History – AO1 | e-Consult

Answer: The Conservative government of 1908-1914 aimed to maintain social and political stability in Britain, but its success in achieving this is debatable. While it implemented policies that arguably contributed to stability, it also faced significant challenges and ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of the First World War, which profoundly destabilized the country.

Policies Contributing to Stability:

• The People's Budget (1911): This budget aimed to reduce the national debt through income tax and customs duties. While controversial, it demonstrated a willingness to address social and economic issues and potentially reduce class tensions.
• Labour Legislation: The government introduced legislation to improve working conditions, including limitations on working hours and safety regulations. This helped to address some of the grievances of the working class.
• Imperial Expansion: The government pursued an aggressive policy of imperial expansion, which fostered national pride and provided economic opportunities. This arguably diverted attention from domestic problems.

Challenges to Stability:

• Rising Social Unrest: Despite the government's efforts, social unrest continued to be a problem, with strikes and protests occurring throughout the period.
• The Rise of Labour: The growing popularity of the Labour Party challenged the dominance of the Conservatives and reflected underlying social and economic discontent.
• The Decline of the Empire: The government faced increasing challenges in maintaining the British Empire, particularly in the Balkans and Africa. This strained resources and contributed to international tensions.
• International Relations: The government's foreign policy, particularly its rivalry with Germany, contributed to a climate of international tension and increased the risk of war.

Conclusion: The Conservative government achieved some limited success in maintaining social and political stability through its domestic policies. However, it failed to address the underlying social and economic problems that contributed to unrest and ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of the First World War. Therefore, while the government's policies had some stabilizing effects, they were ultimately insufficient to ensure long-term stability.