Governments 1852-68

Question 1

Derby’s first ministry 1852

Answer 1

• weak minority government
• called an election but was confusion around the corn laws, made slight gains but still a minority
• Disraeli was chancellor but had little experience, his budget was destroyed by Gladstone and the gov was defeated.

Question 2

Lord Aberdeen’s coalition 1852-55

Answer 2

• Aberdeen (Peelite) was chosen as Russell had too many enemies
• 1853 budget reduced tax on tea and other articles, reduction of income tax, legacy duty extended.
• crimean war showed weakness of army which had been neglected, was huge embarrassment
• HoC wanted a commission into the conduct of the war as many were unhappy and thought it was a waste of funds, resulted in the defeat of the gov.

Question 3

Lord Palmerston’s first ministry 1855-58

Answer 3

• queen sent for Derby but he couldn’t form a gov, neither could Russell.
• peace was negotiated with the Russians with reasonably satisfactory terms.
• Divorce act was passed
• assaination attempt from napoleon III from someone residing in England so France urged Britain to act, palmerston introduced Conspiracy to Murder bill but it was defeated

Question 4

Lord Derby’s second ministry 1858-59

Answer 4

• was a weak gov
• allowed the entry of Jews into Parliament
• introduced parlimentary reform bill to boost support, would have lowered county franchise to same level as borough, was defeated as it was obviously in their favor.
• Cons made big gains in the general election but Peelites, Whigs, radicals and Irish formed the Liberal party and defeated gov.

Question 5

Palmerston’s second ministry 1859-65

Answer 5

• kept in power largely due to the alliance formed.
• included Gladstone as chancellor as he was next in line for party leader.
• relatively quiet period as Derby let the government get on with it knowing he could not form a gov.
• Palmerston died

Question 6

Lord Russell’s second ministry 1865-66

Answer 6

• moving towards unity as liberals.
• introduced moderate reform bill but wasn’t passed
• Russell retired and handed over power to Gladstone

Question 7

Lord Derby’s third ministry 1866-68

Answer 7

• politically powerless as did not have a majority
• passed the second reform act, Disraeli allowed the radicals to amend the bill in order to be responsible for the act.
• Derby retired and Disraeli became the leader of the Conservatives.

Question 8

Disraeli’s government 1868

Answer 8

• politically powerless as had no majority
• Disraeli was determined and ambitious for his party
• election happened but Conservatives lost.