Grey as a Whig PM Flashcards
What was a Foxite Whig?
A Whig politician who admired Charles Fox
What was a Canningite Tory?
A Tory politician who admired George Canning
Give Lord Melbourne’s political background before becoming PM?
He was first a Foxite Whig and then a Canningite Tory. Resigned with Huskisson from Wellington’s government over his refusal to consider parliamentary reform
Why was Melbourne criticised as Whig leader?
He was seen as too easy going, with this inhibiting his ability to hold his cabinet together
Who was Melbourne a great political friend of?
Queen Victoria, acting as a mentor to her in her early years as Queen
What did Grey do after the 1832 GRA?
Called a GE in 1832 of that year. This was a tactically astute move, as the newly enfranchised middle classes gave Grey their votes and allowed the Whigs a considerable commons majority
How did the balance of power shift after the 1832 GE?
With the support of the majority of Irish and Radical MPs, the Whigs commanded 479 seats, while the Tories commanded just 179
List some of the important social and administrative reforms introduced by Grey’s government
Factory reform, the abolition of slavery and reform of the Poor Law and banking system
What were the three main issues faced by the Whigs when trying to carry out their reforms during this period of government?
- Fierce disagreements between Whigs and Radicals
- The problems in Ireland
- The loss of several Whig leaders through resignation or retirement
What two types of radicals were there in parliament at this time?
Men who had come in due to the GRA, like Attwood or Roebuck, or older radicals like Corbett
Why did Radical MPs have limited impact during this period?
They were divided amongst themselves as to what issues were most important, apart from further political reform, which most Whigs believed had already been settled under the GRA. Their enthusiasm to push for further reform and desire to scrutinise every institution and tax was met with frustration by the Whigs
Describe the problems in Ireland at this time
- The privileged position of the Anglican Church in a Catholic dominated country caused problems
- Continuing rural unrest and calls for repeal of the 1800 Act of Union
How did the Whigs differ in their views on how the issues in Ireland should be dealt with?
Lord Russell believed in concessions and Lord Stanley, Chief Secretary for Ireland, in coercion
How did the Grey government respond to the problems in Ireland from 1833-4?
Church and education reforms were enacted, abolishing a church tax and effectively reducing the dominance of the Anglican Church of Ireland over the Catholic Church
How did the Whigs respond when their 1833-4 reforms failed to settle the population?
They followed them up with a Coercion Act in response to the continuing rural unrest and the ongoing refusal of Catholic tenants to pay the tithe, which was collected by the Anglican Clergy
