Conservative Dominance, 1886-1905 Flashcards
Who did the Conservatives have support from in the 1886 election?
The Liberal Unionists
In what election did the Conservatives win a clear majority over the Liberals?
The 1886 election after the defeat of the Home Rule Bill
What needed to be taken into account by Salisbury about the character of the 1886 electorate?
The increased size and altered composition of the electorate meant that there were nearly 3 million new voters, most of which were rural workers, agricultural workers and miners.
How did Salisbury address the working class in his Second Ministry?
- The Local Government Act, 1888
- Reforms in education
- Housing of the Working Class Act, 1890
- The Factory Act, 1890
How did the Local Government Act of 1888 benefit the working class?
It gave the new rural voters a degree of control over local affairs.
How did reforms in education address the working class?
Fees for attending board schools were abolished in 1892 which meant that more working class children could go to school and receive an education.
What else did the reforms in education do?
- A Board of Education was established.
- Responsibility was given to local councils for technical education and this in turn helped the economy.
What did the Housing of the Working Class Act of 1890 do?
It allowed local councils to replace inhabitable dwellings with new ones
What did the Factory Act in 1890 do?
- It put an end to children under the age of 11 working.
- It set a maximum of 12 hours a day for women workers.
What vote had gradually been moving towards the Conservative Party and why?
The middle-class vote, because it was seen as the party that resisted too much change.
What was Richard Middleton’s influence over the Conservative dominance?
He was in charge of party organisation and he was sensitive to the slightest changes in political mood and climate, and his advice was of great value to Salisbury.
