Concentration camps were used against the Dutch Boers leading to 28,000 deaths
Highlighted poor national efficiency
Only 30% volunteers fit for service
Due to malnutrition as children
Voted against the conservatives due to the immoral methods used against the Boers
Lost votes from people who were
embarrassed by the length of the war
Caused split amongst Liberals
Balfour's Premiership
Became PM due to Nepotism
(Nephew of Lord Sailsbury)
Too intelligent & philosophical
Aloof- Upper
class with no
links to the
working class
Alienated
the working
class,
directing
them to
Liberal
Couldn't sell his
good ideas E.g.
Education &
Licensing Act
Could have won the Conservatives votes
Indecisive- Free trade or taxes?
Voters became
unsure so voted
Liberal
Tariff Reform
Conservatives held an imperial preference (to develop the empire)
Economic competition with USA & Germany
Taxes on non-empire imports
60% food
imported
resulting in
increased
prices
Working class voted for free trade (Liberal)
Untied Liberals but split the conservatives
Farmers & manufactures voted conservative
Balfour was indecisive
People voted against the
conservatives due to not
knowing their polices
Joseph Chamberlain wanted to use money from taxes to develop social reforms
If promoted correctly could have won votes
1902 Education Act
Passed by
Unionist Govt.
Increase
National
Efficiency
Abolished
old school
boards. LEAs
became
responsible
for
elementary &
secondary
education.
1905- 94,000
1914- 200,000
Non-Conformists
voted Liberal to
prevent
strengthening of
Anglican Church
Showed Balfour was
insensitive to public
perception
State now paid
teachers. Church
provided
buildings.
State supporting religious groups
Allowed Liberals to heal the split that had
occurred as a result of the Boer War
1904 Licensing Act
Reduced
the
number of
public
houses
Gave compensation
Non-conformists voted Liberal. Alcohol causes social evils such as poverty &
domestic violence so should not be compensated.
Chinese Slavery
Men were brought over from China to help rebuild South Africa's Economy
Were treated like slaves - had to pay for transport to South Africa & then lived in poor conditions
Although not Balfour's idea portrayed Conservatives supporting slavery
Workers voted Labour to protect themselves
People voted Liberal for moral & religious reasons
Taff Vale Case
1. Rail way company wanted to reduce
wages 2. Workers go on strike. 3.Company sues the trade union
for £23,000 of lost profits 4. Judge forces
trade union to pay.
Trade unions can't
strike/ fear striking
Reduces protection of workers
Workers vote Liberal due to Conservatives failing to pass a law to protect them
Modern Election Techniques
Liberal propaganda proved
effective.
Poster used to demonstrate policies
Big Loaf, Little Loaf Campaign (Tariff Reform)
Canvassing
LIb Lab Pact 1903
Secret pact. Labour & Liberals agreed to not have candidates stand for seats where one had a better chance of winning.
Allowed Liberals to win marginal seats
Labour gained seats
1900-2 Seats
1906-29 Seats
1905 Aliens Act
Followed a 1903
Royal
Commission on
Alien Immigration
As a result of 200,000 Eastern European Jewish refugees who came during the 1890s
Immigraants had to arrive at designated ports. Pay £5 and £2 for their
dependents. Be examined and demonstrate they could earn a living.