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History 30 September
How important was the first world war to the Liberal Party decline?
- Going to war caused fear of split in Liberal Party.
- In fact, didn't happen - only a handful opposed.
- Mainly because Lloyd George supported the decision and he was an influential politian (Chancellor of Exchequer in 1914).
Impact on Liberal Principals
- Defence of the Realm Act(DORA) 1914 - increased censorship, decreased personal liberty, no anti-war activities.
- To maximise war effort government took over coal mines and railways.
- Conscription - May 1916 - issues to do with conscription led to resignation of Asquith in 1916.
- Replaced by Lloyd George - 'The man who won the war'
Lack of volunteers and high casualty rates led to conscription in 1916.
'Your chums are fighting, why aren't you?'
Change of Liberal PM
- Although Lloyd George was a formidable war leader his appointment as PM = disunity in Party.
- Asquith was supported by a large number of Liberal MP's.
- Lloyd George led a coalition of Liberals, Conservative and Labor MPs.
Split in the Party.
- Reached its height was the Maurice Debate in 1918
- Major General Maurice blamed the government for lack of troops in Amiens which could gave led to a German breakthrough in 1913.
- This led to Asquith blaming Lloyd George and the following debate became a battle.
Challenges for the liberal Coalition.
- Irish Republicans began to move away from supporting the British Government.
- In 1916 - Easter Rising - An uprising against the British was launched.
- Easily defeated and leaders were executed.
- This caused Irish to turn further away from British Government and support for radical Sinn Fein party.
Challenges for the Liberal Coalition - Ireland
- 1918 Sinn Fein won a landslide victory.
- 1919 Irish MP's met in Dublin to declare an Irish Republic.
- In 1922 the Irish Free State was declared - Which included all of Ireland except around Ulster - Now northern Ireland.
Challenges for the Liberal Coalition - The Labour Party
- Small Labour part was split over war.
- A leading Labour MP Henderson - joined the Liberal Coalition in 1916.
- In 1917 he was prevented from attending a Socialist concerned in Sweedn and so left government.
- He set about reuniting and reorganising the Labour Party.
Coupon Election 1918
- Thew Asquitian and Lloyd George Liberals opposed one another
- The LG liberals candidates were each given a leather of support signed by LG and Bonar Law.
- Asquith called these letters a 'Coupon'.
- Disastrous for the Liberals.
1910 Labour gets 43% of vote.