The roles of G.W. Forbes and J.G. Coates in the formation of the coalition government, the 1931 and the 1935 general elections

Abstract

George William Forbes and Joseph Gordon Coates were the two central figures in the Coalition Government of 1931-1935. Forbes was the Prime Minister, while Coates was the Minister of Finance, during the Great Depression. After a brief history of their early political careers this essay will examine the individual roles of Forbes and Coates in the formation of the Coalition Government in 1931. It will then compare and contrast their roles in the 1931, and 1935 elections.