The Rise of the Labour Party: Factors Leading to Two Government Formations in 1919-31
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Evaluate the reasons why the Labour Party was able to form two governments in the period 1919–31.
ESSAY
The Labour Party's ability to form two governments in the period 1919–31 can be attributed to a combination of internal strengths and external factors that influenced the political landscape of the time.
Firstly, the Labour Party had made significant progress in terms of organization and leadership by 1924. The 1918 Constitution had provided a stable foundation for the party's structure, enabling it to function effectively. Ramsay MacDonald emerged as a credible and capable leader, gaining recognition for his leadership qualities. The Labour Party had demonstrated its ability to participate in national government, with earlier notable figures like Arthur Henderson showcasing its willingness to engage in governance rather than just act as a trade union pressure group. The party had also developed coherent national policies, including popular and moderate stances such as supporting free trade, which helped to broaden its appeal beyond traditional leftist positions.
Furthermore, external political context played a crucial role in Labour's electoral success. The extension of the male franchise in 1918 expanded the voter base, providing an opportunity for Labour to attract new supporters. The decline of the Liberal Party following the split between David Lloyd George and H.H. Asquith created a political vacuum that Labour was able to fill. The growth of trade unions during World War I strengthened Labour's support base, while the Conservatives' adoption of protectionist policies weakened their appeal to some voters.
The decision of the Liberals to support a minority Labour government in 1924 was a pivotal moment that highlighted Labour's ability to govern effectively. This experience helped to dispel doubts about Labour's capability to lead a government and paved the way for its subsequent electoral success. By 1929, Labour was able to perform even better in the elections, positioning itself as a moderate 'party of government' that could address national issues effectively.
Labour's ability to navigate challenges such as the 1926 General Strike crisis and maintain a moderate stance further enhanced its electoral prospects. The party's strategic decision to downplay more radical elements on the left and emphasize its status as a responsible governing party attracted former Liberal voters. Additionally, Ramsay MacDonald's international reputation and figures like Philip Snowden's links to traditional Gladstonian principles helped to bolster the party's image as a credible alternative to the Conservatives.
Economic factors also played a role in Labour's electoral success. The persistence of unemployment and economic difficulties in the late 1920s created dissatisfaction with the Conservative government under Stanley Baldwin. This, coupled with a lackluster campaign by Baldwin, contributed to Labour's electoral gains in 1929. The weakened position of the Liberal Party, particularly with the perception that David Lloyd George represented a bygone era, further reinforced Labour's status as the primary progressive alternative to the Conservatives.
In conclusion, the Labour Party's ability to form two governments in the period 1919–31 was a result of a combination of internal strengths such as organizational development and leadership as well as external factors including changes in the political context and economic circumstances. By effectively positioning itself as a moderate party capable of governing responsibly and addressing national issues, Labour was able to attract a broader base of support and establish itself as a significant political force during this period.
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NOTES
Evaluate the reasons why the Labour Party was able to form two governments in the period 1919–31.
Indicative content: The discussion might be between factors involving the growing strength and development of the party and factors which involved changes in the political context.
In 1924, it could be argued that the 1918 Constitution had put Labour on a stable footing in terms of organization, that it had a credible and able leader in Ramsay MacDonald, that it had shown that it could take part in national government with the work of Henderson and was more than a pressure group for trade unions as it had developed national policies. It had also shown that it embraced some popular and moderate policies such as free trade and was not a revolutionary leftist sect.
On the other hand, it benefitted from context – especially the extension of the male franchise in 1918 and the decline of the Liberals following the split between Lloyd George and Asquith. It benefited from the growth of trade unions during the war and also from the adoption of protectionist policies by the Conservatives, themselves weakened by association with the Lloyd George Coalition and with a leader yet to fully establish himself in Baldwin.
The decision of the Liberals to support a minority government was of crucial importance and the experience of being in power in 1924 was important for subsequent electoral success as a Labour government was by 1929 no longer seen as an outrageous experiment. By 1929, Labour was able to do better, though still not able to gain an outright majority.
The ability to remain a moderate ‘party of government’ through responses to the 1926 General Strike crisis was key. The downplaying of electorally dangerous elements to the left and the continued control of Macdonald who had gained prestige from his principled foreign policy stances gained votes from former Liberals. In this, the ongoing decline of the Liberals who suffered from their support of Labour was a key element.
It now seemed that there was a straight choice between the Conservatives and a moderate progressive party, Labour. MacDonald’s international reputation helped his credibility while figures like Snowden seemed to have more links to traditional Gladstonian ideals than to socialism.
The problems with the economy helped too in 1929 with unemployment persisting even at not at such a high level as after the slump and Baldwin’s campaign not being very inspiring. The Liberal alternative was undermined by the feeling that Lloyd George was part of a previous era.