Politics in Great Britain 1900-1945

This page is disigned to provide basic information about the politics in Great Britain during the years 1900-1945.

by Shelley Groves

The Labour Party - After years of class divisions based on property ownership and family heritage, the trend within politics began to change in 1906. Pressure in the area of welfare reform was increasing. Legislation that provided improvements in the areas of public education, housing, jobs, and medical care was brought to pass. It was at that time that the Labour Party was created to represent the rights of the working man. The sole purpose of this party was to begin leveling the differences that had been so much a part of the class separation in Great Britain up to this point.

Role of Prime Minister - The office of Prime Minister took on a much more influencial role during the twentieth century as the government gradually evolved. Britain, never rash in its decisions or policy change, moved the leadership of the government to this position over a period of many years. Much of that change took place during this time in history.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill - Near the end of this period, Great Britain was once again drawn into a war that plagued Europe. At the head of the British government at this time was Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Known as one of the most influencial of leaders during this time, Churchill lead Britain through the devastation of the second World War and the rebuilding of the nation and Europe thereafter.

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Parliament - The government of Great Britain is comprised of three divisions: the Monarchy, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. The Monarchy is the Head of State, and the Prime Minister is the Head of the government. They work in conjunction with one another. The Monarchy gives the power to the Prime Minister but serves as a figurehead in the political realm.

Prime Minister David Lloyd George - The British Empire had been the dominating force throughout the world boasting of the empire on which the sun never sets. World War I came and Great Britain became a major power in the Triple Entente of the Allied Forces. After a costly war both in lives and finance, a wounded Britain still retained its influence over Europe. This period of history was lead by Prime Minister David Lloyd George who was considered a powerful force. Interestingly, he did not speak English as his first language. His mother tongue was Welsh.

Women's Suffrage - After the end of World War I, the push for women's rights began to increase based on the extensive work that women did for the war effort. By 1918 all women over the age of 28 and all men over the age of 21 were granted the right to vote. It was not until 1928 that all women age 21 were allowed the privilege of voting rights.