Why the Conservatives dominated the 1920s

The Conservatives were the dominant force in the 1920s - continued up until outbreak of WWII

Conservative influence was strong in Lloyd George's coalition - 1918-22

1922 → broke away from Liberals

     Formed the government of Britain up until October 1929

WHY?

• Was it the result of the external political context?
• Was it because of the strengths of the Conservative Party at the time? 

The impact of WWI

• War focused attention on issues which favoured Conservatives
  • Conscription - wrought havoc among Liberals
  • Patriotism
  • Strong defence of Britain and Empire
• War altered political situation
  • Split Liberals
  • Labour gains
  • brought Conservatives into Asquith/Lloyd George Coalition = gained credit
• Electoral Reform (extended franchise to men over 21 & women over 30)
  • New male voters were susceptible to Conservative appeal
  • Women gave the largest share of their votes to the Conservatives

Division of the Opposition

• Neither Labour or Liberal were strong enough to present a viable alternative to Conservative Government
• Split of the Liberals
  • continued to rapidly decline in the 1920s 
    • Number of seats in Dec 1910 - 272
    • Number  of seats in Oct 1924 - 40
• Labour was growing significantly yet still not confirmed as a contender until 1924
  •  
    • Number of seats in Dec 1910 - 42
    • Number of seats in Oct 1924 - 151
• Similar stance between Labour and Conservatives
  • Both agreed on the reduction of arms expendeture, internation peace/secruity, public ownership of BBC/CEB and welfare reforms

Social Basis of Conservative Support

• Conservatives drew support from a wide social spectrum
  • Landowners, industrialists, middle and working class
• Upper & middle class suporters gave the party both local and national prestige, public service and leadership. 
  • Broad support provided finance, favourable press coverage & good platform speakers
• Lower-middle class support was vital
  • Men, women & children were involved in organistion, social events and voluntary work at election time
• Significant number of working class supported Conservatives.
  • Between 1918 and 1940, popular vote for Labour was never greater than that of Conservative
  • Policies appealed across class barriers - constructive approach contrasted with the radicalism of both Labour/Liberals

The Importance of Baldwin as Prime Minister

• Baldwin's policies did nothing to alarm or alienate either the middle or working clas

• He portrayed an image of moderation, tranquility and calm
  • This was particularly clear in his handling of the General Strike

• He made effective use of modern media
  • Radio broadcasts
  • Cinema newsreels

• Baldwin succeeded in uniting the Conservatives between 1922 and 1924