The election of the whigs Flashcards
What was the 1830 July Revolution?
An uprising in France deposed King Charles X who had adopted unpopular repressive measures, in favour of a progressive aristocrat named Louis Phillipe. It sparked off a revolution in neighbouring Belgium and the British government recognised the new King and promised not to interfere in Belgium
What did the 1830 election give the whigs?
A sufficient majority to form a government
Why did the whigs have a lot of experience in opposition?
They had spent 50 years there aside from a breif exception between 1806-07
Briefly describe Charles Grey
A supporter of Fox who consistently called for parliamentary reform. Foreign secretary under Grenville before being out of office for over 20 years. George IV was his sworn enemy but on the accession of William IV, he was invited to form a government
What had Grey announced in the dying days of Wellington’s government?
That he intended to introduce measures for parliamentary reform
What were the two main consequences of the continued aristocratic dominance of the whig party?
- Grey’s government was drawn mostly from the lords
- Parliamentary reform was only permitted to the extent that the aristocrats were willing to support
What was the consequence of the economic downturn of the late 20s for the new whig government
It brought about serious unrest that unnerved the authorities, most notably with the swing riots
Why did Grey’s cabinet contain several Canningnites?
To ensure a parliamentary majority in the commons
What did Grey realise he had to do before he could legislate to relieve distress?
Use firm action to stem the upsurge of violence and rebellion
Why were the early days of whig government seen as being just as repressive as Liverpool’s governments?
Because the government immediately began setting up special commissions to deal with rioters, who were handed heavy sentences of death or transportation
