Did MacDonald betray the Labour Party in 1931?
FOR AGAINST
Instantly called for a general election. Difficult to say no to the King
Majority conservative as a labour PM If he didn’t call for a general election, he
wouldn’t get much through due to majority
labour.
Unstable leadership in Labour. Pressure to form the coalition gov ->
international banks (bankers’ ramp)
Completely went against labour values – labour Wouldn’t be as radical as an entirely
movement should prioritise the workers, not conservative government – lesser cuts
the politics and economy
Didn’t entirely resign the labour party after No viable options other than the cuts due to
promising as they couldn’t reach an agreement. both banks and HOL (the treasury) opposing.
Could have resigned completely to the There were alternatives but they weren’t
conservatives and let them take the fall realistic.
General election being over the issue of Putting the country first (before party).
protectionism. Response to a national crisis
Suggestions of pre-planning
Macdonald did betray the labour party in 1931 through calling for a general election surrounding the
issue of protectionism, this ultimately removed the labour party from parliament and went entirely
against labour values; prior to the general election, he hadn’t betrayed they party as he had little
choice in the matter, but a calling of general election could have been rejected by him as prime
minister, making it an issue that could have been avoided.
FOR AGAINST
Instantly called for a general election. Difficult to say no to the King
Majority conservative as a labour PM If he didn’t call for a general election, he
wouldn’t get much through due to majority
labour.
Unstable leadership in Labour. Pressure to form the coalition gov ->
international banks (bankers’ ramp)
Completely went against labour values – labour Wouldn’t be as radical as an entirely
movement should prioritise the workers, not conservative government – lesser cuts
the politics and economy
Didn’t entirely resign the labour party after No viable options other than the cuts due to
promising as they couldn’t reach an agreement. both banks and HOL (the treasury) opposing.
Could have resigned completely to the There were alternatives but they weren’t
conservatives and let them take the fall realistic.
General election being over the issue of Putting the country first (before party).
protectionism. Response to a national crisis
Suggestions of pre-planning
Macdonald did betray the labour party in 1931 through calling for a general election surrounding the
issue of protectionism, this ultimately removed the labour party from parliament and went entirely
against labour values; prior to the general election, he hadn’t betrayed they party as he had little
choice in the matter, but a calling of general election could have been rejected by him as prime
minister, making it an issue that could have been avoided.
