The Conservative government of 1874 to 1880 - Social Reforms

Question 1

Explain ‘Tory democracy’

Answer 1

A new brand of Conservatism, appealed to the working class, focused on empire as a unifying force.

Question 2

What are three different interpretations of Disraeli’s policies?

Answer 2

1) It could have been a dig at Gladstone who introduced few social reforms
2) It could have been a ploy to win the working-class vote
3) It could have been that Disraeli was simply outlining the main principles of his new Conservatism

Question 3

When was Artisans’ Dwelling Act introduced?

Answer 3

1875

Question 4

What did Artisans’ Dwelling Act do?

Answer 4

Gave the power to local authorities to purchase, clear and then redevelop slums, financing the scheme with low-interest government loans

Question 5

What did the 1875 Public Health Act do?

Answer 5

1) Built on the acts of 1866 and 1872
2) Laid down minimum standards of sewage, drainage and refuse
3) Made compulsory the appointment of a medical officer of health who was charged with the reporting of all infectious diseases
4) Public works were established in most districts

Question 6

Which acts helped the working class?

Answer 6

1) Artisans’ Dwellings Act, 1875
2) Factory Acts, 1874 + 1878
3) Sandon’s Education Act, 1876
4) Public Health Act, 1875
5) Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875
6) Employers and Workmen Act, 1875

Question 7

How did the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act help the conservative government get one up on the Liberal government?

Answer 7

Because it made striking legal again for the trade unions, whereas Gladstone had given the unions legal status but had denied them the right to legally protest.

Question 8

What were the limitations of most of these acts?

Answer 8

They were mostly permissive which meant that the effect they could have potentially had was limited.

Question 9

What did Sandon’s Education Act of 1876 do?

Answer 9

1) Attempted to improve school attendance by setting up school attendance committees, but stopped short of compulsory attendance
2) Children could not get a job unless they produced an attainment certificate, and so it became in the parents’ best interests to make sure their children attended school