The Main Reasons for the Liberal Victory of 1906

The Main Reasons for the Liberal Victory of 1906

During the late 19th century the Conservative party had dominated

government for much of that period. However through much controversy

over the years, it had left the party divided and weakened which

eventually saw the Liberal party return to power in the 1906

elections.

Before Tariff Reform became an issue the Liberals united to fight

education legislation, which they disliked because government money

was directed towards Anglican-run schools. This was to be the 1902

Education Act. Balfour, leader of the Conservatives believed that a

properly funded education system was essential for a modern state.

Those who did not pay the rates for this act would be arrested. As

well as political up roar the public disliked Balfour’s attitude as it

yet again proved that the Conservatives didn’t really do anything for

the Working class and so only for the Aristocracy. As Historian

Blewitt stated (1972) ‘The sudden crumbling fo the governments

popularity at the very moment of victory in South Africa and with the

economic climate still fair, resulted apparently from the Education

Bill of 1902’.

War has always highlighted the dangers of Britain’s political

decisions and the parties in power. The 1900 British general election

was called by Prime Minister Lord Salisbury on the back of recent

British victories. At this point there was much patriotic enthusiasm

for war from the British public, resulting in a Conservative party

Victory.

However public support quickly waned as it became apparent that the

war would not be easy and it dragged on. There was public outrage at

the burning of Boe...

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...turn against the

conservatives.

Following the Taff Vale dispute a small party was formed which

implored itself to the Working class. It was known as the Labour

Party. In 1903 the Lib-Lab electoral pact was drawn up. This pact

divided constituencies between the two parties and prevented their

fighting each other to split a vote and allow the Conservatives the

opportunity of winning. In the 1906

General election, the pact helped swing many seats in south Lancashire

and

Liverpool away from the Conservatives.

The consequence of public and political uproar over so many decisions

the Conservatives made the end result of the 1906 General Election —

the Liberal Party's landslide victory — when the Conservatives lost

246 Members of Parliament, leaving it with 156, and the Liberals

gained 216 to give it 399.