Britain in Transition, 1906–1957 – The impact of war, 1914–1922: Politics…

The idea

The First World War profoundly disrupted British politics, beginning with Asquith's formation of the 1915 coalition to manage wartime pressures. By 1916, dissatisfaction led to David Lloyd George replacing Asquith, supported by Conservative leader Andrew Bonar Law. This triggered a bitter Liberal division between Asquith's followers and Lloyd George's supporters. Meanwhile, the Labour Party's influence grew, cemented by its 1918 constitution featuring Clause IV, which committed to nationalisation. The 1918 'Coupon' election resulted in a landslide for the Lloyd George coalition, heavily reliant on Conservative MPs. Despite initial successes in social policies like housing, the coalition faced mounting problems, including economic slumps and the Chanak Crisis. Ultimately, Conservative backbenchers rebelled at the 1922 Carlton Club meeting, causing Lloyd George's dramatic fall from power.

What earns the marks

• Explain the reasons for the formation of the 1915 coalition, focusing on the Shell Crisis and the Gallipoli campaign.
• Analyse the dynamics between Lloyd George and Bonar Law in the 1916 leadership challenge and the subsequent coalition government.
• Evaluate the impact of the Maurice Debate on the permanent division of the Liberal Party.
• Assess the significance of the Labour Party's 1918 constitution in establishing it as a distinct socialist alternative.
• Examine the outcomes of the 1918 election and how the 'coupon' system disproportionately benefited the Conservative Party.
• Discuss the domestic policies and foreign crises that contributed to the downfall of Lloyd George in 1922.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming the 1915 coalition was led by Lloyd George.

  Put it right: It was formed and led by H.H. Asquith until December 1916.

• Confusing the 1918 Representation of the People Act with the Labour Party's 1918 constitution.

  Put it right: The former expanded the national franchise, while the latter reorganised the party and adopted Clause IV.

• Believing Lloyd George fell because he lost a general election.

  Put it right: He resigned after the Conservative Party voted to abandon the coalition at the Carlton Club meeting in 1922.

Exam tips

• When discussing the Liberal decline, weigh the impact of wartime events against pre-war structural weaknesses.
• Use the 1918 'Coupon' election to demonstrate Lloyd George's dependence on Conservative support, which ultimately proved fatal to his premiership.
• Link the Labour Party's growing influence to its wartime participation in government and its strategic 1918 reorganisation.