westminster. Anglican Church established in RC Ireland, resentment caused.
British land control in Ireland; Irish workers had no tenancy rights, Gladstone attempted to tackle. British occupation/church led to IRB and INP.
Gladstone two home rule bills failing and there was the ULSTER PROBLEM
Why did Britain oppose?
- Land ownership
- Major part of the economy
- Weaken the Empire
- Mainly defence, could pose a threat.
Gladstone’s government saw it didn’t have popularity, it was shelved.
Ireland cultural revival, condemning ‘west britonism’
Coalition government tried to shelve completely by
- Wyndhams act giving all tenants the LAND. 1906 saw a majority but libs more social reform orientated.
Constitutional reform, INP had some power 1910. Home rule in return for parliament bill. Asquith intended partial home rule bill. Most realised Ulster would have to be separate. Next two years could mean completely opposite and extreme positions.
Third home rule
-Irish parliament two chambers, 42 at Westminster with Ulster included
INP hated it. Ulster unionists also hated. Bonar Law trapped into agreeing
Mainly because
- Cons wanted to be popular, this was an attack on empire
- Liberals did not have public support, no mandate and pressured.
The Unionists, 3RDHR bill came around again
UVF was created, 100,000 men. The INP reacted with the INV. Two opposition groups, civil war looked likely. Compromise had to be met.
Curragh mutiny – Army would not stop the UVF force
Home rule passed but suspended due to war.
Easter Rising occurs, doomed to fail A whole week but eventually crushed
Fear of execution spread over Ireland But changed to ‘martyr’s of irish cause.
British government – Immediate home rule excluding Ulster 6 counties
Sinn Fein now had power, old nationalist joining.
They made own government ‘dail’
Civil war followed, as terrorist attacks happened against British to push for full home rule. British ‘Tans and Blacks’. IRA struggled with fewer men and supplied, called for a truce. Sinn Fein against partitioning. Lloyd George threatened to crush Sinn Fein eventually unless they accepted Ulster seperatation. He promised it was only temporary, but he was out of office and so it was the end of the Irish question
- 1800 Act of Union brought together Ireland with Britain to form 'Great Britain'
- Irelands Parliament became directly elected as MP's in the commons
- The ANGLICAN CHURCH was established even though it was mainly a catholic country, and this did cause resentment until the disestablishment
- Ireland suffered from terrible Potato Blight in which one million died and two million emigrated
- Depressed condition of economic farmers, as the land was owned by English Landlords
with no tenacy agreements or protection. Gladstone did attempt to tackle with two acts.
- Republican groups emerged demanding independence such as the Irish Republican Brotherhood and some Irish Nationalists and wanted Home Rule which was 'Political independence but not TRADE' Gladstone agreed to in 1886 and 1892 but both bills were defeated in parliament
- The Conservatives of Salisbury offered more tenacy rights and loans in order to kill home rule with 'kindness'
- The Ulster problem also emerged as the ulster region was predominately Protestant and hated the idea of being seperate from Britain to be dictated to by a Roman Catholic government.
The British however, thought ireland could never be seperated for varying reasons.
- Too many influential businessmen had land, and even opposed offering home rule.
- Ireland's Economy was a major factor to the british government
- The home rule would lead to disasterous effects on the british empire
- Most Importantly it was strategic, as this could have compromised security if ireland was to side with a continental power against Britain.
Gladstone was keen to fight another Gen Elect over Irish Home Rule in 1903, his colleagues (cabinet) believed there was no support whatsoever for home rule and they were correct. Gladstone resigned and he was replaced by Lord Rosebery who shelved the issue.
________________________________________________________________
Ireland, in the next 15 years experienced an increase in Nationalism as many irish though it would never have passed anyway and could be left to when political conditions improved. What followed was a revival in culture, with irish sports and the irish language flourishing and the general feel of the revival was 'anti-british' and condemened the 'West Britonism' which ireland was seen as just another geographical landmark of Britain.
The Liberal Unionist/Conservative Coalition between these years hoped to shelve home rule for good by
- Wyndhams Act which completely transfered land from landlords to tenants. The Irish National Party could hardly condemn this, but they saw that they'd lost a good weapon against the government, and only consoled by thinking that the liberals were pledged to home rule. This did appear to pay off when the Landslide victory of Liberals turned around, this was a situation that Gladstone had dreamt of. However the liberals were more committed to their program of Social reformation.
At this time, Irish National forces began to appear. James Connolly directed a labour movement, and was marxist in belief. He wanted a social workers republic to be set up, and encouraged many in ireland and dublin to be part of the seperatism movement. Sinn Fein opposed to 'Citizens Army' of Connolly, rejecting marxist idea's AND the INP's constitutional response. Sinn Fein believed in peaceful resistance, to simply defy the british government and set up their own government. Irish Nationalism was divided, and so the INP was still the firm representation party.
The Constitutional Crisis saw the 1910 election give the INP a balance of power in the commons which the liberals relied on to pass the Budget AND the Parliament Act in return for Home Rule. Home Rule then became top of the agenda once again, as the Home Rule bill could only be postponed now. Asquith however intended to introduce a partial home rule that the Unionists of ulster could not protest against. Most ministers believed that in the end, a seperate deal would have to be devised to not include Ulster from home rule, as violence may even strike out. The Parliament act ensured home rule to be passed but gave two years so that opponents to and for home rule would take extreme positions.
__________________________________________________________________________
The Third Home Rule bill in 1912 was introduced in april, with the terms of
- Irish parliament with two chambers
- 42 irish Mp's still at parliament
- Ulster INCLUDED.
It was rather moderate and constituted a limited creation of an irish government, and John Redmond of the INP saw it as barely acceptable as a starting point, with the Unionists in ulster also rejecting as they were included in home rule. Andrew Bonar Law was also trapped into an extreme stance saying that he could imagine ' no length of resistance to which ulster can go, in which i should not be prepared to support them' this included mass violence. The conservatives attempted to deny for reasons such as
- Been out of office, 1905 and denying home rule would make them popular
- Liberals didnt have a mandate
- believed liberals were forced
- saw it as an attack on the empire
Meanwhile this bill passed in the commons, and was denied by the lords, and eventually had passed once more by 1913. The Unionist resistance began to mount with Sir Edward Carson wanting some provinces of ulster that had RC majority, and so this was an impossible situation.
Ulster Resistance mounted with Edward Carson drawing up a 'covenant to resist home rule' and so the 'Ulster Volunteer Force' was set up with 100,000 men. This provoked a nationalist group, the 'Irish National Volunteers' who aimed to support the INP, but the Irish Republican Brotherhood actually infiltrated, meaning a group of very extremist opposition groups and a civil war was a threat leading to asquith banning arms being transported to Ireland. The government worked frantically to bring a compromise, for both sides, as they had sympathy for the Ulster Unionists. Leading ministers saw that Ulster had to be offered a seperate deal, but this would end INP support to the Liberals meaning a Conservative victory. Asquith persuaded Redmond of the INP eventually that seperation was temporary for six years, but the UVF prevented comprimise. What hurt the government next was the Curragh Mutiny, in which if the UVF proved to be a problem, the government expected that the military units based in ireland would prevent a threat. However, the soldiers were predominately protestant and would resign if they had to. Seely, the Secretary of State for War, offered leave for those officers but that failed. The meeting that followed to close home rule was abandoned. Ireland was on the brink of Civil War with the UVF successfully smuggling in 20,000 rifles into ireland and the INV also smuggled in weapons, being met with some resistance, Carson understood that to stop civil war, a comprimise had to be met. The next week, world war one broke out.
War overtook the home rule question at a crucial stage, as all sides in the meeting realised compromise was probably inevitable, and Carson was far more moderate than led to believe, all sides allowed home rule to be shelved to concentrate on war, and the Home Rule was passed but suspended because of war. This was a bad outcome for Ulster but Anglo-irish connections were at a high point with both Ulster/Ireland going to war to stop germany. Redmond said the INV would protect ireland from invasion and even urged them to go overseas, this was pushing it too far.
The Easter Rising was because of the split in the INV for support of the war, with most supporting redmond, but a minority split due to 'betrayal of irish claim' and pushed them closer to James Connolly's Citizen Army. A small group planned the rising, James Conolly, Patrick Pearse and Tom Clarke, who were all deeply committed. The rising however was ill-planned and timed
- leaders kept plans secret to maintain security
- counted on support from germany (arms shipment) but was intercepted.
- commanding officer of INV Eoin McNeil was not informed until latest possible point, he reluctantly supported but when he learned that the arms shipment had been lost, he tried to stop the rising. The leaders however tricked him with a letter saying the british were going to disarm them and so he was forced to fight.
It was doomed to fail from the start however as the INV were inadequately armed and were too small to have the desired effect. Although they successfully took area's of the city (post office), they were too small to keep them. Even with more support the odds would be against them. Immediately most Irish condemned the rising as they wanted to support Britain and the war. However the fighting took a week and some fought courageously with great skill to put english forces at bay. Dublin however was reduced to rubble by Artillery and the INP urged for leniency on those captured, as over 90 were sentenced to death, only 14 leaders were shot including Pearse and Connolly with 1 execution but this changed the temporary pro-british ireland to fear the execution policy.
The aftermath that followed changed the atmosphere of Ireland completely, and the rising became known as the Sinn Fein rising for no apparent reason. The leaders however became 'heroes and martyrs', and wanted their release, and it was difficult to get a lenient result from treason, and opinion was split:
- unionists 'rebels got what they deserve
- RC nationalist 'heroes need releasing'
The British Government however offered immediate home rule, with a provision for six counties to be excluded. Sinn Fein had become popular and the remnants of the rebels, and they refused to attend the Asquith convention to discuss the 'length of time' that ulster would be seperate. Britain then extended conscription to ireland, The INP refused to accept but the shift of power had gone to Sinn Fein and in the 1918 Coupon election Sinn Fein became the largest Irish Party, and set up their own government in Ireland to be the only 'legitimate legislative authority' for Ireland.
Civil war was soon to follow as the Irish Parliament or Dail as it was known was ruled by the Griffiths, De Valera (a commander in the rising) and Collins. De Valera became president of the Sinn Fein, and Collins organised the Irish Republican Army. The Irish hoped that the US would force home rule upon britain but woodrow wilson required LG at the versailles treaty signing. The IRA remained bitter, and independent groups took arms and acts of terrorism followed. The British government acted by drafting in Royal Irish Constabulary, with too many few police uniforms they became known as the Blacks and Tans. Ex Army officers became the auxiliaries and so Ireland fell into terror vs terror. The IRA fought for independence and the B&T/A fought for the crown.
- The British government were embarrassed by the situation as they co-operated for peace after the war
- press in britain were critical of Tans actions
- IRA desperately short of men and weapons
- Irish leaders willing to negotiate a truce.
