Socialism, Fabianism and the emergence of the Labour Party

How did the labour movement gain strength

Decelopment of trade unionism and extension of franchise 1884

When was the Fabian Society formed?

1884 by Sidney and Beatrice Webb

What was Fabianism?

Belief that socialism would come about gradually and not through revolution

What was socialists strategy

Make socialist ideas respectable so the public accept them, they wanted a socialist party what would come to power legitimately. They held open air meetings or stood and preached outside factory gates to spread the message that workers deserved a better life. They started organising strikes

Problems of liberals and conservatives in pleasing working classes

Gladstone was preoccupied with Ireland and didn't agree with state making provisions for the poor. He believed in self help etc and didn't accept chamberlains plan to tackle social problems in 1880s

Salisbury had little interest in social reform and focused mainly on foreign affairs

When did the independent Labour Party first emerge

In Bradford January 1893

Who founded the ILP

Keir Hardie, he was elected chairman and leader

What did the ILP stand for?

Practical reform benefiting working people. Wanted an 8 hour working day, national scheme of unemployment and sickness insurance, tax on unearned income and end of child labour

How many win a seat in 1895

0/28

Did the future of the ILP look good

No, 1895 election was a big setback, the party was small, underfunded and lacked union support

How did the trade union movement change by 1899

More dominated by new mass unions whose growing numbers kept funds in a good state.

How did craft unions adapt

Allowed recruitment of unskilled workers at lower subscription and prepared to be more militant. They recognised need for govt to put in place a plan for social reform

What did keir hardie want socialist grips to do

Wanted various trade unions and socialist groups to form one large political party

When was the Labour Representation Committee formed?

February 1900

Who made up the LRC

ILP, Fabians and local labour parties. Ramsay MacDonald was its first secretary

Who refused support

Several craft unions who weren't convinced by socialist arguments

Why did craft unions end up joining the LRC

Taff Vale judgement 1901 made unions liable to damages to employers from strike action so they needed a working class party in parliament to protect their interests

Lib-Lab Pact, 1903

LRC agreed not to put up candidates against liberals in any election in constituencies where anti conservative vote may be split in exchange for a free run in 35 constituencies where LRC had a good chance

When was the LRC renamed the Labour party?

1906