Liberalism and the Rise of Labour 1890-1918

First published in 1984. This book is a detailed study of the way in which the growing Labour movement gradually ousted the Liberals in West Yorkshire between 1890 and 1924. It demonstrates the basis of old Liberalism and the strength of local non-conformity, and its powerful links with the textile and engineering industries. It shows how the Liberalism of this district was dominated by small groups of well-to-do leaders involved in these main industries. This study also shows the gradual breakdown of the political consensus established between the Liberal party and the working classes and explains how the increasing opposition to Liberalism was channelled into the socialist movement. In all, the authors present a thorough and extensive study of the political changes in a particularly interesting part of the British Isles.

List of Tables and Figures; Dedication; Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; 1. The Rise of Labour and the Decline of Liberalism: The General Problem and West Yorkshire 2. The Origins of Socialism and Independent Labour 3. Trade Unions and the Independent Labour Party: The Genesis of the ILP in West Yorkshire 4. Liberal Responses and Labour Difficulties in the 1890s 5. Labour Resurgence 1900-6 6. Liberal Decline and Labour Growth 1906-14 7. The First World War 8. Conclusion; Epilogue; Bibliography; Index

Keith Laybourn is Professor of History at the University of Huddersfield. He has written extensively on British labour history, British social policy and women in twentieth-century Britain.