From the later 19th century the Liberals were increasingly challenged by socialist organisations such as the Social Democratic Federation and the Independent Labour Party, in the belief that working men and women would make no real progress until they had a political party of their own to represent their interests. The first step towards this was the formation of the Labour Representation Committee in 1900, followed by the election of 29 Labour MPs in the 1906 General Election. This lecture will consider the nature of this challenge at both local and national level, and the Liberal response.
Course aim
This lecture will assess the challenge of socialist organisations to the Liberals from the later 19th century, at both national and local level. It will also consider the nature and success of the Liberal response.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Assess the nature of the challenge presented by socialist organisations to the Liberal Party from the later 19th century.
- Explain the election of 29 Labour MPs in 1906.
- Develop your skills of critical analysis of historical evidence.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
Edwardian Britain-The tail on the Liberal dog?–the Rise of the Labour Party







