Hayman, Mark (1999) The Labour Party and the monarchy. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This work examines periods and episodes which
illustrate the Labour Party's developing attitudes towards the monarchy.
Chapter One traces the historical background in the nineteenth century,
identifying those aspects of radicalism, republicanism and a changing
monarchy which had a subsequent bearing on Labour views. It finds that
the lack of a serious challenge to the monarchy resulted from its
increasing popular acceptance, the prevalence of anti-monarchic
sentiment over republicanism, and the indifference of social democracy to
strictly political reform. Chapter Two finds the monarchy increasingly
accepted by Labour during the Great War, and includes sections on
republicanism during the war, patriotism, anti-Germanism, royal visits, civil
liberties, and the Crown and royal philanthropy. Chapter Three
concentrates on the early 1930's, and examines Labour's concerns about
the powers of the Crown in the aftermath of 1931. The ideas of Laski and
Cripps receive particular attention, as does the paradox of the left's fear
of the use of the Crown's powers to frustrate them, whilst recognising the
necessity of its use to realise their Jacobin plans. The next two chapters
incorporate discourse analysis techniques. Chapter Four takes an
extended look at the 1935 Silver Jubilee and 1937 Coronation
celebrations, and analyses the range of Labour responses to the events,
at local as well as national level. The chapter includes a section of textual
analysis, contrasting Labour's Daily Herald with its popular rivals in their
coverage of the two celebrations. The contrastive analysis points up the
centrality of Labour's constitutionalism to its approach to the monarchy.
Chapter Five deals with the Abdication crisis, again analysing the spread
of Labour opinion, contrasting those ready to exploit the political
opportunity with the constitutionalists. Chapter Six looks at the Honours
System, and at the development of Labour's attitudes and conduct in the
matter. It finds Labour drawn into the system it inherited and examines the
justifications offered.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > JN101 Great Britain
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Labour Party (Great Britain) -- History, Monarchy -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century, Monarchy -- Great Britain -- History -- 20th century
Official Date:	September 1999
Dates:	Date Event September 1999 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of History
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Extent:	2 v. (436 leaves)
Language:	eng

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