The coalition had to seek a comprimise. The conservative party were strong unionists, and the conservatives were a majority. LG already proposed Partitioning, with seperate parliaments for northern and republican ireland, and ireland Ulster favoured this. However the nationalists were completely against this and ulster strangely began to accept the possibility of home rule. George V opened the Northern Ireland Parliament and used this to deliver a plea for peace. De Valera responded and signed an armistice, which lead to the 'FINAL SETTLEMENT'
The final settlement and Lloyd George offered independent status, and accidently offered northern ireland under Dublin parliament. De Valera responded immediately but LG overstepped the mark. He had to withdraw Ulster and LG threatened war to crush the IRA unless accepted. LG wanted to set up a boundary commission so that Ulster would definately return to IRELAND, and DE VALERA accepted even though dublin would be divided, and Ireland was still answerable to the crown.
This oath to the crown was too much for nationalists to bear, with divisions between collins and De Valera, collins won a small majority in the Dail. Bitter resistance broke out and collins rushed to crush opposition from opposing IRA, with a huge number of murder and execution, amd collins himself was assassinated. As LG lost office, the boundary commission never happened, and so NI parliament simply refused.
SUMMARY
1800 act of union with Irish parliament at Westminster. Anglican Church established in RC Ireland, resentment caused.
British land control in Ireland; Irish workers had no tenancy rights, Gladstone attempted to tackle. British occupation/church led to IRB and INP.
Gladstone two home rule bills failing and there was the ULSTER PROBLEM
Why did Britain oppose?
- Land ownership
- Major part of the economy
- Weaken the Empire
- Mainly defence, could pose a threat.
Gladstone’s government saw it didn’t have popularity, it was shelved.
Ireland cultural revival, condemning ‘west britonism’
Coalition government tried to shelve completely by
- Wyndhams act giving all tenants the LAND. 1906 saw a majority but libs more social reform orientated.
Constitutional reform, INP had some power 1910. Home rule in return for parliament bill. Asquith intended partial home rule bill. Most realised Ulster would have to be separate. Next two years could mean completely opposite and extreme positions.
Third home rule
-Irish parliament two chambers, 42 at Westminster with Ulster included
INP hated it. Ulster unionists also hated. Bonar Law trapped into agreeing
Mainly because
- Cons wanted to be popular, this was an attack on empire
- Liberals did not have public support, no mandate and pressured.
The Unionists, 3RDHR bill came around again
UVF was created, 100,000 men. The INP reacted with the INV. Two opposition groups, civil war looked likely. Compromise had to be met.
Curragh mutiny – Army would not stop the UVF force
Home rule passed but suspended due to war.
Easter Rising occurs, doomed to fail A whole week but eventually crushed
Fear of execution spread over Ireland But changed to ‘martyr’s of irish cause.
British government – Immediate home rule excluding Ulster 6 counties
Sinn Fein now had power, old nationalist joining.
They made own government ‘dail’
Civil war followed, as terrorist attacks happened against British to push for full home rule. British ‘Tans and Blacks’. IRA struggled with fewer men and supplied, called for a truce. Sinn Fein against partitioning. Lloyd George threatened to crush Sinn Fein eventually unless they accepted Ulster seperatation. He promised it was only temporary, but he was out of office and so it was the end of the Irish question
Monday, 16 March 2009
The Labour Party
Socialism came back into discussion due to:
- Das Capital of Karl Marx being published in english, which gave very socialist ideas over the 'class struggle'
- Economic slumps hit working class hard
- The Great Reforming Act allowed every working class man to vote
- No real party or representation in the commons for the working class
Over the next few years of the late 1880's,three social political groups established for greater working class participation. The SDF or Social Democratic Federation was first to be set up following Marxist principles, promoting a class war and eventual proletariat revolution. The Fabians were a small middle-class intellectual group who wanted socialism through current system, with famous members such as Sidney Webb and George Bernard Shaw. The Socialist League was an offshoot of the SDF, Essentially very similar groups. The ILP was formed due to the SDF open-air meetings to protest about unemployment, which turned into a riot of which 200 were injured. Keir Hardie based the party on three main points
- Radical liberalism
- Trade Unionism
- Nonconformality
Ramsay Macdonald and Ben Tillet also joined.
The Trade Unions kickstarted the creation of the labour party, as they were angered by tough economic climates, and decided that political intereference was needed. At the TUC annual conference, the Railwaymens union put forward a proposal to 'Secure better representation in the commons' with a further conference. The TUC invited the SDF, Fabians and ILP to send candidates. The ILP took the lead and recognised that the TU's were conservative (due to w/c background) and moved the TU's away from the firebrand SDF and blocking the fact that TU MP's if elected should only concentrate on one issue. It was known as the Labour Representation Committee.
The LRC's support differed, and the group did not want to use the word 'Socialist' immediately, as Keir Hardie thought it would scare the TU's. The LRC also collaborated with the Liberals with the Electoral Pact to avoid the split vote (LIB/LRC PACT) due to similar political aims in the 1906 election. The LRC was also boosted in support due to the Taff Vale Judgement, in which striking was severly undermined by allowing employers to sue the trade unions for lost revenue. This put the TU's firmly behind the LRC and some under the liberals. 127 trade unions joined the LRC as a result meaning huge funding for the LRC.
The Labour Party had arguably influenced many upcoming reforms in the commons after 1906. Labour historians suggest that they encouraged/forced liberals to adopt some social reform, whilst Marxist Historians say they abandoned marxist principles. Most Historians say the labour party were too small to directly influence. The Liberals were committed to social reform genuinely through ASQ/LG/WINSCHURCH and the Lib Lab pact meant that both parties would have similar manifesto's. It is difficult to say whether they really influenced, but it can be centred to two of the liberal main reformation.
The trades disputes act of 1906, as it reversed taff vale could be argued to be forced by the labour party. However, the Liberals and Unionists both had started to think of measures to reverse after 1901, and HCB personally went about reversal and offered full immunity through self initiative, although labour offered exactly the same. The provision of meals was another as it was originally a labour MP's private members bill. However, the liberals had been planning a similar reform and so used this policy, it was never really imposed on the liberals.
The Labour Party between 1906-1910 began to show some divisions. The labour party, had been seen by some like ben tillet, to no longer be dedicated to a social programme and publiished ' Is the Parliamentary Labour Party a Failure?' and this was followed by a 'Let us Reform our Labour Party' between the ILP + SDF. Womens suffrage also caused problems more so than any other party, from the general conservatism of the trade unionists.
The 1910 General Election did not favour the labour party, as the osbourne judgement (which declared trade union involvement with political party funding illegal) severly damaged the Labour Party funding and only 40 MP's were elected. Between then and 1914, by-elections saw Labour seats fall by 4. The Liberal party losing their majority and 'New Liberalism' made the labour party natural allies in policy, and losing the majority meant less similar reforms being put into action. Not only that by the Irish National Party held twice the power of the Labour party and could pressure the liberals far more. This next few years of Liberal-INP home rule removed the focus from the labour party.
The next few years saw a rise in Trade Unionism due to rise in the cost of living and successful liberal reforms lead to a fall in unemployment, and so membership rose from 2.5- 4 million. This also however lead to a series of strikes in 1910 in wales, over the miners pay. 1911 with firstly the torypandy riot with army units drafted in, followed by the troika of the Seamens, Railwaymens and Dockers Strike leading to four being shot dead. 1912 saw the minimum wage act for miners after a first national pit strike.
The Labour Party initially seemed threatened by the First World War due to serious divisions of the 'Marxists' who saw it as an imperialist conspiracy, the 'Trade Unionists' who were very patriotic and conservative minded and supported the war. The Party was also divided in pacifist views with Ramsay Macdonald resigning. This could be seen as a threat to the future of the party, but it became its making. This is for certain reasons,
- Ramsay Macdonald, held his views respectfully and resigned with dignity and did not threaten the party
- Labour Party members who opposed, rather than campaigning against the war, campaigned for Peace.
- Arthur Hendersons new leadership, he decided not to banish any opposers to the war.
- Labour party still united in wanting to support the needs of the working class.
The Shell Scandal and Asquith's attitude to the war saw the unionist support dwindle and so Asquith pushed for a coalition government and Henderson joined the cabinet with other labour members joining the government. They represented labour interests, and when Lloyd George formed a war cabinet he became part of it. Henderson eventually resigned from this cabinet over a dispute to which he would attend the socialist convention to discuss peace terms. The labour party emerging from the war as the only unscathed party as the divisions began to heal as Sidney Webb's 'Labour and New Social Order' was created and Ramsay Macdonald returning as joint leader with Arthur Henderson. The Labour Party then resigned from the coalition to fight out the 1918 Coupon Election as a single figure party after the massive gains in experience and a gain in experience. This Labour Party also remained on a united platform of which the liberals were completely split in half.
General election of 1918 gave labour party 59 seats in commons, becoming marginally the largest opposition party to Coalition. Labour had achieved a breakthrough, overtaking remaining non-coalition liberals and conservatives plus sinn-fein. However given over 20 million voted this was seen as disappointing
• Unity of party still affected by pacifist views clash
• LG still had huge support
• Labour linkable to Bolsheviks (socialism)
Labour fortune began to improve, as labour were successful in by-elections and seats rose to 72 and LG resigning in 1922. Bonar Law’s election saw Labour get 142 seats overtaking LG-ASQUITHIAN liberals who were divided but came together for this election. Macdonald also came back to be the new minister. A Number of factors affected why the Labour Party were successful
• LG disillusionment as reforms were slow and limited
• Distancing from extremism, and ignored the communist international set up by Lenin to spread communism
• British communism party took the image of the communism front and labour appeared socialist
When Stanley Baldwin threatened protectionism trade after the Carlton Club meeting, The Labour and Liberal parties combined vote to protect free trade, and won by 349 seats to 258 seats. As Labour had the majority, they werein the best way to form a new government, with George IV asking Macdonald to form a create a new government.
Macdonald was completely inexperienced in government ruling. He wanted to conduct a minority government that was incredibly stable, so if they were defeated they would be seen as honourable. Forming a cabinet was a mess, offering War office to Henderson, a pacifist and Snowdon, Exchequer, completely unsure of their skills. He even became foreign secretary himself.
As a minority government they looked to cause no controversy and had to tred on a delicate line, so the country did not fall to anarchy by offering social reform and patriotism.
• Five new ships for royal navy
• Legislation introduced to increase unemployment benefits and elimination of benefits gap
• Limit on private income reducing old-age pensions raised.
• Education cuts removed
• Schemes for building roads and electric appliance
• Housing act to increase building trade
However, a series of events led to the downfall of the government
• Macdonald involved in honours scandal with a boyhood friend, Alexander grant being given a knighthood, after he had received biscuit company shares and a brand new Daimler, embarrassing for the government
• Trade treaty with Russia saw ‘Sympathy with bolsheviks’ could re-awaken the fears of Bolshevik sympathies
• Workers weekly published article urging service men not to open fire on workers on strike or in disputes. The author J.R Campbell arrested and prosecuted, led to a protests from cons and libs
The decisive factor in bring government down as controversy continued and led to critics becoming increasingly hostile about his free car. Both Conservatives and Liberals put down efforts of 'censure' or 'condemnation' criticising government and Labour put them forward as votes of no confidence. If they lost, they would resign. They were defeated on October the 8th. The election that followed was marked by Communist fear of the Labour party sympathy, and the leaking of the Zinoviev letter urging a class war. This ended with an overwhelming victory for the Conservatives.
