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Questions and Answers
What was the first Labour government led by?
What was the first Labour government led by?
Which political party was not able to form a government after 1922?
Which political party was not able to form a government after 1922?
Why did the Labour Party become increasingly attractive to the population?
Why did the Labour Party become increasingly attractive to the population?
How many coalition governments were formed during the World Wars?
How many coalition governments were formed during the World Wars?
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What year did Labour Party lose its overall majority under Callaghan?
What year did Labour Party lose its overall majority under Callaghan?
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What was the original name of the Labour Party?
What was the original name of the Labour Party?
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What significant change occurred in the membership of the Labour Party in 1918?
What significant change occurred in the membership of the Labour Party in 1918?
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Who were the founding members of the Labour Party?
Who were the founding members of the Labour Party?
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What was the purpose of 'The Cat and Mouse Act' passed in 1913?
What was the purpose of 'The Cat and Mouse Act' passed in 1913?
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During WW1, how did women's contributions change perceptions about their voting rights?
During WW1, how did women's contributions change perceptions about their voting rights?
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What age restriction was placed on women's voting in 'The Representation of the People Act of 1918'?
What age restriction was placed on women's voting in 'The Representation of the People Act of 1918'?
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Which of the following women threw herself under the King's horses as a form of protest?
Which of the following women threw herself under the King's horses as a form of protest?
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What significant change occurred regarding the ban on broadcasting information by the BBC?
What significant change occurred regarding the ban on broadcasting information by the BBC?
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Which newspapers emerged at the beginning of the 20th century?
Which newspapers emerged at the beginning of the 20th century?
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Which private broadcasting company was created in 1956?
Which private broadcasting company was created in 1956?
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Why did politicians in the early 20th century prioritize improving living conditions over women's political rights?
Why did politicians in the early 20th century prioritize improving living conditions over women's political rights?
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What was a significant aspect of Scotland's governance in relation to its own government?
What was a significant aspect of Scotland's governance in relation to its own government?
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What was the initial stance of the media owners regarding political parties?
What was the initial stance of the media owners regarding political parties?
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How did the introduction of popular newspapers affect public perception?
How did the introduction of popular newspapers affect public perception?
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When were Welsh state schools permitted to teach the Welsh language?
When were Welsh state schools permitted to teach the Welsh language?
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Which church retained full autonomy in Scotland confirmed by an Act in 1921?
Which church retained full autonomy in Scotland confirmed by an Act in 1921?
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What role did the BBC play during the general strike of 1926?
What role did the BBC play during the general strike of 1926?
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Which entity had a significant influence on the creation of satellite television in the 1990s?
Which entity had a significant influence on the creation of satellite television in the 1990s?
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What was a major religious concern for the Welsh population?
What was a major religious concern for the Welsh population?
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What was the primary basis for the unification of Ireland with the UK in 1900?
What was the primary basis for the unification of Ireland with the UK in 1900?
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What was the focus of the demands made by 'The Irish Party' led by Charles Parnell?
What was the focus of the demands made by 'The Irish Party' led by Charles Parnell?
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What was the outcome of the 3rd Home Rule Bill in 1912?
What was the outcome of the 3rd Home Rule Bill in 1912?
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What political party emerged in Ireland in 1905 demanding full independence?
What political party emerged in Ireland in 1905 demanding full independence?
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What was the significance of the 1916 uprising in Dublin?
What was the significance of the 1916 uprising in Dublin?
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What action did Sinn Féin take after winning a majority in the 1918 general elections?
What action did Sinn Féin take after winning a majority in the 1918 general elections?
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What was the nickname given to the British troops sent to Ireland during the conflict?
What was the nickname given to the British troops sent to Ireland during the conflict?
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What was the main result of the negotiations that took place by 1921?
What was the main result of the negotiations that took place by 1921?
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What was a key issue regarding the education of working-class children?
What was a key issue regarding the education of working-class children?
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What did the 1902 Education Act establish about primary education?
What did the 1902 Education Act establish about primary education?
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What conditions did around 90% of the population face regarding housing at the beginning of the 19th century?
What conditions did around 90% of the population face regarding housing at the beginning of the 19th century?
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What was introduced in 1921 to support working-class children in schools?
What was introduced in 1921 to support working-class children in schools?
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What was a major issue with the housing situation for workers in the 19th century?
What was a major issue with the housing situation for workers in the 19th century?
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What event occurred in 1915 regarding rent among private tenants in Glasgow?
What event occurred in 1915 regarding rent among private tenants in Glasgow?
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Who created the first Council Houses in Britain?
Who created the first Council Houses in Britain?
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Why were subsidies for building Council Houses reduced in the 1930s?
Why were subsidies for building Council Houses reduced in the 1930s?
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What was the primary function of the Trades Union Congress?
What was the primary function of the Trades Union Congress?
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What significant change did the Trade Disputes Act of 1906 bring about?
What significant change did the Trade Disputes Act of 1906 bring about?
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Which factor led to the escalation of Trade Union power after World War I?
Which factor led to the escalation of Trade Union power after World War I?
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What was the outcome of the general strike attempt in 1926?
What was the outcome of the general strike attempt in 1926?
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What type of agreement is a closed shop?
What type of agreement is a closed shop?
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What was a consequence of the failed coal miner strike after World War I?
What was a consequence of the failed coal miner strike after World War I?
