Ramsay MacDonald's pacifism existed alongside his belief in national preparedness. He resigned the Labour leadership in 1914 rather than support Britain's entry into the First World War, while his son served as a conscientious objector in an ambulance unit. MacDonald visited front-line trenches without publicising the trip and later helped keep Labour from moving toward communism in the 1920s. The episode reads these choices as evidence of principle rather than detachment from danger. His belief that peace still required preparation helps explain why he could lead a conference designed to limit fleets while protecting British security.
Notable Point · 17:54-21:00
Ramsay MacDonald: pacifism and preparedness
MacDonald's First World War pacifism and later support for national preparedness help explain the political logic behind a Labour government negotiating naval limits.