SUMMARY
Socialism come back : Great Reform Act, Das Capital, No working class representation and economic slump in britain causes unemployment.
Three Groups
SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC FEDERATION - Class war and Proletariat revolution
FABIAN SOCIETY - Intellectual Socialists, through current system
SOCIALIST LEAGUE - Similar to SDF
ILP began to form after SDF open discussions about unemployment turn nasty.
James Keir Hardie based party on
- New Liberalism
- Nonconformality
- Trade Unionism
TU's congress invited all four to work for 'working class representation' ILP took lead and steered TU's away from firebrands. LRC was created, hiding 'socialist name'. Taff vale gave huge TU support to LRC
Labour debate on Reform, MARXIST(Abandoned principles) LABOUR(encouraged reform) NEUTRAL (Not big enough to influence)
HOW COULD OF THEY?
Trades Dispute Act - Planned to reverse due to TU membership
Provision of Meals - Originally a private members bill of Labour.
HOWEVER - Liberals had self initiave on both, dedicated to Reform.
1910 GEN ELECTION did not favour. Osbourne Judgement, INP taking x2 seats.
However trade unionism increased, 2.5-4 million. Series of strikes over mining saw national pit strike and a fixed miners wage
WAR INITIALLY THREATENED due to MARXIST, PACIFIST, MODERATE AND TU opinions
Macdonald resigned, but the party remained united by
- Macdonald resigning respectfully
- campaigning not against war but for peace
- AH did not banish opposers
ASQUITH'S COALITION AND LG'S war cabinet, henderson was on both.
eventually resigned over a socialist conference. Coupon election labour was unscathed and had gained experience, they fought it independently against the coalition. Labour did fairly well, but were still linkable to bolshevism and LG had bigger support.
1924, liberals and labour combine to defeat Stanley Baldwins conservative government.
Labour the biggest half, created a new government
Macdonald weak and indecisive, just wanted labour to have an honourable first government, with five ships for the navy, housing scheme after the war and education cuts were removed. However he was weakened by
- honours scandal
- lack of experience
- J.R campbell arrested over pamphlet so Cons/Libs exposed
- Seen as sympathetic with Bolsheviks
they lost a vote of no confidence
- Das Capital of Karl Marx being published in english, which gave very socialist ideas over the 'class struggle'
- Economic slumps hit working class hard
- The Great Reforming Act allowed every working class man to vote
- No real party or representation in the commons for the working class
Over the next few years of the late 1880's,three social political groups established for greater working class participation. The SDF or Social Democratic Federation was first to be set up following Marxist principles, promoting a class war and eventual proletariat revolution. The Fabians were a small middle-class intellectual group who wanted socialism through current system, with famous members such as Sidney Webb and George Bernard Shaw. The Socialist League was an offshoot of the SDF, Essentially very similar groups. The ILP was formed due to the SDF open-air meetings to protest about unemployment, which turned into a riot of which 200 were injured. Keir Hardie based the party on three main points
- Radical liberalism
- Trade Unionism
- Nonconformality
Ramsay Macdonald and Ben Tillet also joined.
The Trade Unions kickstarted the creation of the labour party, as they were angered by tough economic climates, and decided that political intereference was needed. At the TUC annual conference, the Railwaymens union put forward a proposal to 'Secure better representation in the commons' with a further conference. The TUC invited the SDF, Fabians and ILP to send candidates. The ILP took the lead and recognised that the TU's were conservative (due to w/c background) and moved the TU's away from the firebrand SDF and blocking the fact that TU MP's if elected should only concentrate on one issue. It was known as the Labour Representation Committee.
The LRC's support differed, and the group did not want to use the word 'Socialist' immediately, as Keir Hardie thought it would scare the TU's. The LRC also collaborated with the Liberals with the Electoral Pact to avoid the split vote (LIB/LRC PACT) due to similar political aims in the 1906 election. The LRC was also boosted in support due to the Taff Vale Judgement, in which striking was severly undermined by allowing employers to sue the trade unions for lost revenue. This put the TU's firmly behind the LRC and some under the liberals. 127 trade unions joined the LRC as a result meaning huge funding for the LRC.
The Labour Party had arguably influenced many upcoming reforms in the commons after 1906. Labour historians suggest that they encouraged/forced liberals to adopt some social reform, whilst Marxist Historians say they abandoned marxist principles. Most Historians say the labour party were too small to directly influence. The Liberals were committed to social reform genuinely through ASQ/LG/WINSCHURCH and the Lib Lab pact meant that both parties would have similar manifesto's. It is difficult to say whether they really influenced, but it can be centred to two of the liberal main reformation.
The trades disputes act of 1906, as it reversed taff vale could be argued to be forced by the labour party. However, the Liberals and Unionists both had started to think of measures to reverse after 1901, and HCB personally went about reversal and offered full immunity through self initiative, although labour offered exactly the same. The provision of meals was another as it was originally a labour MP's private members bill. However, the liberals had been planning a similar reform and so used this policy, it was never really imposed on the liberals.
The Labour Party between 1906-1910 began to show some divisions. The labour party, had been seen by some like ben tillet, to no longer be dedicated to a social programme and publiished ' Is the Parliamentary Labour Party a Failure?' and this was followed by a 'Let us Reform our Labour Party' between the ILP + SDF. Womens suffrage also caused problems more so than any other party, from the general conservatism of the trade unionists.
The 1910 General Election did not favour the labour party, as the osbourne judgement (which declared trade union involvement with political party funding illegal) severly damaged the Labour Party funding and only 40 MP's were elected. Between then and 1914, by-elections saw Labour seats fall by 4. The Liberal party losing their majority and 'New Liberalism' made the labour party natural allies in policy, and losing the majority meant less similar reforms being put into action. Not only that by the Irish National Party held twice the power of the Labour party and could pressure the liberals far more. This next few years of Liberal-INP home rule removed the focus from the labour party.
The next few years saw a rise in Trade Unionism due to rise in the cost of living and successful liberal reforms lead to a fall in unemployment, and so membership rose from 2.5- 4 million. This also however lead to a series of strikes in 1910 in wales, over the miners pay. 1911 with firstly the torypandy riot with army units drafted in, followed by the troika of the Seamens, Railwaymens and Dockers Strike leading to four being shot dead. 1912 saw the minimum wage act for miners after a first national pit strike.
The Labour Party initially seemed threatened by the First World War due to serious divisions of the 'Marxists' who saw it as an imperialist conspiracy, the 'Trade Unionists' who were very patriotic and conservative minded and supported the war. The Party was also divided in pacifist views with Ramsay Macdonald resigning. This could be seen as a threat to the future of the party, but it became its making. This is for certain reasons,
- Ramsay Macdonald, held his views respectfully and resigned with dignity and did not threaten the party
- Labour Party members who opposed, rather than campaigning against the war, campaigned for Peace.
- Arthur Hendersons new leadership, he decided not to banish any opposers to the war.
- Labour party still united in wanting to support the needs of the working class.
The Shell Scandal and Asquith's attitude to the war saw the unionist support dwindle and so Asquith pushed for a coalition government and Henderson joined the cabinet with other labour members joining the government. They represented labour interests, and when Lloyd George formed a war cabinet he became part of it. Henderson eventually resigned from this cabinet over a dispute to which he would attend the socialist convention to discuss peace terms. The labour party emerging from the war as the only unscathed party as the divisions began to heal as Sidney Webb's 'Labour and New Social Order' was created and Ramsay Macdonald returning as joint leader with Arthur Henderson. The Labour Party then resigned from the coalition to fight out the 1918 Coupon Election as a single figure party after the massive gains in experience and a gain in experience. This Labour Party also remained on a united platform of which the liberals were completely split in half.
General election of 1918 gave labour party 59 seats in commons, becoming marginally the largest opposition party to Coalition. Labour had achieved a breakthrough, overtaking remaining non-coalition liberals and conservatives plus sinn-fein. However given over 20 million voted this was seen as disappointing
• Unity of party still affected by pacifist views clash
• LG still had huge support
• Labour linkable to Bolsheviks (socialism)
Labour fortune began to improve, as labour were successful in by-elections and seats rose to 72 and LG resigning in 1922. Bonar Law’s election saw Labour get 142 seats overtaking LG-ASQUITHIAN liberals who were divided but came together for this election. Macdonald also came back to be the new minister. A Number of factors affected why the Labour Party were successful
• LG disillusionment as reforms were slow and limited
• Distancing from extremism, and ignored the communist international set up by Lenin to spread communism
• British communism party took the image of the communism front and labour appeared socialist
When Stanley Baldwin threatened protectionism trade after the Carlton Club meeting, The Labour and Liberal parties combined vote to protect free trade, and won by 349 seats to 258 seats. As Labour had the majority, they werein the best way to form a new government, with George IV asking Macdonald to form a create a new government.
Macdonald was completely inexperienced in government ruling. He wanted to conduct a minority government that was incredibly stable, so if they were defeated they would be seen as honourable. Forming a cabinet was a mess, offering War office to Henderson, a pacifist and Snowdon, Exchequer, completely unsure of their skills. He even became foreign secretary himself.
As a minority government they looked to cause no controversy and had to tred on a delicate line, so the country did not fall to anarchy by offering social reform and patriotism.
• Five new ships for royal navy
• Legislation introduced to increase unemployment benefits and elimination of benefits gap
• Limit on private income reducing old-age pensions raised.
• Education cuts removed
• Schemes for building roads and electric appliance
• Housing act to increase building trade
However, a series of events led to the downfall of the government
• Macdonald involved in honours scandal with a boyhood friend, Alexander grant being given a knighthood, after he had received biscuit company shares and a brand new Daimler, embarrassing for the government
• Trade treaty with Russia saw ‘Sympathy with bolsheviks’ could re-awaken the fears of Bolshevik sympathies
• Workers weekly published article urging service men not to open fire on workers on strike or in disputes. The author J.R Campbell arrested and prosecuted, led to a protests from cons and libs
The decisive factor in bring government down as controversy continued and led to critics becoming increasingly hostile about his free car. Both Conservatives and Liberals put down efforts of 'censure' or 'condemnation' criticising government and Labour put them forward as votes of no confidence. If they lost, they would resign. They were defeated on October the 8th. The election that followed was marked by Communist fear of the Labour party sympathy, and the leaking of the Zinoviev letter urging a class war. This ended with an overwhelming victory for the Conservatives.
SUMMARY
Socialism come back : Great Reform Act, Das Capital, No working class representation and economic slump in britain causes unemployment.
Three Groups
SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC FEDERATION - Class war and Proletariat revolution
FABIAN SOCIETY - Intellectual Socialists, through current system
SOCIALIST LEAGUE - Similar to SDF
ILP began to form after SDF open discussions about unemployment turn nasty.