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What restriction was placed on strikes during World War I?
What restriction was placed on strikes during World War I?
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What was the government's response after the failed general strike?
What was the government's response after the failed general strike?
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Study Notes
Political Parties
- Prior to the 20th century, only the Conservative and Liberal parties held power.
- The Labour party emerged in the 20th century.
- MacDonald led the first Labour minority government.
- Labour formed its first majority government in 1945.
- The Liberal party fractured after 1922, and ceased to form governments.
- The Conservative party was always a major party.
- Coalition governments featuring multiple parties were formed during wartime (WW1 and WW2), and economic crises.
- The Labour Party was founded in 1900 by Trade Unions and the Fabian Society, with significant Trade Union influence.
- Initially, Labour membership was limited to members of organizations; membership became open to individuals after 1918.
- Labour aimed at widespread ownership of resources and a more equitable distribution of wealth.
- The Labour party, aimed at the lower class and the middle class, became more popular than the Liberal party.
- Similar far-right (e.g., the New Party) and far-left (communist) parties emerged in the UK during this period, but didn't gain significant influence.
British Institutions: Monarchy
- Queen Victoria (1837-1901) ruled during the majority of the 19th century.
- Edward VII (1901-1910) and George V (1910-1936) and then Edward VIII followed.
- Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson who had a contentious history of divorce.
- George VI ascended the throne during WWII and was closer to the public, and reigned through WWII.
British Institutions: Parliament
- A significant 1911 reform altered the powers of the House of Lords. Previously, both houses held equal power, and a bill could be blocked. Now the House of Lords could delay a bill but not block it permanently.
- A "People's Budget" (1909), introduced by Lloyd George (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) imposed higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social welfare programmes, leading to a clash with the aristocratic House Of Lords.
- 1911 Parliament Act to limit the power of the house of lords.
- In 1918, a new Representation of the People Act expanded voting rights, extending suffrage to men and women, and removing residence requirements for voting.
British Institutions: Women
- The suffragette movement played a key role, advocating for women's right to vote.
- Some movements used more aggressive tactics, including hunger strikes.
- Emily Davidson was a leading Suffragette.
- In 1918, a measure was passed granting voting rights to some women.
- In 1928, voting laws were revised again and women had the same voting rights as men.
British Institutions: The Media
- The press had a huge influence, particularly the popular press.
- They were quite concerned about the Labour Party rising during the 1920's.
- False accusations regarding the Labour party, and its alleged ties to communism, were presented to the public, which sought to harm Labour's public image.
- Broadcast media (radio and television) emerged and developed. The BBC was initially a monopoly.
British Institutions: Scotland and Wales
- Scotland had separate ministries within the British government, overseeing many aspects.
- Wales did not have a separate ministry but there were concerns about preserving the Welsh language which were addressed in state schools.
- Established Church Of England was disestablished in Wales.
British Institutions: Ireland
- Ireland was part of the United Kingdom but had significant differences, and a history of colonial influence.
- The Irish Party (led by Charles Parnell) sought Home Rule (Ireland governing itself).
- Sinn Fein emerged, demanding independence.
- The 1916 Easter Rising led to a decisive shift in Irish public opinion towards independence.
- The Irish Free State was created in 1922.
- Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom, facing tensions and political divisions between different religious communities.
Chapter 2: Economic Decline
- Britain experienced economic decline after the industrial revolution. Britain's heavy industries faced increasing competition from Germany and the USA.
- Unemployment increased significantly, especially in the North of England and Scotland which resulted in the formation of the first employment exchange in the Asquith government.
- The Great Depression of 1929 worsened economic conditions further.
- The government started to play a bigger role in social life including the formation of the Special Areas act (1934) for economic support to specific locations.
- The 1929 economic crisis saw a rise in unemployment from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 people, and especially affected the North of England and Scotland.
Chapter 3: The First Social Policies
- Trade Unions gained recognition and membership during this period.
- Strikes and labor disputes (including general strikes) became frequent occurrences.
- Legislation aimed at mitigating some of the hardships from these disputes. (e.g. Trade Disputes act 1906)
- Public education was improved and expanded, introducing compulsory education laws.
- Significant efforts were made regarding housing, e.g the 1915 strike of private tenants to have their rent reduced (by Wheatley).
Chapter 4: From The Empire To The Commonwealth
- Imperial decline was evident as colonies aimed for self-governance.
- The League of Nations was founded to avoid conflict.
- WW1 placed a heavy toll on the empire, and many casualties were reported.
- The end of the Great War saw huge changes to the empire.
- Reports were generated showing the effects of the Great War on the public.
- The 1916 Easter Rising saw significant levels of upheaval in Ireland.
- WW2 saw the expansion of British forces in Europe and beyond, and the establishment of several support institutions. (e.g. the 1942 Beveridge report)
- Post-war Britain faced significant challenges to rebuilding the economy and institutions from these major periods.
Chapter 5: First Benefits
- Prior to WW1, minimal social welfare existed for the working class.
- The very first steps towards pensions, health, and unemployment benefits were established by the Liberal gov.
- The 1931 benefits were universal or means-tested.
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Description
Explore the evolution of major political parties in the 20th century, focusing on the Conservative, Liberal, and Labour parties. Learn about key events such as the formation of coalition governments and the Labour party's rise to prominence. This quiz highlights the impact of trade unions and socio-economic factors on political landscapes.
