1929 UK General Election Map – Expert Cartographer Article

Key Takeaways

• The 1929 UK general election map reflects a pivotal moment in British political history.
• It showcases the electoral outcome with different colors representing each winning political party.
• This map serves as a valuable resource for understanding the distribution of power amongst political parties during that time.

History

The 1929 UK general election was held on May 30th. It was a significant event that marked a major shift in British politics. The election result maps, like the one for this year, provide a unique insight into the electoral landscape and the political climate of the time.

This election was particularly noteworthy as it resulted in the creation of a Labour Party government, led by Ramsay MacDonald, in the midst of the Great Depression. The election map helps visualize the widespread support for Labour in certain regions, which played a crucial role in their victory.

The map also highlights the changing dynamics and balance of power between different political parties. The Conservative Party, known as the Tories, had been in power throughout most of the 1920s, but this election changed the course of British politics.

Unique Insights

The 1929 UK general election map showcases several interesting insights:

1. The Labour Party gained significant ground, winning 287 seats and forming a minority government.
2. The Conservative Party won 260 seats, making them the second-largest party.
3. The Liberals, who were once a dominant force in British politics, faced a decline, winning only 59 seats.
4. The Scottish National Party (SNP) won their first-ever seat in parliament.
5. The election demonstrated a clear divide between urban and rural areas, with Conservatives largely dominating the rural regions and Labour gaining support from urban populations.

Table of Relevant Facts

FAQ

1. What were the key factors that contributed to Labour’s victory in the 1929 general election?

The key factors that contributed to Labour’s victory in the 1929 general election were:

• The Conservative government’s inability to effectively handle the economic hardships caused by the Great Depression.
• Labour’s promise to address economic inequality and provide welfare reforms that appealed to the working-class electorate.
• The support from urban areas, where many industrial workers resided.

2. How did the outcome of the 1929 election impact British politics?

The outcome of the 1929 election led to the formation of the first Labour Party government in the UK. This marked a significant shift in British politics and demonstrated that the electorate was willing to embrace alternative political ideologies during times of crisis.

3. Which party experienced the biggest decline in the 1929 general election?

The Liberal Party experienced the biggest decline in the 1929 general election. They lost many seats and their influence diminished as the Labour Party emerged as a stronger alternative to the Conservative Party.

4. How did the regional distribution of seats vary in the 1929 general election?

The regional distribution of seats varied significantly in the 1929 general election. While the Conservative Party performed well in rural areas, Labour gained substantial support in urban regions, particularly in the industrialized parts of the country.

5. Was the 1929 general election considered a turning point in British politics?

Yes, the 1929 general election was considered a turning point in British politics. The victory of the Labour Party and their subsequent formation of a government reflected a greater acceptance of socialist policies and marked a temporary departure from the dominance of the Conservative Party.

6. Did any smaller parties achieve success in the 1929 general election?

Yes, the Scottish National Party (SNP) achieved success in the 1929 general election by winning their first-ever seat in parliament. This marked the beginning of their ongoing presence in British politics.

7. How did the 1929 general election contribute to changing the narrative around the Great Depression in the UK?

The 1929 general election played a role in changing the narrative around the Great Depression in the UK by highlighting the need for political change to address the economic crisis. It created hope for those struggling and emphasized the importance of government intervention in times of hardship.

External Links

• UK Parliament – Elections and Voting
• Encyclopedia Britannica – United Kingdom Elections

List of LSI Keywords

• UK general election 1929
• 1929 election map
• British politics in 1929
• Ramsay MacDonald government
• Great Depression and UK elections
• Labour Party’s rise in 1929
• Conservative Party in 1929 elections
• Liberals decline in 1929
• Scottish National Party in 1929
• Urban-rural divide in 1929 election