ENGLAND 22 ENGLAND bnt with no political results. The Bal- four cabinet resigned in 1905. A Liberal Ministry was organized by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. In foreign politics British prestige following the South African War was greatly increased. An alliance was made with Japan in 1902 and 1905, Trade relations were estab- lished with Tibet in 1904. In the same year the position of England in Egypt improved by an agreement with France by which the latter gave her approval to the British acquisition of that country. In 1907 relations which had been growing increasingly strained between the House of Commons and the House of Lords brought about a desire for a modification of the powers of the latter body. This was accomplished in 1911 when a bill was passed depriving the House of Lords of practically all power over money bills and providing other curbs on the power of the Upper House. An old-age pension bill was passed in 1908. In the year following, David Lloyd George became Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, and he at once began prepara- tions of measures to produce increased revenues. These included a tax on land which met with wide opposition, espe- cially in the House of Lords, which de- feated it. The government went twice to the country in 1910 on this issue and was each time sustained. Edward VIL died in 1910 and was succeeded bj George V. In 1914 the Home Rule Bill for Ireland was passed, as well as a bill disestablishing the Anglican Church in Wales. The Home Rule Bill was de- ferred on account of the outbreak of the World War. When the war began in August, 1914, political conditions were most unfavor- able. Ireland was on the verge of Civil War. The army was in poor condition and there were disagreements with the col- onies in regard to the naval policy, and other matters. In spite of these condi- tions, however, England went into the war with great enthusiasm. War mea- sures were passed providing for the authorization of war credits, and other legislation aiming at a successful prose- cution of the war was put into effect. For an account of the part taken by England and Great Britain in the World War, see that title. See also articles on the separate battles, Canada, Aus- tralia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Pales- tine, Turkey, etc. Although by April, 1915, 750,000 men had been sent to the front it was evi- dent that more man power must be sup- plied. Conscription was proposed by many prominent men but did not at first meet with favor. A great campaign of recruiting was carried on in 1915 which resulted in the enlistment of about 830,- 000 men. In January, 1916, a military- service bill was introduced in Parlia- ment. This provided that all bachelors and widowers between the ages of 18 and 41 were liable for military service. Ireland was excluded from the operation of the bill. The bill was finally passed in May, 1916. One of the chief problems to be met by the government was the question of munitions, which during the first period of the war was entirely inadequate to meet the demands of the rapidly form- ing new army. The Munitions Act was passed which provided for government supervision of all manufacturing, which made strikes and lockouts illegal. In May, 1915, as a result of the cabinet crisis, a coalition cabinet was formed consisting of 12 Liberals, 8 Unionists, and one Labor member. In December, 1915, Parliament introduced a bill prolonging its life for 12 months. By a later compromise this was reduced to 8 months. In April, 1916, a serious outbreak oc- curred in Ireland under the direction of Sir Roger Casement. (See Ireland.) In February, 1917, a bill was introduced into Parliament requiring all men be- tween the ages of 18 to 61 to be en- rolled. This bill was passed in March. Among other important events of 1917 were the introduction of the new budget which largely increased taxation besides providing for electoral reforms and woman suffrage. In March of that year the First Imperial War Cabinet includ- ing representatives from all British dominions was held in London. The Irish question continued to be the most serious domestic problem during this year. During 1918 many stringent meas- ures were passed providing for in- creased efficiency in war work. A new military-service bill was enacted in April. This provided military service from every British male between the ages of 18 and 51 who had been in Eng- land since August, 1915. The second session of the Imperial War Cabinet took place June 10, 1918. The House of Commons in October of this year passed a measure providing for the member- ship of women in Parliament. A general election was held on December 14, 1918. The Liberal party was divided into two factions, one of which supported Lloyd George and the other Asquith. The Coalition Government was successfuji in the election, electing almost 5 to 1 of its members as candidates. This marked the complete overthrow of the Asquith Liberals and the Pacifists. During the year an Irish convention was held for
