Breadth 2: Changes in representation in Britain (1780-1928)

Question 1

outline the ideological changes of the Tories and Whigs in 1780-1830

Answer 1

• development of 2 party system
• Tories: preserve status quo (powers of monarchy, Anglican church), oppose reform,
• Whigs: more receptive to reform, reduce crown patronage, abolish slavery

Question 2

outline the appeal changes of the Tories and Whigs in 1780-1830

Answer 2

• Tories more aligned with Anglicans + agricultural interests
• Whigs promote interests of reform

Question 3

what are the causes of the changes in the Whigs + Tories in 1830-46

Answer 3

• leadership: Pitt (T) and Fox (W) influenced change
• events: French + American revolutions provoke different reactions

Question 4

outline the ideological changes of the Whigs and Tories in 1830-46

Answer 4

• ideological differences deepen
• Ts divide: Moderates vs Ultras
• Ws embrace more social reform; slavery, education etc
• Ts become Conservatives - accept moderate reform -e.g. 1832 RA
• Litchfield House Compact 1835: Ws agree to work with Irish + Radical MPs - origin of the Liberal party

Question 5

outline the appeal changes of the Whigs and Tories in 1830-46

Answer 5

• Cons dominate rural seats
• Corn Law repeal splits Peelites + Protectionists in Cons Govt

Question 6

outline the organisational changes of the Whigs and Tories in 1830-46

Answer 6

• Cons first arrange professional electoral agents in key areas
• they set up Carlton Club in London to raise money + support
• Cs set up registration societies
• Whig reform club follows suit to improve local organisation + voter registration

Question 7

outline the causes of the changes of the Whigs and Tories in 1830-46

Answer 7

• Catholic Emancipation: Ts split over religious policies
• Peel: leads shift of Ts to Cons
• different views of reform + need to appeal to new voters
• 1841 election prompts Ws to follows Cons organisational policies

Question 8

outline the ideological changes of the Conservatives + Liberals in 1846-86

Answer 8

• Liberal party is formed out of the coalition of Whigs, Peelites, radicals + Irish MPs
• Libs: low tax, peaceful foreign policy, equality (religious discrimination removed), social reform, political reform (secret ballot, 1883/4/5)
• Disraeli leads modernisation of Cons to broaden appeal of the party due to 1867 RA. 1 nation ideas/ Tory Democracy: social reform, still defends Anglican church

Question 9

outline the appeal changes of the Conservatives + Liberals in 1846-86

Answer 9

• Libs: broad coalition with conflicting interests
• Cons: appeals to w/c

Question 10

outline the organisational changes of the Conservatives + Liberals in 1846-86

Answer 10

• Cons: top down approach; set up NUCCA in 1867, Central Office in London, national coordination + meetings, involved w on an equal basis to men!
• Libs: bottom up approach: local Liberal associations, aims to attract w/c + m/c support, lots of social activities

Question 10

outline the ideological changes of the Conservatives + Liberals in 1886-1928

Answer 10

• Gladstone’s failure over Home Rule + Lib defeat in 1886 led to split in the party; Unionists (oppose Home Rule for Ireland), Whigs + Radicals joined Cons
• in 1900s Cons divisions re-emerge , Libs begin to reunite against it

Question 11

outline the causes for the changes of the Conservatives + Liberals in 1846-86

Answer 11

• leadership: Gladstone, Disraeli, Salisbury
• political reform: 1858/67/72/83/84/85
• franchise extensions/ redistribution: ensures turnout of eligible voters