Chapter 13: Robert Peel as PM Flashcards
What was Constructive Opposition?
A tactic used by Robert Peel, he used his influence to get certain Whig bills through Parliament, and this unnerved Whigs and strengthened his position.
Example of Robert Peel’s strong leadership and authority.
He had his eye on encouraging moderate Whigs to the Tory rank, especially Lord Stanley, Sir James Graham who were not keen on appropriation (which would weaken position of Anglican Church in Ireland). They accepted posts in his government in 1841.
What was the Tamworth Manifesto?
Peel’s policy statement delivered through Parliament, made public through the press entailing what he wanted to achieve. Made public after Melbourne’s dismissal 1834.
What was the Manifesto’s message?
Peel wanted moderate reform to safeguard traditional institutions of the Church and state, but it was necessary to embrace the changes that occurred with Industrialisation.
What was the Ecclesiastical Commission?
Peel set it up whilst in office in 1834. It ironed out anomalies and abuses in the Anglican church, strengthening it against Radical and Nonconfirmist challenges. Whigs continued with it when they got back.
What problems did Peel immediately face?
Unrest at home from the Chartists, difficulties in Ireland with O’Connell and the National Repeal Association, financial concerns to balance the budget and make good the Whig deficits and responsibility to maintain and develop Whig social reforms.
What happened with the Chartist movement?
High unemployment, wage reductions and stress were brought by the revival of Chartism and spate of violent strikes and riots in the North. Peel was firm, arresting troublemakers and brought it to an end.
What was Peel’s overall strategy?
Not to introduce reforms, but stimulate trade and increase prosperity.
What was the 1844 Mines Act?
Even though his strategy was not centred around introducing reforms, some in his party believed in them so he introduced it. It halted underground labour for women and children (but Peel believed that reducing adult working hours would injure economy).
What happened in 1846?
Peel repealed the Corn Laws in the face of the Irish famine, which tested Conservatives loyalty to the limits.
What was Peel’s weakness?
He was poor at managing his party members, although maintained the loyalty of several members of his Cabinet, who left the party with him.
What was Appropriation?
The Whig attempt to reform the established Irish Church, whose dominant position was resented by the Irish peasantry, by taking the surplus of Church income and redistributing it for secular purposes e.g education.