James Keir Hardie based party on
- New Liberalism
- Nonconformality
- Trade Unionism
TU's congress invited all four to work for 'working class representation' ILP took lead and steered TU's away from firebrands. LRC was created, hiding 'socialist name'. Taff vale gave huge TU support to LRC
Labour debate on Reform, MARXIST(Abandoned principles) LABOUR(encouraged reform) NEUTRAL (Not big enough to influence)
HOW COULD OF THEY?
Trades Dispute Act - Planned to reverse due to TU membership
Provision of Meals - Originally a private members bill of Labour.
HOWEVER - Liberals had self initiave on both, dedicated to Reform.
1910 GEN ELECTION did not favour. Osbourne Judgement, INP taking x2 seats.
However trade unionism increased, 2.5-4 million. Series of strikes over mining saw national pit strike and a fixed miners wage
WAR INITIALLY THREATENED due to MARXIST, PACIFIST, MODERATE AND TU opinions
Macdonald resigned, but the party remained united by
- Macdonald resigning respectfully
- campaigning not against war but for peace
- AH did not banish opposers
ASQUITH'S COALITION AND LG'S war cabinet, henderson was on both.
eventually resigned over a socialist conference. Coupon election labour was unscathed and had gained experience, they fought it independently against the coalition. Labour did fairly well, but were still linkable to bolshevism and LG had bigger support.
1924, liberals and labour combine to defeat Stanley Baldwins conservative government.
Labour the biggest half, created a new government
Macdonald weak and indecisive, just wanted labour to have an honourable first government, with five ships for the navy, housing scheme after the war and education cuts were removed. However he was weakened by
- honours scandal
- lack of experience
- J.R campbell arrested over pamphlet so Cons/Libs exposed
- Seen as sympathetic with Bolsheviks
they lost a vote of no confidence
The Womens Suffrage Campaign
Women had begun to make a small amount of progress in legal and educational terms during the mid-19th century. They also began to break into more professional trades and clerical work, which lead to the issue of women's right to vote. Most women seeked a similar reform to the 'Great Reforming Act' of 1867 which gave all 'home-owning' men the right to vote. This was initially rejected, but was seen as the start of women becoming more politically recognised
- 1869 allowed to vote in municipal boroughs (own town councils
- 1870 could be elected onto school boards
- 1875 could be poor law guardians in work houses
- 1889 included in local government franchise, but couldn't be in office
The Suffrage groups were divided into three main societies
- The NSWS was the National Society for Womens Suffrage, an amalgamation of local suffrage groups and the first properly organised group to be formed. They split in 1880 in either becoming affliate to the Liberals or independent, althought they eventually reformed.
- The NUWSS or National Union of Womens Suffrage Societies, with 400 branches up and down britain and became a pressure group. Some argued for immediate franchise on similar terms as the Great Reformation Act (home owning women), whilst others wanted all over the age of 21 to vote, franchise for everybody
- The WSPU, led by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters christabel/sylvia. Pankhurst broke the WSPU's connection with the liberals from her husband (a Liberal campaigner) to side with the ILP and push for suffrage. The Womens Political and Social Union had difficulties as the ILP itself was split over the issue as the working class were very conservative in view over women. Some leaders such as Keir Hardie wanted immediate action whilst others like Snowden wished to wait. The TU's were particularly hostile to suffrage. Keir Hardie went as far as a private members bill for suffrage. Though this failed, the WSPU worked with the ILP until the ILP members rejected their help or expected members to make tea at the meetings, and so Emmeline Pankhurst saw it was time to split.
The Liberals in 1906 were also divided over the issue, with Gladstonian principles of outright denying women's franchise to the radicals of Lloyd George. This was also a discentive, as the conservative working class would vote anti-liberal and pro-unionist. The Liberals had no intention, they just allowed women to sit on local councils instead. This is the point of where militancy set in and the WSPU turned to violence such as burning churches, attacking property and destruction of mail (filling letters with pepper to represent the irritation of lack of progress) The government had to take a harsh line, and the imprisonment of the 'suffragettes' led to hunger strikes. This was embarrassing for the liberals, and yet again like the Constitutional crisis, found no room to manoeuvre. The Cat and Mouse Act was also seen as inhuman in which suffragettes would be arrested, and then released when closed to death due to hunger strike, and so when the campaigner was healthy again, would be re-arrested.
What followed was the Conciliation Bill after the WSPU called a truce hoping for a bill. The WSPU welcomed the bill, which would give 8% of women the vote, but it was doomed as Asquith was against it, as this was seen as giving in to militancy and even Lloyd George refused as he and other liberals thought the most conservative women would have the vote and ruin liberal chances. Sylvia Pankhurst, the very socialist daughter was against for a similar reason.
The Bill's failure, meant an end of truce and so mass demonstration and fresh violent episodes followed. Asquith then announced a 'Franchise Bill for 1914' and violence followed up until the outbreak of WW1, in which women's work was a neccessity. Asquith is said to be blamed as he put all hopes of a conciliation bill away, and until the Representation of the People Act in 1918, this would not change.
SUMMARY
Women small amount of progress, Local Voting and government/Poor law guardians. Only house holding men could vote, and so Suffrage Groups began to appear.
NSWS - local amalgamation of interests for women. First social group, though split and affliated to liberals or independent
NUWSS - 400 branches up and down britain, a pressure group. Some wanted full franchise whilst others wanted just equal rights to the reforming act. Millicent Fawcett
WSPU - First a suffragist like other two, split links from liberals to ILP. However ILP split in opinion, especially TU's. Hardie put a PMB forward even, and continued to work with WSPU until they couldn't stand treatment. Sylvia, Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst.
Liberals also split, older liberals completely against whilst 'New liberal' radicals wanted to give women the vote (DLG), but even they saw it was unpopular with conservative working class. Liberals just gave community boards instead. WSPU feeling campaigning was going nowhere turned to force, burning railways and churches, and attacking ministers. Gov took harsh line, arresting which led to hunger strikes and the 'Cat and Mouse Act', embarrassing for gov. Libs promised Conciliation Bill, to give 8% women the vote, WSPU put violence on hold
Vote failed, as Asquith was against it as giving into violence. Even LG decline for voting reason plus only 'conservative women' might ruin chances. This saw the end, Violence continued up until 1914 where a 'Franchise Bill was proposed but this did not happen due to the first world war'
- 1869 allowed to vote in municipal boroughs (own town councils
- 1870 could be elected onto school boards
- 1875 could be poor law guardians in work houses
- 1889 included in local government franchise, but couldn't be in office
The Suffrage groups were divided into three main societies
- The NSWS was the National Society for Womens Suffrage, an amalgamation of local suffrage groups and the first properly organised group to be formed. They split in 1880 in either becoming affliate to the Liberals or independent, althought they eventually reformed.
- The NUWSS or National Union of Womens Suffrage Societies, with 400 branches up and down britain and became a pressure group. Some argued for immediate franchise on similar terms as the Great Reformation Act (home owning women), whilst others wanted all over the age of 21 to vote, franchise for everybody
- The WSPU, led by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters christabel/sylvia. Pankhurst broke the WSPU's connection with the liberals from her husband (a Liberal campaigner) to side with the ILP and push for suffrage. The Womens Political and Social Union had difficulties as the ILP itself was split over the issue as the working class were very conservative in view over women. Some leaders such as Keir Hardie wanted immediate action whilst others like Snowden wished to wait. The TU's were particularly hostile to suffrage. Keir Hardie went as far as a private members bill for suffrage. Though this failed, the WSPU worked with the ILP until the ILP members rejected their help or expected members to make tea at the meetings, and so Emmeline Pankhurst saw it was time to split.
The Liberals in 1906 were also divided over the issue, with Gladstonian principles of outright denying women's franchise to the radicals of Lloyd George. This was also a discentive, as the conservative working class would vote anti-liberal and pro-unionist. The Liberals had no intention, they just allowed women to sit on local councils instead. This is the point of where militancy set in and the WSPU turned to violence such as burning churches, attacking property and destruction of mail (filling letters with pepper to represent the irritation of lack of progress) The government had to take a harsh line, and the imprisonment of the 'suffragettes' led to hunger strikes. This was embarrassing for the liberals, and yet again like the Constitutional crisis, found no room to manoeuvre. The Cat and Mouse Act was also seen as inhuman in which suffragettes would be arrested, and then released when closed to death due to hunger strike, and so when the campaigner was healthy again, would be re-arrested.
What followed was the Conciliation Bill after the WSPU called a truce hoping for a bill. The WSPU welcomed the bill, which would give 8% of women the vote, but it was doomed as Asquith was against it, as this was seen as giving in to militancy and even Lloyd George refused as he and other liberals thought the most conservative women would have the vote and ruin liberal chances. Sylvia Pankhurst, the very socialist daughter was against for a similar reason.
The Bill's failure, meant an end of truce and so mass demonstration and fresh violent episodes followed. Asquith then announced a 'Franchise Bill for 1914' and violence followed up until the outbreak of WW1, in which women's work was a neccessity. Asquith is said to be blamed as he put all hopes of a conciliation bill away, and until the Representation of the People Act in 1918, this would not change.
SUMMARY
Women small amount of progress, Local Voting and government/Poor law guardians. Only house holding men could vote, and so Suffrage Groups began to appear.
NSWS - local amalgamation of interests for women. First social group, though split and affliated to liberals or independent
NUWSS - 400 branches up and down britain, a pressure group. Some wanted full franchise whilst others wanted just equal rights to the reforming act. Millicent Fawcett
WSPU - First a suffragist like other two, split links from liberals to ILP. However ILP split in opinion, especially TU's. Hardie put a PMB forward even, and continued to work with WSPU until they couldn't stand treatment. Sylvia, Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst.
Liberals also split, older liberals completely against whilst 'New liberal' radicals wanted to give women the vote (DLG), but even they saw it was unpopular with conservative working class. Liberals just gave community boards instead. WSPU feeling campaigning was going nowhere turned to force, burning railways and churches, and attacking ministers. Gov took harsh line, arresting which led to hunger strikes and the 'Cat and Mouse Act', embarrassing for gov. Libs promised Conciliation Bill, to give 8% women the vote, WSPU put violence on hold
Vote failed, as Asquith was against it as giving into violence. Even LG decline for voting reason plus only 'conservative women' might ruin chances. This saw the end, Violence continued up until 1914 where a 'Franchise Bill was proposed but this did not happen due to the first world war'
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Constitutional Reformation
The lords still had powers comparable to the commons; however the lords never interfered with ‘money bills’ such as budgets. The lords could amend any other bill any number of times. As the commons became more democratic, the unelected upper house appeared even more unfair to have an impact compared to the elected.
The conservative leader Disraeli, in 1870 came up with a three point system for the lords, who argued that lords should only veto if:
• Opinion in the commons was very divided
• Clear feeling of public rejection
• Issue so fundamental, that a general election had to happen to see how the public voted.
This was used on the issue of Gladstone’s first home rule bill as it met the second issue, and the Gladstonian government backed down. The 1906 election gave the liberals a huge majority compared to the conservative lords, and so it was now unlikely the first option would be met.
