Tag: James Ramsay MacDonald

Labour History Review

Exorcizing Dysfunctional Myths: Betrayal, Economic Incompetence, and the Memory of the 1931 Second Labour Government’s Crisis

Author: Giuseppe Telesca This is the abstract of an article published in Labour History Review (2024), 89, (3). Read more. On 23 August 1931, the second Labour government split over the decision to cut unemployment benefits. The next day, a National Government, led by Labour leader Ramsay MacDonald, but largely supported by Conservative and Liberal MPs, was appointed to ‘save sterling’ – only to decide to leave the gold … Continue reading Exorcizing Dysfunctional Myths: Betrayal, Economic Incompetence, and the Memory of the 1931 Second Labour Government’s Crisis

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Labour history news

One hundred years on: the first Labour government

One hundred years ago today, the first Labour Government took office. Led by James Ramsay MacDonald as prime minister and foreign secretary, the men (though no women) in its ranks included former coal miners and textile workers, a railwayman, an iron founder, and even a labour historian. Many had worked for decades on behalf of the Independent Labour Party or their trade union before entering … Continue reading One hundred years on: the first Labour government

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Events

Collection encounter: Ramsay MacDonald – behind the politics

Drop in to the John Rylands Library in Manchester on Saturday 20 January for an opportunity to see objects relating to James Ramsay MacDonald (1866-1937), the UK’s first Labour Prime Minister, and talk to archivists about his role in the Labour movement and the man behind the politics. Marking the centenary of the first Labour government, this free event, organised jointly by the John Rylands … Continue reading Collection encounter: Ramsay MacDonald – behind the politics

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