Chapter Twenty Flashcards
What characterised Gladstone? Who became PM in 1868.
Supporter of Robert Peel- was one of the leading Peelites. Strong moral principles and religious convictions. Laissez-faire principles, and the doctrine of self-help. Religion= confused opponents, difficult to view motivations.
Beliefs: peace, retrenchment and reform. Peace= enable trade and industry to develop unhindered of War and enable taxes to be cut (viewed as depriving people of personal liberty). Lacked any real interest in social reform.
What was the make up of Gladstone’s Cabinet?
Revealed the different political groupings making up the Liberals, of which Gladstone insisted in the unity of. Peelites, Liberals, Radicals and the Whigs.
Why was Gladstone required to carry out a measure of reform?
Extension of the franchise in 1867 made a provision of Education become increasingly important, and also a better educated workforce was needed. Wanted to develop a meritocratic society, bringing economic advantages in the longer term and assist Britain in international competitiveness.
Forster’s Education Act of 1870
Elementary schools were set up across the country- a move away from laissez-faire, the government were acknowledging their role in education. Supported by the woreking classes and newly educated electorate increased- although many were unable to afford it and so a high illiterate rate remained.
(Administrative) Army and Civil Service Reform 1870
Civil Service- entry into the civil service with the principle of entry by competitive examination. Improved professionalism and efficiency at minimal cost to government. Allowed those with ordinary backgrounds to attain a good standard of living. Support of mc Liberals
Army Reform- filled with incompetence and inefficiency. Abolished purchase of commissions but Cardwell was attacking belief of right by birth and wealth to privilege so huge opposition and loss of support from upper and influential classes.
(Administrative) Judiciary 1873
Greater efficiency and tied up lengthy court cases, a positive impact on British society.
Trade Union Act of 1871
Legal right of unions to hold property and funds and have them protected by law. Also the right to strike. Criminal Law Amendment Act however made picketing illegal= almost any action TU took to achieve objectives was illegal, costing Gladstone wc support and skilled artisans were disappointed. Huge blow to the Liberal party.
Licensing Act 1872
Gave magistrates the power to issue licences to publicans that would fix opening and closing hours. Satisfied neither side: temperance groups did not believe it went far enough and ‘Beerage’ felt it attacked their industry. Alienated brewers and distillers who in future voted Conservative and gave generously to Conservative party funds. Not very Liberal as it restricted personal freedom.,
Gladstone’s Actions Regarding Womens’ rights
1869 Women ratepayers were allowed to vote in local elections and the 1870 Married Women’s Property Act gave married women legal status and allowed them to keep a proportion of her own earnings. Education Act had also made provision for girls to attend school.
What action did Disraeli take regarding the Conservative party?
Planted the seeds of the idea of a ‘Tory Democracy’, a new brand of Conservatism.
He was interested in new trends towards democracy and extension of franchise but believed in maintaining tradition and privilege and knew the Conservatives were not ready to abandon the old aristocratic hierarchy. Wanted wc votes.
Was 70 yrs old upon becoming PM. Conservatives received majority for the first time in over 20 years.
What were Disraeli’s beliefs regarding reform?
In a speech to the National Union at the Crystal Palace in 1872, before the election, he appeared to promote a Tory policy of social reform.
Although question mark over his sincerity in introducing reform; could have been a dig at Gladstone who introduced few measures of social reform, a ploy to pull in wc voters.
Why did the loss of the election in 1868 disappoint Disraeli?
It was his Reform Act in 1867 that had extended the franchise to the artisan class in the towns. He expected new voters, but then came to realise political parties must improve their organisation to reach the new, expanding electorate. Appointed John Gorst to overhaul party organisation, set up Conservative Central Office in London. National Union of Conservative Associations 1867 and the link to the constituencies, became the propaganda tool of Central Office- used it as sounding board in 1872 on which to outline policies and ideas of Tory Democracy.
Why was Disraeli’s Conservative government elected in 1874?
Newly enfranchised ‘respectable’ working class voters in boroughs helped bring Cons to power. Electorate was tired of Gladstone’s endless legislation, and Disraeli had a broad appeal across the classes.
Artisans’ Dwelling Act 1875
Gave local authority power to purchase, clear and then redevelop slums but the absence of a compulsory purchase order weakened the Act’s effectiveness and many city councils ignored it. But established principle of state intervention with regard to private dewlling houses and marked the beginning of local authority housing.
Public Health Act 1875
Pulled together all existing sanitary legislation, which up until then had fallen short of tackling current health problems. Laid down minimum standards of drainage, sewage disposal and refuse. Medical Officer of Health was charged with reporting of all infectious diseases.
Opposition from laissez-faire supporters, interference with personal freedom. So practical it lasted over 60 years.
