The Labour Party in Wales 1900-2000

In 2000 the Labour party, which has dominated Welsh political life for much of the past 100 years, celebrates its centenary. The Labour party has been an influential organization in 20th century Wales. This collection of essays highlights ideas on its development and operation within Wales and its impact on Welsh society, the Welsh economy and Welsh life. This study takes advantage of the diversity of Wales to examine Labour’s approach and impact in a range of socio-economic settings: in the coalfields, in dock towns and in rural areas. Many parts of Wales experienced one-party rule, and the book considers the implications of the domination of a society - its local social policy, intellectual debate and the prevailing general outlook - by labour. It analyzes Labour’s conception of Wales and reflects on the methods used to construct a nations identity which was compatible with the party’s internationalism, its values and its class outlook. The study considers not merely the impact of Labour in Wales, but the face it presented to the world, its self-image as well as its reality.