The crisis was triggered by Lloyd George’s budget of 1909, not because of the extent of reform as they agreed it was good (conservatives) but because the conservatives were now so weak in the commons, that they tried to balance power back by using the lords. Balfour attempted to use effectively in such areas as the
• Education bill of 1906, of which nonconformists were now recognised, as Anglican schools were taken over by Lea’s, not taking into account teaching religions. This angered the Anglicans, Balfour attempted to oppose and then compromise the commons, but this failed.
• Plural voting ending, individuals allowed to vote in more than once constituency
• Licensing bill of restrictions of alcohol
Lords however let most things through.
The government responded with some confusion, whether to confront the peers or not over these issues, the major problem being a lack of cause to confront. HCB introduced resolutions to limit the power of lords with delay and veto and amend; LIB/LAB/INP all supported this. But it was just a warning, as cabinet still had no idea what to do as members such as Sir Grey wanted to reform the lords as a priority.
The budget was the real problem, as the liberals were now beginning to lose favour and reforms seemed to be having little effect, the budget had to be ambitious and reforming, without cutting back or spending too much. LG + ASQUITH put pressure on cabinet to agree to reform of taxation so that the budget borrowing was not too extensive. Because it was a budget, the lords would naturally not object, but as rumours grew of how revolutionary this budget was going to be, peers started to consider breaking the tradition. The budget;
• Raising income taxation on incomes over 3000 to 6p and 8,1/2p for incomes over 5000 pounds
• Increase duties on spirits, liquor licenses, and stamp duties,
• Increase death duties
• Land tax on increasing value of land, increased value when it changes hands, and value of land for mining companies
• Road fund for building + maintenance road, by petrol and licenses
• Child allowances.
This lead to widespread opposition;
• Some liberals had doubts
• INP opposed duty on whisky fearing it would damage trade
• Brewers outraged
• Motorists unimpressed
• Landowners subjected to unfair treatment, could be used to distribute wealth and an ‘attack on property’
Crux (centre point of issue) for Balfour and Lansdowne was tariff reform, as unionists now supported it. Tariff reformers mention that the money could only be found through taxation of imports, whilst the government still proposed free trade which made the unionists seem obscure, and led to an extension of free trade/protectionism debate. The liberals won this debate.
Lansdowne + Balfour as they worried about future policies because tariff reform was affected, and had lost the control of the unionist peers who had not realised the emotions that the budget had stirred up in the peers, who effectively saw the budget as an attack on property and so immediately rejected, leading to Asquith dissolving parliament
GEN ELECTION 1910 saw the results as being unsatisfactory for everyone, with a very equal number of seats for liberals/unionists. The budget was still in support however with the INP and labour supporting the liberals, but the INP requested Home Rule for support. Lords now had to pass judgement as they had little choice in reality. This lead to the liberals also having home rule forced upon them, and could face another constitutional problem very soon, matching the third rule of disraeli
PARLIAMENT BILL 1910-11
• Lords could not reject or amend financial legislation
• There would be a limit of two rejections or amendments on legislation within life of a parliament
• Max duration of parliament was 5 years.
Lords could only delay for two years now and if the lords objected this bill, the king had agreed with Asquith that up to 500 new liberal peers could be made to see the parliament bill through. The conservative peers accepted the bill rather than having being in the minority forever in the lords.
SUMMARY
Lords held balance of power over commons
- Unlimited veto except against money. Disraeli's three veto allowances had been exercised by Gladstones first home rule (public dislike). Liberal majority ruled out likelihood of division in the commons, Balfour often tried to undermine Libs using the lords
- Ed act and Plural Voting.
Libs didn't know how to take it, start to think about removing lords power or amend. Everyone except Cons agreed.
LLOYD GEORGES BUDGET 1909 was the issue - revolutionary without spending too little or too much. Lords hearing became apprehensive, maybe veto a money bill
Budget - Land Tax increase angered lords
- INP against Whisky and Brewery
- Road Tax for the first time
- Graduated tax on wealth
difficult for tariff reformer unionists, Balfour/Lansdowne worried, making them look further obscure on the Tariff Reform issue. Not intend to veto fully but didnt predict emotion within lords. Bill was rejected causing the 1910 GEN ELECTION.
GE - equal numbers, INP gave liberals vote. Conservatives realised lords had no choice, Budget was passed.
Parliament bill, limited veto
threatened creation of 500 liberal peers after lords turned it down in 1910.
The conservative leader Disraeli, in 1870 came up with a three point system for the lords, who argued that lords should only veto if:
• Opinion in the commons was very divided
• Clear feeling of public rejection
• Issue so fundamental, that a general election had to happen to see how the public voted.
This was used on the issue of Gladstone’s first home rule bill as it met the second issue, and the Gladstonian government backed down. The 1906 election gave the liberals a huge majority compared to the conservative lords, and so it was now unlikely the first option would be met.
The crisis was triggered by Lloyd George’s budget of 1909, not because of the extent of reform as they agreed it was good (conservatives) but because the conservatives were now so weak in the commons, that they tried to balance power back by using the lords. Balfour attempted to use effectively in such areas as the
• Education bill of 1906, of which nonconformists were now recognised, as Anglican schools were taken over by Lea’s, not taking into account teaching religions. This angered the Anglicans, Balfour attempted to oppose and then compromise the commons, but this failed.
• Plural voting ending, individuals allowed to vote in more than once constituency
• Licensing bill of restrictions of alcohol
Lords however let most things through.
The government responded with some confusion, whether to confront the peers or not over these issues, the major problem being a lack of cause to confront. HCB introduced resolutions to limit the power of lords with delay and veto and amend; LIB/LAB/INP all supported this. But it was just a warning, as cabinet still had no idea what to do as members such as Sir Grey wanted to reform the lords as a priority.
The budget was the real problem, as the liberals were now beginning to lose favour and reforms seemed to be having little effect, the budget had to be ambitious and reforming, without cutting back or spending too much. LG + ASQUITH put pressure on cabinet to agree to reform of taxation so that the budget borrowing was not too extensive. Because it was a budget, the lords would naturally not object, but as rumours grew of how revolutionary this budget was going to be, peers started to consider breaking the tradition. The budget;
• Raising income taxation on incomes over 3000 to 6p and 8,1/2p for incomes over 5000 pounds
• Increase duties on spirits, liquor licenses, and stamp duties,
• Increase death duties
• Land tax on increasing value of land, increased value when it changes hands, and value of land for mining companies
• Road fund for building + maintenance road, by petrol and licenses
• Child allowances.
This lead to widespread opposition;
• Some liberals had doubts
• INP opposed duty on whisky fearing it would damage trade
• Brewers outraged
• Motorists unimpressed
• Landowners subjected to unfair treatment, could be used to distribute wealth and an ‘attack on property’
Crux (centre point of issue) for Balfour and Lansdowne was tariff reform, as unionists now supported it. Tariff reformers mention that the money could only be found through taxation of imports, whilst the government still proposed free trade which made the unionists seem obscure, and led to an extension of free trade/protectionism debate. The liberals won this debate.
Lansdowne + Balfour as they worried about future policies because tariff reform was affected, and had lost the control of the unionist peers who had not realised the emotions that the budget had stirred up in the peers, who effectively saw the budget as an attack on property and so immediately rejected, leading to Asquith dissolving parliament
GEN ELECTION 1910 saw the results as being unsatisfactory for everyone, with a very equal number of seats for liberals/unionists. The budget was still in support however with the INP and labour supporting the liberals, but the INP requested Home Rule for support. Lords now had to pass judgement as they had little choice in reality. This lead to the liberals also having home rule forced upon them, and could face another constitutional problem very soon, matching the third rule of disraeli
PARLIAMENT BILL 1910-11
• Lords could not reject or amend financial legislation
• There would be a limit of two rejections or amendments on legislation within life of a parliament
• Max duration of parliament was 5 years.
Lords could only delay for two years now and if the lords objected this bill, the king had agreed with Asquith that up to 500 new liberal peers could be made to see the parliament bill through. The conservative peers accepted the bill rather than having being in the minority forever in the lords.
SUMMARY
Lords held balance of power over commons
- Unlimited veto except against money. Disraeli's three veto allowances had been exercised by Gladstones first home rule (public dislike). Liberal majority ruled out likelihood of division in the commons, Balfour often tried to undermine Libs using the lords
- Ed act and Plural Voting.
Libs didn't know how to take it, start to think about removing lords power or amend. Everyone except Cons agreed.
LLOYD GEORGES BUDGET 1909 was the issue - revolutionary without spending too little or too much. Lords hearing became apprehensive, maybe veto a money bill
Budget - Land Tax increase angered lords
- INP against Whisky and Brewery
- Road Tax for the first time
- Graduated tax on wealth
difficult for tariff reformer unionists, Balfour/Lansdowne worried, making them look further obscure on the Tariff Reform issue. Not intend to veto fully but didnt predict emotion within lords. Bill was rejected causing the 1910 GEN ELECTION.
GE - equal numbers, INP gave liberals vote. Conservatives realised lords had no choice, Budget was passed.
Parliament bill, limited veto
threatened creation of 500 liberal peers after lords turned it down in 1910.
The Liberal Reforms
Why did the liberals begin to think of national reformation?
Firstly, in the latter years of the 19th century and early 20th, two reports were published upon the health and well being of the people of Britain. Charles Booth’s Life and Labour of the People of London, he found that information supplied over 4000 people that just over 30% were living in poverty, lacking money for shelter, food and clothing. They were poor because the wages were simply too low. Next was Seebohm Rowntree, he built upon Booth’s investigation but in York, calculating wages to feed a family of five must be 21s and 8d. These investigations impacted the way of thinking.
The Royal commission of poor laws, set up by the conservatives in 1905, in order to advise the government what to do about the social reform, however because the commission could not agree, two reports were made, a majority report;
- poverty was moral
- poor law shouldn’t be changed
Minority report;
- origins of poverty were economic
- ministry of labour should be set up, reforms, such as labour exchanges
- Poor laws split into reform boards, education, elderly and the poor, health problems
Royal commission mixture of reports made it difficult, which also caused the ‘conservatives had no social reform package’ reason for defeat in 1906. However the commission also gave the poverty problem a high profile, which is where National Efficiency enters the equation. Liberals and Conservatives were concerned that the economy and workforce was not at its peak, which lead to the liberal package of reforms, fears were
- poverty and weakness, Charles Booth and Rowntree reports
- 2/3 turned down for Boer war volunteers due to bad fitness
- Length of time it took to beat the Boer farmers
- Speed that America and Germany was overtaking Britain economically and the naval and military growth with them as well.
Criticisms for the government who were ‘amateurs’ plus the ‘amateur generals’ within the army, and the conservative way of thinking who did not want to spend money, and those who wanted to make National Efficiency close to maximum believed state invention of reformation within many different area’s of society.
