Political Parties in the 20th Century

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.