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The Impact of WWI on Scottish Politics

The Impact of WWI on Scottish Politics. Learning Intentions. Compare the political landscape pre and post – war Understand why the Liberals split Understand how the Labour party rose to power. Overview in a nutshell . 1914 = Liberals most popular

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The Impact of WWI on Scottish Politics

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  1. The Impact of WWI on Scottish Politics

  2. Learning Intentions • Compare the political landscape pre and post – war • Understand why the Liberals split • Understand how the Labour party rose to power

  3. Overview in a nutshell • 1914 = Liberals most popular • Conservatives & Unionists much less influence (mainly rural) • Labour, not significant competition at this point • 1918 = Liberals split • Conservatives & Unionists gaining votes from the middle class • ILP growing stronger • Labour Party on verge of becoming one of the two largest parties

  4. Why did the Libs split? • WAR split opinion as Liberals traditionally opposed British involvement – they formed the Union of Democratic Control (anti-war group) • ARGUMENTS amongst politicians • FUNDING collapsed- members not paying subscriptions • STATE INTERVENTIONISM was a dramatic shift away from basic principles of LIBERALISM • CONSCRIPTION introduced caused further in-fighting • SHELL SCANDAL?

  5. What was the shell scandal? • In 1915 it was reported by Army Commander Sir John French that munitions production was slowing down the war effort. • Lloyd George rumoured to have escalated this in the press. • RESULT: Liberals look like they can’t manage the war effort on their own.

  6. WAR caused friction • Liberal MP Arthur Posonby was so outspoken about his lack of support that he was not permitted to stand at the election.

  7. During the war... • A COALITION was formed in May 1915. Tension still apparent between Asquith and Lloyd George. • A new coalition was formed in December 1916 and Lloyd George became the new PM.

  8. The Coupon Election, Dec 1918 • A general election was called at the end of the war. • Now more voters – all males, all land owning women over 30. • The ‘coupon’ was a letter sent by Lloyd George and Law to coalition supporters to assure their position from opposition competition. • The result? Lloyd George Libs won their seats, ‘Squiffites’ lost theirs, only 8 Libs left in Scotland, newspapers show Conservative leanings.

  9. Rise of Labour • Copy: By 1918 Labour votes had increased to _____________ . By the 1920’s the _________ ___________ had replaced the ___________ as ..... • How did the expansion of the franchise help Labour? New title: Rise of the ILP 3. Why was the ILP established? 4. Explain the factors that made the ILP so popular. (Anti-war, industrial & local) 5. What was their main issue that they tackled?

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