The History of the Labour Party
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The Labour Party was founded in 1900 as a political voice for the working class, declaring itself as a socialist party. It was committed to a peaceful transition to socialism through democratic means in Parliament.
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It grew rapidly in the early 20th century and formed its first government in 1924 under Ramsay MacDonald.
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Labour's most significant period of reform came after World War II, when Clement Attlee's government (1945-1951) established the NHS, expanded the welfare state, and nationalised key industries.
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The party has shifted ideologically over time, from traditional socialism to the more centrist "New Labour" approach under Tony Blair in the late 1990s, which embraced the free market while maintaining a commitment to social justice. (see The Third Way for more information.)
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Labour has alternated between periods in government and opposition, adapting its policies in response to changing social and economic conditions in the UK.
