Impact of WWI on Scottish Politics: Liberals Split and Rise of Labour
WWI significantly reshaped the political landscape in Scotland, leading to the split of the Liberals and the ascent of the Labour party. The war caused ideological divides, including debates on involvement and state interventionism. The Shell Scandal and friction within parties further fueled political changes. The wartime coalitions and the Coupon Election of December 1918 marked pivotal moments in Scottish politics post-WWI.
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Presentation Transcript
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 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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rise of Labour 1. Copy: By 1918 Labour votes had increased to _____________ . By the 1920 s the _________ ___________ had replaced the ___________ as ..... 2. 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?
