Chapter Thirteen

Question 1

What action did Grey take after passing the Great Reform Act in 1832?

Answer 1

He called a general election, wherein the newly-enfranchised Middle Classes gave him a considerable majority- showing he was politically aware. Gave the Whigs 479 seats whilst the Tories only had 179. Whigs had support of the Radicals and Irish MPS.

Question 2

What were Grey’s Government’s strengths?

Answer 2

Introduced series of social and administrative reforms (factory reform, abolition of slavery, reform poor law and banking system), newly enfranchised MC supported him and he was politically aware (called a snap election).

Question 3

What were the weaknesses of Grey’s government?

Answer 3

Disagreements between Whigs and Radicals, continued unrest in Ireland, and loss through resignation or retirement of several influential Whig leaders.

Question 4

Why were there disagreements between the Whigs and the Radicals (who had increased in number due to GRA)?

Answer 4

Radicals constantly pushed for reform and would question everything, and the Whigs believed there was no need for further reform. Although the Radicals themselves were divided as to which issues were most important.

Question 5

What was the situation in Ireland during Grey’s reign?

Answer 5

Privileged position of Anglican Church in Catholic-dominated Ireland caused problems. Rural unrest, and calls for repeal of the Act of Union. The Whigs differed on how to deal with the problem.

Question 6

How did Grey’s government respond to the situation in Ireland?

Answer 6

1833-1834
Church and Education reforms enacted.
Abolished Church tax, reduced dominacne of Anglican Church of Ireland over the Catholic population, but it failed to satisfy the population.
So they brought in the Coercion Act in 1833
Gave wide pwers to the authorities in Ireland including curfew impositions and suppression of disturbances.

Question 7

What did Lord John Russell propose for the situation in Ireland?

Answer 7

kAppropriation- the using of surplus Irish Church funds for educational and social benefits for the largely poor, uneducated Catholic population. This challenge split the higs further, causing resignations, and helped to bring down Grey’s government- Grey had seen through an extensive period of reform, and was now tired.

Question 8

When Melbourne came into office in 1834, what immediate reaction did he face?

Answer 8

He was met with discord from all sides of the political spectrum: refused the King’s request to include Peel and Wellington and to appease the King he excluded radical Whigs from the cabinet, upsetting them.

Question 9

Why did the King dismiss Melbourne’s Government, despite it holding the majority in the Commons?

Answer 9

Melbourne attempted to promote Lord John Russell to the position of Chancellor and Leader of the Commons. The King, who disliked Russell’s radical tendancies, refused and dismissed the Government and asked Robert Peel into office. Melbourne should have been more assertive, and made no strong effort to prevent this

Question 10

What happened after the King dismissed Melbourne’s government and brought in Peel?

Answer 10

Radicals and Whigs were angered, and an effort was made to bring down Peel. Peel’s ministry failed a few months later and so Melbourne eturned to office, but with fewer Whig supporters and an increased reliance on the Radicals and Irish MPs due to the Lichfield House Compact.

Question 11

What was the Litchfield House Compact 1835?

Answer 11

Lord John Russell made a pact with Daniel O’Connell leader of the Irish MPs, in return for their support in bringing Melbourne back. The pact promised Irish support for the Whigs in Parliament, and a Whig commitment to carry trough Irish returns. Irish MPs called for an end to the Act of Union, seriously discrediting the Whig government.

Question 12

On the death of William IV, in the general election in August 1837 what happened?

Answer 12

The Tories did increasingly well (now the Conservatives after 1834). Melbourne received a boost after the accession of Victoria but resigned briefly due to lack of support, but returned when Peel refused to form a government.

Question 13

What problems did Melbourne’s government face?

Answer 13

An economic crisis, the Chartist Movement (Thomas Attwood) and Anti-Corn Law league- neither were handled well. Taxes had been raised. 1841 John Russell proposed free trade budget but too late to convince electorate. In July 1841, the Conservatives were victorious.

Question 14

What was the traditional difference between the Whigs and the Tories?

Answer 14

The Whigs believed in a Constitutional Monarchy.
Both the parties were dominated by aristocratic landowning families and many regarded politial reform as no longer required. Parties of self- interest and there was little political reform for another thirty years.

