When and why did a Labour party develop and how important was it by 1914?

... When and why did a Labour party develop and how important was it by 1914? The development of the Labour party began in the 1880s, although signs of an increased working-class consciousness were evident from the middle of the previous decade. A number of factors contributed to its development; the new organisation of the labour forces, particularly into trade unions, their increased political interest, laws introduced at the time and the relative decline of the Liberal party. The last quarter of the nineteenth century saw the growth and increasing strength of the working class, who were articulate, powerful and important. The Labour aristocracy involved in the old or 'model' trade unions were wanting to take a much more direct and positive part in politics. By 1875, the model unions had secured all their own legal rights. By 1885 all unions had their full legal status secured; the new unskilled ones

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