conservative dominance Flashcards
Gladstone’s part
blind determination to pacify Ireland - social reform fell to one side, came to a head 1886 when Glad prospered 1st HR bill alongside extreme land puchasing bill that would cost £120 million in tax payers money - too much party split
Glad alienated left + right causing creation of Liberal Unionists (Lord Harington + Chamberlain). pressure groups went to Conservatives (boosting numbers + giving them some of liberals most popular figures). liberals unable to be substantial opposition to Conservatives, made party unelectable + unpopular
Gladstone died 1896 and still unable to form government for another 10 years
boer war
weakened liberals + strengthened Conservatives - bitter clash in Liberals, pro war imperialists wanted to protect British interest in South Africa, antiwar faction led by LG saw it unfair act of aggression against smaller state
patriotic fever swept country + Conservatives part of war while Liberals seen as traitors for not fully backing queen + country
conservative won Khaki election in landslide
Disraeli’s leadership
1874-81 charasmatic, brilliant orator + skilful politician able to balance moderate reform with extreme elements of party, re-educated party, creating idea of 1 nation toryism - party for all
Sailsbury’s leadership
1881 echoed charasmatic leader Disraeli
strong + powerful, stood for unity - progressive yet not too much too soon to cause rifts
moderate + aristocratic
progressive + antiquated
appeal won him many votes with electorate
organization
1884 Sailsbury appointed Middleton as principal party agent - advised on timing of elections, increased constituency agents numbers + organised them on regional basis
revamped national union + used as effective propoganda
projected new image of Tories - party for the future
credited with winning 1895 election + retirement coincided with them losing 1st election in roughly 25 years
