Disraeli's most significant acievements

Question 1

Persuading the party to abandon protectionism

Answer 1

• Disraeli persuaded the party to abandon the cause of protectionism, arguing that Free Trade was now irreversible and that the effects were by no mean as dire as thought.
• However by 1860 Disraeli had done little to provide the new Cons with new supporters, new policies or new enthusiasm and in the early 1860’s the party remained in the state of depression that had afflicted it in the 1850’s.

Question 2

Providing ideas and re-shaping the party image

Answer 2

• By 1846 Dis concept of Toryism had been almost fully formed, P.Smith “in essence it never changed”, still a party to defend status quo. However Dis considered his concept to be more progressive as “it appeals with a keener sympathy to the passions of millions”, claiming Whigs distanced themselves from w/c creating a divide in the country.
• Dis refers to Cons as the “national party” and held belief that only the Cons could bridge the gap between the two nations.
• Dis held early idea of “one nation conservatism” outlined in “Sybil”, was these ideas that were important in re-shaping party image, helping it to be move forward with society.
• Country facing major change in society; growth of w/c fuelled by industrialisation, Dis had to appeal to u/c and m/c and w/c. Social reform would guarantee support of w/c and maintained that the essential purpose was “to secure social welfare of the people”.
• Dis wanted his ideas to sharpen party’s presentation and broaden its electoral appeal.

Question 3

Rebuilding of the party

Answer 3

• Disraeli kept the remainder of the party together following its split in 1846.
• Disraeli helped to strengthen the party during this time and helped to give the party a clear direction through developing a number of policies for the conservatives to follow.
• However Disraeli had a role in the demise of the party with his attacks on Peel over the Repeal of the Corn Laws.

Question 4

Second Reform Act 1867

Answer 4

• Significant as enfranchised 1.5m skilled w/c men in towns.
• Highlighted Dis vision of “Tory Democracy”.
• Dis needed to pass reform as the Cons had been out of office as a majority govt since 1846, proof the current system wasn’t working in their favour so needed to change.
• Dis had “Dished the Whigs” by passing reform, revenge for 1832.
• Act helped secure Dis position in the party and H of C; held a background untypical of Tory background.
• However he showed lack of commitment to passing reform-“10min bill”.

Question 5

Social reform and foreign policy.

Answer 5

• Passed Sandon’s education act of 1867, establishing committees of attendance and aimed at making school compulsory.
• Believed the “first concern of any minister should be the health of the people”, proposed public health act, adulteration of food act and river pollution act.
• However examples of permissive legislation as all rivers couldn’t be checked and nor food inspectors to examine food. Permissive legislation kept m/c, Whigs passed legislation which harassed the m/c which was their failure.
• Made Britain biggest share holder of the Suez Canal, economic benefit.
• Social reform declined towards end of ministry as he was more focused on foreign affairs.