A Challenge to the Citadel of Capitalist Power: Steel Nationalisation from 1945

This paper explored the history of nationalisation in the Labour Party with particular emphasis on the steel industry. The paper argued that steel nationalisation was the key political dispute in the 1945-51 Labour Governments. Steel nationalisation led to the largest anti-government vote in the lifetime of these governments and also caused widespread debates within the Labour Party. The paper also highlighted the unexplored significance of Alfred Edwards, Labour MP for Middlesbrough East 1935-50. Edwards's role in Middlesbrough as a foundry director, alongside his opposition to steel nationalisation were explored to showcase the significance of the debate locally as well as nationally.