Historical Context of the Labour Party

The Foundations of the Labour Party trace back to 1900 when it was formed by trade unions to represent the working class, a demographic that lacked voting rights until after the First World War. By 1924, Labour managed to displace the Liberal Party as the main opposition to the Conservatives and formed its first government, although it was a minority government. The Labour Party achieved its first majority government in 1945 under Clement Attlee, but since then, significant success in winning electoral majorities has been limited, prompting internal struggles within the party. This historical challenge of gaining voter support, especially against the Conservatives, continues to inform Labour's current electoral strategies and public perception as they navigate governance in modern society.