This is why the upcoming ‘New Liberalism’ liberals became more keen for social reform, and their ideas did not seem unfitting for the times. As mentioned before, new liberals such as Winston Churchill, Asquith and David Lloyd George believed in greater state intervention, increased government spending for social reform and increased graduation of taxes, a genuine passion to advance to countries to such standards as Germany. All of these saw the necessity for the Liberal Reform package.
The Poor Law failing was the final straw. It was for those with no other alternative and lead to the setting up of the workhouses. They were full of discipline to deter the able bodied men/women from laziness. However work houses rather than being a deterrent, ended with a huge population of the sick, elderly and homeless children. Something had to be done.
Overview of Reasons \
- New Liberalism \
- Poor Laws not being very good } National Efficiency
- Poverty Reports of Booth and Rowntree /
- Boer War embarrassment /
- Overtaking by other countries /
____________________________________________________________________
WELFARE FOR CHILDREN
This was an uncontroversial change for the commons and the traditional liberals to face as children were seen as vulnerable members of the society and couldn’t be blamed for their problems, and the poverty they faced was seen as disgraceful.
The first reform would be the Provision of Meals Act, 1906 which the issue of undernourished children came to the government. The creation of LEA’s in 1902 made educational reform easier and so the liberals took on a Labour MP’s private members bill as a policy. This enabled LEA’s to provide free school meals, but only 1/3 of all LEA’s did.
In 1907, the Education Act saw compulsory medical examinations for children;
- three inspections for children during school life
- conducted in school by qualified doctor
- first inspection as soon as child joins the school
The Childrens Act 1908 introduced new measures such as juvenile courts and remand homes for children instead of prison, and severe penalties for child abuse/supplying alcohol/tobacco, plus a rate of £10 per month for poor families.
___________________________________________________________
Radical members such as Lloyd George were dissatisfied by the range of reforms so far, but in 1908, HCB was forced to resign through illness and Asquith became the new PM. LG became the Chancellor of the Exchequer with Winston Churchill on Board of Trade, who was also a radical since joining the party. The reform that was next to follow was old age pensions
Old age pensions act of 1908 was introduced as old people either had to save up money for retirement, which was near impossible due to the value of food compared to wages, or work in the workhouses under the Poor Law. Asquith had been working towards pensions, and now this passed down to LG. The provisions allocated were modest with 5 shillings per week for those over 70, regarding they had not been to prison in 10 years and their wage of old had been under 21 pounds. This was a huge success with just under 1 million applicants, although criticised for the high age limit.
_____________________________________________________________
The next reforms concentrated on welfare and protection (unemployment and sickness) The first measure taken on was to be unemployment. Winston Churchill introduced the Labour Exchanges in 1909 so that the unemployed could find a job, basically a job centre. Lloyd George studied the German civil service and wanted a similar national insurance scheme for Britain, although the scheme was to be put off until 1911, so that both sickness and unemployment could be dealt with together, as sickness benefits had some problems with opposition
The opposition was from the Friendly societies and Industrial insurance companies that both provided policies for the poorer people of society to provide for funerals and injuries at work .Government intervention would have affected their business with the middle-class and some doctors in the British Medical Association saw this as “Lowering of professions”. It took months of negotiations and it is true that these companies worked well, possibly more so than the government replacement.
The National insurance of 1911 was split down the middle.
Health insurance saw
• A 30s maternity grant.
• A sickness benefit of 10s per week for up to 13 weeks, slightly less for women at 7s and 5s for a further 13 weeks.
• Free medical treatment under a panel doctor
• 5s a week for the disabled
Ages 16-60 were accepted, with 15 million in total. Non-working wives or children were not covered.
Unemployment insurance saw
• Weekly contributions of 2½d a week from workers/employers/government
• The insurance allowed up to 7s for 15 weeks.
2.25 million were covered, specifically for seasonal work such as ship building and other fluctuating trades.
___________________________________________________________________
Other Liberal Social Reforms
• Trade Disputes Act revoked Taff Vale restrictions
• Workmen’s compensation act, for extra compensation for workers
• Merchant shipping act, regulations of importing food
• Coal miners act with a maximum eight hour day
• Trade board act, set minimum wage and day time, for sweated trades
SUMMARY
Why reform?
National Efficieny Problem (Boer War and the Poverty Reports) New Liberalism and the failure of the Poor Laws.
What Reform?
UNCONTROVERSIAL CHILDREN. 1906 Provision of meals, 1/3 Lea's gave food. 1907 education act, three inspections over school life. 1908 children welfare, remand courts and strict punishments for abuse.
PENSIONS, impossible for people to save, or work house. Pensions, 5s a week. 70 starting age, quite modest. Huge sucess, 1 million although criticised for high age.1908
UNEMPLOYMENT - WC labour exchanges 1909 (job centre)LG studied german national insurance scheme. NI put off until unemployment and health benefits could be tackled together, as 'friendly societies' needed to convinced, eventually were.
NATIONAL INSURANCE - Health, 30s maternity grant, 10s for 13 weeks and free doctor covering. 15 Million covered, but had to be working
Unemployment - only seasonal work, 2.25 mil covered, 7s for 15 weeks.
OTHER - Trade Dispute (ended taff vale), Trade Board (min wage and workers) Miners acts (min pay, day and safety) and Merch Ship Act (strict discipline for imports)
Firstly, in the latter years of the 19th century and early 20th, two reports were published upon the health and well being of the people of Britain. Charles Booth’s Life and Labour of the People of London, he found that information supplied over 4000 people that just over 30% were living in poverty, lacking money for shelter, food and clothing. They were poor because the wages were simply too low. Next was Seebohm Rowntree, he built upon Booth’s investigation but in York, calculating wages to feed a family of five must be 21s and 8d. These investigations impacted the way of thinking.
The Royal commission of poor laws, set up by the conservatives in 1905, in order to advise the government what to do about the social reform, however because the commission could not agree, two reports were made, a majority report;
- poverty was moral
- poor law shouldn’t be changed
Minority report;
- origins of poverty were economic
- ministry of labour should be set up, reforms, such as labour exchanges
- Poor laws split into reform boards, education, elderly and the poor, health problems
Royal commission mixture of reports made it difficult, which also caused the ‘conservatives had no social reform package’ reason for defeat in 1906. However the commission also gave the poverty problem a high profile, which is where National Efficiency enters the equation. Liberals and Conservatives were concerned that the economy and workforce was not at its peak, which lead to the liberal package of reforms, fears were
- poverty and weakness, Charles Booth and Rowntree reports
- 2/3 turned down for Boer war volunteers due to bad fitness
- Length of time it took to beat the Boer farmers
- Speed that America and Germany was overtaking Britain economically and the naval and military growth with them as well.
Criticisms for the government who were ‘amateurs’ plus the ‘amateur generals’ within the army, and the conservative way of thinking who did not want to spend money, and those who wanted to make National Efficiency close to maximum believed state invention of reformation within many different area’s of society.
This is why the upcoming ‘New Liberalism’ liberals became more keen for social reform, and their ideas did not seem unfitting for the times. As mentioned before, new liberals such as Winston Churchill, Asquith and David Lloyd George believed in greater state intervention, increased government spending for social reform and increased graduation of taxes, a genuine passion to advance to countries to such standards as Germany. All of these saw the necessity for the Liberal Reform package.
The Poor Law failing was the final straw. It was for those with no other alternative and lead to the setting up of the workhouses. They were full of discipline to deter the able bodied men/women from laziness. However work houses rather than being a deterrent, ended with a huge population of the sick, elderly and homeless children. Something had to be done.
Overview of Reasons \
- New Liberalism \
- Poor Laws not being very good } National Efficiency
- Poverty Reports of Booth and Rowntree /
- Boer War embarrassment /
- Overtaking by other countries /
____________________________________________________________________
WELFARE FOR CHILDREN
This was an uncontroversial change for the commons and the traditional liberals to face as children were seen as vulnerable members of the society and couldn’t be blamed for their problems, and the poverty they faced was seen as disgraceful.
The first reform would be the Provision of Meals Act, 1906 which the issue of undernourished children came to the government. The creation of LEA’s in 1902 made educational reform easier and so the liberals took on a Labour MP’s private members bill as a policy. This enabled LEA’s to provide free school meals, but only 1/3 of all LEA’s did.
In 1907, the Education Act saw compulsory medical examinations for children;
- three inspections for children during school life
- conducted in school by qualified doctor
- first inspection as soon as child joins the school
The Childrens Act 1908 introduced new measures such as juvenile courts and remand homes for children instead of prison, and severe penalties for child abuse/supplying alcohol/tobacco, plus a rate of £10 per month for poor families.
___________________________________________________________
Radical members such as Lloyd George were dissatisfied by the range of reforms so far, but in 1908, HCB was forced to resign through illness and Asquith became the new PM. LG became the Chancellor of the Exchequer with Winston Churchill on Board of Trade, who was also a radical since joining the party. The reform that was next to follow was old age pensions
Old age pensions act of 1908 was introduced as old people either had to save up money for retirement, which was near impossible due to the value of food compared to wages, or work in the workhouses under the Poor Law. Asquith had been working towards pensions, and now this passed down to LG. The provisions allocated were modest with 5 shillings per week for those over 70, regarding they had not been to prison in 10 years and their wage of old had been under 21 pounds. This was a huge success with just under 1 million applicants, although criticised for the high age limit.
_____________________________________________________________
The next reforms concentrated on welfare and protection (unemployment and sickness) The first measure taken on was to be unemployment. Winston Churchill introduced the Labour Exchanges in 1909 so that the unemployed could find a job, basically a job centre. Lloyd George studied the German civil service and wanted a similar national insurance scheme for Britain, although the scheme was to be put off until 1911, so that both sickness and unemployment could be dealt with together, as sickness benefits had some problems with opposition
The opposition was from the Friendly societies and Industrial insurance companies that both provided policies for the poorer people of society to provide for funerals and injuries at work .Government intervention would have affected their business with the middle-class and some doctors in the British Medical Association saw this as “Lowering of professions”. It took months of negotiations and it is true that these companies worked well, possibly more so than the government replacement.
The National insurance of 1911 was split down the middle.
Health insurance saw
• A 30s maternity grant.
• A sickness benefit of 10s per week for up to 13 weeks, slightly less for women at 7s and 5s for a further 13 weeks.
• Free medical treatment under a panel doctor
• 5s a week for the disabled
Ages 16-60 were accepted, with 15 million in total. Non-working wives or children were not covered.
Unemployment insurance saw
• Weekly contributions of 2½d a week from workers/employers/government
• The insurance allowed up to 7s for 15 weeks.
2.25 million were covered, specifically for seasonal work such as ship building and other fluctuating trades.
___________________________________________________________________
Other Liberal Social Reforms
• Trade Disputes Act revoked Taff Vale restrictions
• Workmen’s compensation act, for extra compensation for workers
• Merchant shipping act, regulations of importing food
• Coal miners act with a maximum eight hour day
• Trade board act, set minimum wage and day time, for sweated trades
SUMMARY
Why reform?
National Efficieny Problem (Boer War and the Poverty Reports) New Liberalism and the failure of the Poor Laws.