Question 15

What was the Factory Act passed 1833 by Grey?

Answer 15

No child under the age of nine could work. Children between nine and thirteen must go to school part time.

Question 16

How did the Whigs view reform?

Answer 16

After the GRA, middle class ad radical elements were brought into the Whig party, although majority belonged to aristocracy.
Whigs recognised it was necessary to give expression to mc opinion ad realised they would gain pol advantage by getting rid of Tory dominated rotten and pocket boroughs and strengthen position in Parliament. But after this they did not set out to pursue further reform.

Question 17

What was the 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act the Whigs under Grey passed?

Answer 17

All slaves within the British empire had their freedom and the government paid compensation to slave owners.

Question 18

What was the Municipal Corporations Act 1835

Answer 18

It reformed local government in the incorporated boroughs of England and Wales.

Question 19

What did the Whig reforms reflect the influence of?

Answer 19

Humanitarian movement that sought to improve the living and working conditions of the labouring poor and by Bentham’s doctrine of Utilitarianism that promoted the necessity of efficiency and usefulness in lawas and institutions.

Question 20

What was Evangelicalism?

Answer 20

Spiritual movement within the Anglican Church, encouraging righteousness, adherence to the bible and to seek salvation through faith.

Question 21

What was Humanitarianism?

Answer 21

The belief in the worthiness of human beings, a love of mankind and behaving decently. Steered politicians towards adopting sense of duty towards poorer members of society.

Question 22

Why did the Tories begin to recover their position after 1834?

Answer 22

Due to their cohesiveness in opposition (contrast to disorganised Whigs), improved organisation due to Francis Bonham (appointed election manager by Peel in 1834), use of Pariamentary Whips (maximised voting stength by making sure members attended crucial debates), party meetings to raise profile, party solidarity and loyaly.

Question 23

What was Constructive Opposition?

Answer 23

Tactic used by Robert Peel- used his influence to get certain Whig bills through Parliament, unnerving the Whigs and strengthening his position.

Question 24

What did Peel want to do with the moderate Whigs?

Answer 24

Encouraging moderate Whigs int Tory ranks e.g Lord Stanley and Sir James Graham (not keen on appropriation which would weaken position of Anglican Church). They accepted posts in his Government in 1841.

Question 25

What was the Tamsworth Manifesto?

Answer 25

Delivered by Peel in December 1834 after the King’s dismissal of Melbourne. Message was that moderate reform was the way to safeguard Church and state, but necessary to embrace changes occurring with Industrialisation (developing urban society, changed economiy, new political demands). At this time the Tory partty changed to Conservatives. Peel wanted to appeal to a broaer electorate.

Question 26

What was the single achievement of Peel’s ministry?

Answer 26

Setting up of the Ecclesiastical Commission, whose recommendations were adopted by rhe Whigs. Ironed out anomalies and abuses in Anglican Church and srengthened it against Radical and Nonconformist challenges.

Question 27

When Peel’s Party won a decisive election victory in 1841, what did he face?

Answer 27

Chartism, O’Connell and Ireland and National Repeal Association, Financial concerns and Whig deficits and responsibility to maintain and develop Whig social reforms. Also economic slump 1841-1842.

Question 28

What happened regarding Chartism?

Answer 28

High unemployment, wage reductions and general distress brought about Chartism revival and violent strikes and riots in the North. Peel was firm. Arrested troublemakers, brought an end to agitation. Overall strategy was to stimulate trade and prosperity for the working classes- not to introduce reforms.

Question 29

What was the Mines Act 1842?

Answer 29

Halted underground labour for women and children but believed reducing adult working hours would injure economy. Passed because there were some Conservatives believing in active reform to improve conditions for the wc so Peel went along with them to an extent.

Question 30

What were the issues with Peel’s party?

Answer 30

Underlying tensions, Repeal of Con Laws in 1846 in face of Irish Famine tested Conservatives to the limits. Split the party. Peel ended up alienating his followers and losing their support. Was poor at managing party members, although he did maintain the loyalty of several members who left party with him.