Dis committment to "narrowing the gap" Flashcards
Early political career lack of commitment to “narrowing the gap”
Contradiction with Dis support for protectionism in his defence of the Corn laws-though he later claimed this was about upholding the natural aristocratic rule.
Dis therefore demonstrates a traditional Tory view-his letter to Lord Stanley talks about “upholding the aristocratic settlement of this country”.
In Dis budget 1852, proposed a special concession on income tax for farmers and a halving of the malt tax-showed concern for financial well being of rich rather than the poorer classes.
Speeches, letters etc that show commitment.
Speeches of 1872 at Manchester and Crystal Palace.
Manchester-talked about “first consideration of any minister should be the health of the people” and about importance of “pure air and water and healthy habitations”-suggest concern over narrowing the gap.
At crystal palace he promoted the idea of Empire in the belief that it could help narrow the gap by bringing greater prestige and prosperity to Britain “if the first is to maintain the institutions of this country…then the second is to uphold the Empire of England”.
Speeches, letters etc that show lack of commitment.
Also sought to reassure traditional supporters and win over the m/c saying that “if by a programme is meant a plan to despoil churches and plunder landlords, then I admit we have no programme”.
Lord Derby wrote to Dis saying “I am coming reluctantly to the conclusion that we shall have to deal with the question of reform” and wrote later “we cannot escape doing something”.
The use of “we” suggests that Dis and Derby dealt with the issue of extending the franchise reluctantly in 1867.
1867 Reform Act showing commitment.
No. of voters increased by over a million by reducing the residency qualification to 1yr.
Abolition of compounding increased the w/c vote.
Simply by enfranchising skilled w/c Dis brought them within the “pale of the constitution”.
1867 reform act showing lack of commitment.
Increase in no. of tenant farmers who could vote but without secret ballot just increased the no. of voters the landlord could influence.
Redrawing of constituency boundaries favoured the wealthier classes, aimed to limit the impact of the newly enfranchised w/c.
First attempt was referred to as the “10 min” bill due to speed at which it was put together.
Letters between Dis+Derby show real lack of commitment.
Social reform 1874-76 evidence of commitment.
Artisans Dwellings Act-the intention to improve living conditions for the poorer classes and local councils were given the power to improve conditions by “slum clearance”.
The sale of food and drugs act-showed concern for diet of poor-aimed to stamp out the practice of adulteration of food.
Merchant shipping act-aimed to protect w/c seamen from unscrupulous ship owners who overloaded the ships.
Social reform 1874-76 evidence for lack of commitment.
It wasn’t compulsory and largely ignored-only 10 of 76 councils took up these powers.
It was a clear example of permissive legislation. Sale of food and drug act-no compulsion on town councils to appoint a food analyst.
Merchant shipping act-was proposed by a liberal backbencher-didn’t come from Cons.
Dis defended permissive legislation saying “permissive legislation was the characteristic of a free people”.
Early political career commitment to “narrowing the gap”
Started off as a radical.
In Sybil Dis wrote about the deep divide in society caused by the Whigs and the need to bring 2 classes together. Sybil first example of Dis commitment to “1 nation conservatism.
Dis’ early political voting record suggest commitment to 1 nation conservatism-voted in favour of 10hr amendment to factory act 1884, voted in favour of repeal of the new harsh poor law.
Education and workers evidence for commitment.
Education act 1876-provided compulsory education up to the age of 10-needed to educate future electorate.
Factory act-1874 reduced working hours further and raised the minimum age for working.
Employers and workmen’s act 1875 gave workers the same protection as an employer if a contract was broken.
Education and workers.
Education act served to strengthen the position of the Anglican Church by increasing the no. of pupils attending, meaning govt could give greater funding to Anglican run schools.
Factory act of 1874 didn’t meet demand for a 9hr day.