What Reform?
UNCONTROVERSIAL CHILDREN. 1906 Provision of meals, 1/3 Lea's gave food. 1907 education act, three inspections over school life. 1908 children welfare, remand courts and strict punishments for abuse.
PENSIONS, impossible for people to save, or work house. Pensions, 5s a week. 70 starting age, quite modest. Huge sucess, 1 million although criticised for high age.1908
UNEMPLOYMENT - WC labour exchanges 1909 (job centre)LG studied german national insurance scheme. NI put off until unemployment and health benefits could be tackled together, as 'friendly societies' needed to convinced, eventually were.
NATIONAL INSURANCE - Health, 30s maternity grant, 10s for 13 weeks and free doctor covering. 15 Million covered, but had to be working
Unemployment - only seasonal work, 2.25 mil covered, 7s for 15 weeks.
OTHER - Trade Dispute (ended taff vale), Trade Board (min wage and workers) Miners acts (min pay, day and safety) and Merch Ship Act (strict discipline for imports)
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
General Election 1906 and Unionist Defeat
When Arthur Balfour resigned as PM, he refused to dissolve parliament by the king. This meant that HCB would be sent to invite Balfour to form a new government. Balfour hoped this would cause a crisis in the liberals meaning the unionists would win another general election. He believed this would occur because
- HCB was leader, and balfour believed that the likes of Grey and Asquith would not accept his new premiership and him being the leader, and so the liberals would not be able to form a new government.
- The unionists had done better than expected at recent by-elections, and attempted to undermine them using the above reason
- The split the liberals over the issue of home rule
However this did not work as HCB found no problems with Asquith and Grey, as they were not willing to risk holding office when HCB was in bad health. Asquith took chancellor of exchequer and Grey became foreign secretary. The formation led to a landslide victory for the liberals.
The unionists were defeated for a number of reasons
- British were opposed to Boer war with Chinese slavery and concentration camps and the war lasting far longer and costing way more. Conservatives looked imperial
- Raised questions of British fitness which looked bad for the conservatives (2/3 turned down)
- Unionists were still severely divided over tariff reform, and some splitting off to join the liberals, such as Winston Churchill and JC resigning full time. Also the liberals looked like the ‘defenders of cheap food for the people’ condemning protectionism
- The Education act of 1902, angered nonconformists giving liberals a firmer hold on their vote
- Unionists had no real plan for social reformation
- The Taff Vale judgement put trade union support firmly behind the labour party
- LRC/Liberal act – That no liberal candidate would stand if the LRC candidate had a better chance of winning to avoid split vote due to similar policy (this guaranteed liberal votes for the LRC)
- Arthur Balfour had been seen as a poor leader, he was indecisive and still went ahead with the 1902 act and went with tariff reform..
This meant that with HCB, Asquith, the upcoming Lloyd George and the huge majority in the commons, secured the idea that radical reformation was on its way. The Labour party now supported the liberals as did the INP over home rule, whilst the conservatives remained split over tariff reform
OVERVIEW
BALFOUR attempts to cause crisis to underminebecause
- Thought liberals would not allow HCB leadership
- Cons did well at by-elections
- Home Rule divisions
he misjudged however, as they all excepted him (ILL HEALTH)
Libs won by huge majority, 400-157
- unionists looked imperial
- divided over tariff reform still, libs defenders of cheap food
- ed act made them unpopular with nonconformists
- taff vale pushed TU support away
- no real social reform package after national efficiency problem
- balfour was a poor leader
- lib lab pact
- china workers scandal
- HCB was leader, and balfour believed that the likes of Grey and Asquith would not accept his new premiership and him being the leader, and so the liberals would not be able to form a new government.
- The unionists had done better than expected at recent by-elections, and attempted to undermine them using the above reason
- The split the liberals over the issue of home rule
However this did not work as HCB found no problems with Asquith and Grey, as they were not willing to risk holding office when HCB was in bad health. Asquith took chancellor of exchequer and Grey became foreign secretary. The formation led to a landslide victory for the liberals.
The unionists were defeated for a number of reasons
- British were opposed to Boer war with Chinese slavery and concentration camps and the war lasting far longer and costing way more. Conservatives looked imperial
- Raised questions of British fitness which looked bad for the conservatives (2/3 turned down)
- Unionists were still severely divided over tariff reform, and some splitting off to join the liberals, such as Winston Churchill and JC resigning full time. Also the liberals looked like the ‘defenders of cheap food for the people’ condemning protectionism
- The Education act of 1902, angered nonconformists giving liberals a firmer hold on their vote
- Unionists had no real plan for social reformation
- The Taff Vale judgement put trade union support firmly behind the labour party
- LRC/Liberal act – That no liberal candidate would stand if the LRC candidate had a better chance of winning to avoid split vote due to similar policy (this guaranteed liberal votes for the LRC)
- Arthur Balfour had been seen as a poor leader, he was indecisive and still went ahead with the 1902 act and went with tariff reform..
This meant that with HCB, Asquith, the upcoming Lloyd George and the huge majority in the commons, secured the idea that radical reformation was on its way. The Labour party now supported the liberals as did the INP over home rule, whilst the conservatives remained split over tariff reform
OVERVIEW
BALFOUR attempts to cause crisis to underminebecause
- Thought liberals would not allow HCB leadership
- Cons did well at by-elections
- Home Rule divisions
he misjudged however, as they all excepted him (ILL HEALTH)
Libs won by huge majority, 400-157
- unionists looked imperial
- divided over tariff reform still, libs defenders of cheap food
- ed act made them unpopular with nonconformists
- taff vale pushed TU support away
- no real social reform package after national efficiency problem
- balfour was a poor leader
- lib lab pact
- china workers scandal
Leadership after Gladstone
When Gladstone retired, there was no immediate stand-in for the leadership as he had been such a dominant force in the liberal party. This begged the question of whether the new leader would be a Radicalist or a traditionalist. Joseph Chamberlain who had gone to the conservatives was now out of the question, which led to 5 hopefuls being up to the job.
The first was Lord Rosebery, a prominent figure in the party who was an expert with foreign policy and did actually succeed as leader after Gladstone’s retirement. His interest in the premiership however was erratic and wished to lead on his own opinions rather than through a cabinet and was not favoured by the radicals of the party. Still he never ruled a comeback to the party after resigning.
The second, Herbert Henry Asquith was a very radical nonconformist and was incredibly gifted as a barrister. It looked imminent that he would eventually become leader but was seen as rather young at barely 40, and Asquith’s aristocratic wife gave him useful ties. Asquith remained as a barrister until a PM salary would be stable for his wife’s needs.
Sir William Harcourt was Gladstone’s Chancellor of the Exchequer and a veteran politician and very experienced. He too was very traditionalist and was widely respected. However he did not inspire unity in the party, and resigned from active politics, tired of the political divisions within the party.
Sir Edward Grey was Rosebery’s second in command at foreign office and to take a lead on the foreign policy in the commons. He was very close to Asquith as a friend and was also incredibly young, his leadership seemed unlikely.
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was a very experienced liberal leader, originally secretary of state for war and Irish secretary. he was not in the best state of health and he had become more radical with age, and did not find any opposition as this turn of fate meant he was perfect for the leadership role as a temporary leader, which allowed politicians such as Grey, Asquith and LG to bide their time and gather necessary experience.
SUMMARY
Gladstones leadership was dominant, JC the most likely was now conservative
Leadership question down to five candidates
ROSEBERY - First succeeded, gifted in foreign policy but erratic and often ignored the cabinet
H.H ASQUITH - Young and gifted nonconformist reformer. Looked likely in the future, just needed a good wage
WILL HARCOURT - Chancellor of Excheq of old, did succeed rosebery but resigned over divisions within the party
GREY - A gifted man, but too close to Asquith personally to go against him
H.C-BANNERMAN - More reformist with age, fragile health state and particularly moderate in views, the perfect temporary leader for the divided liberals, he allowed others to gain experience and begin the Liberal Reforms.
The first was Lord Rosebery, a prominent figure in the party who was an expert with foreign policy and did actually succeed as leader after Gladstone’s retirement. His interest in the premiership however was erratic and wished to lead on his own opinions rather than through a cabinet and was not favoured by the radicals of the party. Still he never ruled a comeback to the party after resigning.
The second, Herbert Henry Asquith was a very radical nonconformist and was incredibly gifted as a barrister. It looked imminent that he would eventually become leader but was seen as rather young at barely 40, and Asquith’s aristocratic wife gave him useful ties. Asquith remained as a barrister until a PM salary would be stable for his wife’s needs.
Sir William Harcourt was Gladstone’s Chancellor of the Exchequer and a veteran politician and very experienced. He too was very traditionalist and was widely respected. However he did not inspire unity in the party, and resigned from active politics, tired of the political divisions within the party.
Sir Edward Grey was Rosebery’s second in command at foreign office and to take a lead on the foreign policy in the commons. He was very close to Asquith as a friend and was also incredibly young, his leadership seemed unlikely.
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was a very experienced liberal leader, originally secretary of state for war and Irish secretary. he was not in the best state of health and he had become more radical with age, and did not find any opposition as this turn of fate meant he was perfect for the leadership role as a temporary leader, which allowed politicians such as Grey, Asquith and LG to bide their time and gather necessary experience.
SUMMARY
Gladstones leadership was dominant, JC the most likely was now conservative
Leadership question down to five candidates
ROSEBERY - First succeeded, gifted in foreign policy but erratic and often ignored the cabinet
H.H ASQUITH - Young and gifted nonconformist reformer. Looked likely in the future, just needed a good wage
WILL HARCOURT - Chancellor of Excheq of old, did succeed rosebery but resigned over divisions within the party
GREY - A gifted man, but too close to Asquith personally to go against him
H.C-BANNERMAN - More reformist with age, fragile health state and particularly moderate in views, the perfect temporary leader for the divided liberals, he allowed others to gain experience and begin the Liberal Reforms.
New Liberalism
The Whigs were seen within the party as very conservative in manner. New Liberalism appeared in opposition to traditionalist views, built from radicalist and reformist attitudes. William Gladstone was the leader of the party, and was very out of touch in radical reform.
GLADSTONE'S BELIEFS
Gladstone believed in progress from self-achievement and individual effort, and the government should never directly intervene with reforming, such as pensions. Gladstone believed in:
- Laissez faire or non-interference and freedom
- Business should face minimal taxation and no intervention from the government
- The government should only intervene if there was a moral principle to be defended
His idea's in turn were very conservative although he was a more reformist Peelite. He became more liberal when growing older such as religious differences. These were limited however as he thought not all men had to right to vote and that voting should be achieved through education. He hated the idea of compulsory state education. This was frustrating for the radicals in the party such as J.Chamberlain who decided to write some principles for a future liberal government, known as the Unauthorised Programme
- Abolition of school fees (compulsory education)
- Compulsory land purchase for allotments
- Graduated property tax for reforms
- CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
- Disestablish the Anglican church
Gladstone did not accept but didn’t condemn either and this was the start of New Liberalism. Home Rule led to JC going to the conservatives, and so 5 years on, Gladstone was forced the accept a radical manifesto known as ‘Newcastle Programme’ due to a looming election
- Home rule
- Compulsory land purchase
- Worker regulations – working day hours
- Greater employment liability
Some radicals then went on to discuss the future, very RADICAL of the party which terrified Gladstone.
