Description
Book SynopsisAs the World War One broke out in 1914, the main British political parties agreed a truce for Westminster by-elections: they would allow whoever was the incumbent to win. But the public disagreed and 23 by-elections provided a platform a motley crew of independents. Among them mainstream politicians, failing politicians, party loyalists, idealists, single-issue fanatics, chancers, and no-hopers. The casus belli for these independents changed as the war progressed, or didn't, and as issues rose and fell in public significance. Consequently, the contests provide a fascinating insight for a 20thC readership into the priorities and concerns of the home front during WW1, such as:the poor quality of Britain's air defencessplits within the Labour movement over the waropposition to restrictions on alcoholcontroversy about the conscription of married mendissatisfaction with support for discharged servicemencalls for ever harsher treatment of aliens'discontent at the perceived failure to pursue the war vigorouslyBattles at the Ballots is an authoritative and highly engaging look at a little-known slice of British parliamentary and political history, suitable for both the general trade market and an academic audience. It comes with an 8-page colour plate, full list of election results, footnotes and endnotes. Detailed coverage of 23 by- elections will appeal to those interested in local history in London, South Wales, Scotland, the North-East, Yorkshire, and elsewhere.
