OCR Specification focus:
‘the development of the Labour Party and its Constitution of 1918; the role of women in the war, and the extension of the franchise in 1918.’
The Labour Constitution of 1918, the transformative role of women during the First World War, and the Representation of the People Act 1918 reshaped Britain’s political landscape profoundly.
The Labour Party and Its Constitution of 1918
The Labour Party, originally linked to the trade union movement and socialist organisations, underwent significant reform during the First World War. By 1918, it sought to distance itself from dependence on Liberal support and establish itself as a major national political force. The Labour Constitution of 1918, drafted under the leadership of Arthur Henderson, was pivotal in achieving this.
The Importance of the Constitution
The Constitution created a clear ideological identity for Labour, moving beyond being simply the parliamentary voice of trade unions.
Clause IV of the Constitution called for “the common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange”, embedding a commitment to socialism.
The structure of the Constitution made the party more democratic, allowing local parties, trade unions, and affiliated socialist societies to contribute to policy formation.
The creation of a National Executive Committee (NEC) gave Labour a central decision-making body, ensuring discipline and consistency in its approach.
Clause IV: A key section of the 1918 Labour Constitution that committed the party to pursuing common ownership of industry, symbolising its socialist orientation.
This Constitution meant Labour could appeal directly to a wider electorate, particularly as political reforms extended the franchise, thereby greatly expanding its potential support base.
Henderson and Party Modernisation
Arthur Henderson, Labour’s leader during wartime, was crucial in reforming the party’s image. He believed that to compete effectively, Labour needed a comprehensive programme and clear organisation. His reforms ensured Labour was not marginalised after the war but positioned to become one of the two dominant parties in Britain.
The Role of Women in the First World War
Women played a transformative role in sustaining Britain during the conflict, which directly influenced political change. Prior to 1914, the women’s suffrage movement had campaigned vigorously but faced opposition and slow progress. The war altered perceptions.
Contribution to the War Effort
Industry and munitions: Women worked in factories, especially in munitions production, often referred to as “munitionettes”.
Women war workers at the National Filling Factory, Chilwell, stencilling artillery shells in 1917. Their labour was central to sustaining munitions output and reshaping public perceptions of women’s capabilities. Source
Public services: They took on roles in transport, clerical work, and policing.
Agriculture: The Women’s Land Army ensured agricultural production continued despite labour shortages.
Members of the Women’s Land Army raising their hoes in salute between 1915 and 1918. The Land Army supplied vital farm labour to maintain food supplies during wartime shortages. Source
Armed forces support: Many served as nurses, ambulance drivers, and in auxiliary branches such as the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.
These contributions challenged traditional gender roles and demonstrated women’s capability in roles previously considered male-only.
Women’s Land Army: An organisation created during the First World War to recruit women to work in agriculture, replacing men who had gone to fight.
Although many women were expected to leave their jobs after the war, their wartime contribution had proven their importance to the nation, strengthening the case for suffrage.
The Extension of the Franchise in 1918
The Representation of the People Act 1918 was one of the most significant political reforms of modern Britain. It massively expanded the electorate and addressed long-standing democratic deficits.
Key Provisions of the Act
All men over the age of 21 were given the right to vote, including soldiers who had fought in the war.
Men aged 19 and over who had served in the armed forces could also vote, recognising their sacrifice.
For the first time, women over 30 who met property qualifications (or were married to men who did) were enfranchised.
Representation of the People Act 1918: A law that tripled the British electorate, enfranchising all men over 21 and women over 30 who met property requirements.
This reform was a direct response to wartime conditions, acknowledging both the sacrifice of soldiers and the contribution of women.
Impact on Politics
The electorate increased from 7.7 million to 21.4 million, with women forming 43% of the total.
The inclusion of working-class men and women meant that Labour’s natural support base expanded dramatically, making the 1918 Constitution especially timely.
Political campaigning had to adapt to a broader and more diverse electorate, leading to changes in rhetoric, policy priorities, and party organisation.
Interconnections Between Labour, Women, and Franchise Reform
These three strands—Labour’s Constitution, women’s wartime role, and franchise extension—were deeply interwoven. The Constitution gave Labour a socialist platform just as the electorate expanded to include millions of new working-class voters and enfranchised women. Women’s war service created the political and moral pressure for reform, which in turn opened new opportunities for Labour to mobilise female support. This period laid the foundations for Labour’s future as a dominant political party in Britain.
FAQ
Clause IV became a defining feature of Labour’s socialist credentials, symbolising its long-term commitment to public ownership.
It provided a rallying point for both supporters and critics, with debates over its wording continuing into the late 20th century.
Though later amended in 1995, its original form helped distinguish Labour from the Liberals, marking the party as a genuine alternative with a transformative economic vision.
Before 1914, most women worked in domestic service or textiles. The war opened opportunities in:
Heavy industry and engineering
Clerical and transport work
Uniformed auxiliary services
By entering these traditionally male roles, women disrupted entrenched ideas about gender. Though many were dismissed after the war, their efforts undermined arguments that women were unsuited to citizenship, influencing later feminist campaigns.
Lawmakers feared that granting all women the vote would outnumber male voters, as more women than men survived the war.
The age and property restrictions ensured the electorate remained balanced, appeasing those concerned about rapid social change.
It was a compromise between rewarding women’s contribution and maintaining political stability.
The Constitution introduced new structures to make Labour more cohesive:
Establishment of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for central leadership
A national policy-making conference involving trade unions and constituency parties
Strengthening ties with the newly founded local Labour parties
These reforms enabled more effective campaigning and unified messaging, preparing Labour for broader electoral competition.
The December 1918 “Khaki Election” was the first fought under the new rules.
Millions of first-time voters, especially ex-soldiers, shaped the electorate.
Women’s votes played a role, though limited to older, property-owning groups.
The reforms did not immediately benefit Labour; instead, the Coalition government won a landslide.
However, the enlarged working-class electorate laid the groundwork for Labour’s future growth in the 1920s.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks)
In which year did the Labour Party adopt its new Constitution, and what was the key clause within it that committed the party to socialism?
Question 2 (6 marks)
Explain two reasons why the Representation of the People Act 1918 was introduced.
Question 1 (2 marks)
1 mark for identifying the year as 1918.
1 mark for identifying Clause IV as the section committing the party to common ownership/socialism.
Question 2 (6 marks)
Up to 3 marks for each reason explained.
Credit any of the following points:
Wartime service of men: The Act was a recognition of the sacrifice of soldiers, with many returning from the Front expecting political representation (up to 3 marks if well explained).
Women’s contribution to the war effort: Women had proven their capability in munitions, agriculture, and services, strengthening the argument for limited female suffrage (up to 3 marks if well explained).
Pressure for democratic reform: Broader calls for fairness and democratic legitimacy following the war encouraged the government to extend voting rights (up to 3 marks if developed).
Maximum 6 marks overall; award for accurate explanation and use of relevant detail.