- Pensions for the elderly
- Sickness benefits
- Unemployment benefits
- Education for children benefits
OVERVIEW
This emergence of New Liberalism finally started to show the difference between the conservative party and the new liberal attitude, although Gladstone mainly disagreed with these principles. The Liberals appeared to be working for the working class through meaningful reformation proposals. This move away from traditional liberalism saw the means of greater government intervention and spending on reform with graduated taxes and collective responsibility, in the form of the Newcastle Programme with the means to reform of 3 mains areas of society.
GLADSTONE'S BELIEFS
Gladstone believed in progress from self-achievement and individual effort, and the government should never directly intervene with reforming, such as pensions. Gladstone believed in:
- Laissez faire or non-interference and freedom
- Business should face minimal taxation and no intervention from the government
- The government should only intervene if there was a moral principle to be defended
His idea's in turn were very conservative although he was a more reformist Peelite. He became more liberal when growing older such as religious differences. These were limited however as he thought not all men had to right to vote and that voting should be achieved through education. He hated the idea of compulsory state education. This was frustrating for the radicals in the party such as J.Chamberlain who decided to write some principles for a future liberal government, known as the Unauthorised Programme
- Abolition of school fees (compulsory education)
- Compulsory land purchase for allotments
- Graduated property tax for reforms
- CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
- Disestablish the Anglican church
Gladstone did not accept but didn’t condemn either and this was the start of New Liberalism. Home Rule led to JC going to the conservatives, and so 5 years on, Gladstone was forced the accept a radical manifesto known as ‘Newcastle Programme’ due to a looming election
- Home rule
- Compulsory land purchase
- Worker regulations – working day hours
- Greater employment liability
Some radicals then went on to discuss the future, very RADICAL of the party which terrified Gladstone.
- Pensions for the elderly
- Sickness benefits
- Unemployment benefits
- Education for children benefits
OVERVIEW
This emergence of New Liberalism finally started to show the difference between the conservative party and the new liberal attitude, although Gladstone mainly disagreed with these principles. The Liberals appeared to be working for the working class through meaningful reformation proposals. This move away from traditional liberalism saw the means of greater government intervention and spending on reform with graduated taxes and collective responsibility, in the form of the Newcastle Programme with the means to reform of 3 mains areas of society.
Tariff Reform and the Build up of the Liberal Party
After Salisbury stepped down as the leader of the conservatives, it was either Balfour or the ex-Liberal Joseph Chamberlain to take power. Because of JC’s past, he would not have the backing of most conservatives; however, he remained unhappy with their ruling.
He was unhappy for ;
- He wanted to be Prime Minister but there was little chance of that happening
- He thought that governments lack of social policy was undermining his credibility
- Woried about the lack of progression (germany and usa expansion)
- Frustrated with the lack of progress for the unification of the empire.
Chamberlain was a huge fan of the empire, and repeatedly made efforts to advance the ‘Imperial Federation’ idea, in which the self governing territories within the empire would become a union of equals, but all his ambitions had failed, and he saw this as a future disaster for Great Britain and the Empire, as he believed the future lay in large countries with large natural resources. He was therefore determined to embark on a scheme that would grip the public to rescue the Empire.
Tariff reform was the topic. Chamberlain had been privately unsure about the free trade policy in a world that was becoming more protected, he was not personally a protectionist, he hoped international free trade would one day be restored. He did however, intend to use the money made for social reform that Britain desperately needed. However taxing imports meant increase in prices
- difficult to sell idea to working class
- unite liberals in opposition ( a reason for the cons defeat)
- could divide unionists
However, it was the last chance for imperial unification, as imperial trade was exempt from taxation or reduced rates, meaning the Empire countries would receive less taxation meaning it was protected. Chamberlain made a speech on tariff reform in Birmingham 1903, in favour of the system. This debate split the unionists. Balfour sat on the fence, with unity the main priority.
- Tarriff Reform League and Free Food League created
- Some unionists went to the liberals.
Chamberlain resigned from the government, as did leading free traders. Balfours government was now weak and looked terrible up until his resignation in 1905. Tariff reform had made ground within the party, but the rest of the country opposed. Liberals looked as the defenders of cheap food. It was a main reason behind their defeat, and the fact that the 157 seats they won.
__________________________________________________
BUILD UP OF LIBERAL PARTY AT THIS POINT
The Liberals were a broad based coalition of which contained 5 major different political groups. Because of the vast amount of groups, the liberals had no set principles. This however was a necessity due to the huge number of differing opinions in the Party.
The Whigs were the dominant group in the liberal party with many aristocratic members. Though seen as more progressive than the Conservatives and willing to introduce certain reformation, they were seen as the 'traditional' side to the party.
The Peelites were supporters of Sir Robert Peel who headed a Conservative Reforming Ministry from 1841-46 of which he reduced taxes on imports. When the Corn Laws which protected british agriculture were declared, he split the Conservative party and his offshoot members went to the Liberals who were reformist in attitude, the famous member being Gladstone.
The Independent Radicals a group of very intelligent and radical reforming intellectuals with no real structure or agenda, and they did not always agree with the decisions of the Whigs when in power.
Non Conformists, Members of the Protestant church that were not Anglican. They supported the Whigs/Radicals and wanted the Anglican Church to be disestablished, and so supported those two groups as they were not as supportive of the Anglican church. Whilst not always agreeing they were critical of the RC religion and not always anti-conservative
The Chartists were a radical group in 1830’s that campaigned for working class political rights. They often attracted educated working class individuals and were led by middle class radicals. Even though Chartism collapsed after issuing the 'Peoples Charter' (campaign for working class education), the offshoots went to the Liberals.
SUMMARY
JC previous Liberal - now a major conservative
Fan of the Empire, wanted an 'Imperial Federation', necessity for GB.
Could never be the PM due to background with Liberals.
Tariff reform was a last bid attempt for Imperial Federation and because of the changing times, in which protectionism was becoming more frequent. Empire would be exempt from prices, and money made would go to Social reform.
Food prices would rise, Could split the unionists, Working Class wouldn't be happy and the Liberals would campaign furiously. It did split the unionists, some going to liberals, most attempting to accept Tarriff reform and other major members forming the Unionist Free Food league. A disaster for the Unionists.
Liberals a broad coalition with no real agenda or fixed opinions
WHIGS - dominant party, quite conservative
PEELITES - offshoot Conservatives, supports of Rob Peel. Reformist, 'Gladstone'
INDEPENDENT RADICALS - Radicalist and reformists in beliefs.
NON-CONFORMISTS - Non CofE protestants. Campaigned for Anglican disestablishment
CHARTIST - Radical middle-class group who campaigned for working class rights.
He was unhappy for ;
- He wanted to be Prime Minister but there was little chance of that happening
- He thought that governments lack of social policy was undermining his credibility
- Woried about the lack of progression (germany and usa expansion)
- Frustrated with the lack of progress for the unification of the empire.
Chamberlain was a huge fan of the empire, and repeatedly made efforts to advance the ‘Imperial Federation’ idea, in which the self governing territories within the empire would become a union of equals, but all his ambitions had failed, and he saw this as a future disaster for Great Britain and the Empire, as he believed the future lay in large countries with large natural resources. He was therefore determined to embark on a scheme that would grip the public to rescue the Empire.
Tariff reform was the topic. Chamberlain had been privately unsure about the free trade policy in a world that was becoming more protected, he was not personally a protectionist, he hoped international free trade would one day be restored. He did however, intend to use the money made for social reform that Britain desperately needed. However taxing imports meant increase in prices
- difficult to sell idea to working class
- unite liberals in opposition ( a reason for the cons defeat)
- could divide unionists
However, it was the last chance for imperial unification, as imperial trade was exempt from taxation or reduced rates, meaning the Empire countries would receive less taxation meaning it was protected. Chamberlain made a speech on tariff reform in Birmingham 1903, in favour of the system. This debate split the unionists. Balfour sat on the fence, with unity the main priority.
- Tarriff Reform League and Free Food League created
- Some unionists went to the liberals.
Chamberlain resigned from the government, as did leading free traders. Balfours government was now weak and looked terrible up until his resignation in 1905. Tariff reform had made ground within the party, but the rest of the country opposed. Liberals looked as the defenders of cheap food. It was a main reason behind their defeat, and the fact that the 157 seats they won.
__________________________________________________
BUILD UP OF LIBERAL PARTY AT THIS POINT
The Liberals were a broad based coalition of which contained 5 major different political groups. Because of the vast amount of groups, the liberals had no set principles. This however was a necessity due to the huge number of differing opinions in the Party.
The Whigs were the dominant group in the liberal party with many aristocratic members. Though seen as more progressive than the Conservatives and willing to introduce certain reformation, they were seen as the 'traditional' side to the party.
The Peelites were supporters of Sir Robert Peel who headed a Conservative Reforming Ministry from 1841-46 of which he reduced taxes on imports. When the Corn Laws which protected british agriculture were declared, he split the Conservative party and his offshoot members went to the Liberals who were reformist in attitude, the famous member being Gladstone.
The Independent Radicals a group of very intelligent and radical reforming intellectuals with no real structure or agenda, and they did not always agree with the decisions of the Whigs when in power.
Non Conformists, Members of the Protestant church that were not Anglican. They supported the Whigs/Radicals and wanted the Anglican Church to be disestablished, and so supported those two groups as they were not as supportive of the Anglican church. Whilst not always agreeing they were critical of the RC religion and not always anti-conservative
The Chartists were a radical group in 1830’s that campaigned for working class political rights. They often attracted educated working class individuals and were led by middle class radicals. Even though Chartism collapsed after issuing the 'Peoples Charter' (campaign for working class education), the offshoots went to the Liberals.
SUMMARY
JC previous Liberal - now a major conservative
Fan of the Empire, wanted an 'Imperial Federation', necessity for GB.
Could never be the PM due to background with Liberals.
Tariff reform was a last bid attempt for Imperial Federation and because of the changing times, in which protectionism was becoming more frequent. Empire would be exempt from prices, and money made would go to Social reform.
Food prices would rise, Could split the unionists, Working Class wouldn't be happy and the Liberals would campaign furiously. It did split the unionists, some going to liberals, most attempting to accept Tarriff reform and other major members forming the Unionist Free Food league. A disaster for the Unionists.
Liberals a broad coalition with no real agenda or fixed opinions
WHIGS - dominant party, quite conservative
PEELITES - offshoot Conservatives, supports of Rob Peel. Reformist, 'Gladstone'
INDEPENDENT RADICALS - Radicalist and reformists in beliefs.
NON-CONFORMISTS - Non CofE protestants. Campaigned for Anglican disestablishment
CHARTIST - Radical middle-class group who campaigned for working class rights.
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