Theme 2- changes in political Flashcards
when was economical reforms
1780
when was the great reform act
1832
what changed in 1780-1830
development of two party system mainly ideological
what did the tories want in 1790-1830
preserve status quo i.e powers of the monarch, strong on law and order and protection of property.
what did the whigs want in 1790-1830
more receptive of reform,reduce crown patronage abolish slavery
what were the causes for the changes in 1790-1830
leadersip-Pitt(tories and fox(whigs) influenced thsi significantly
electoral fortunes-tories dominated government
French Revolution – Clear differences emerge in views over American War of Independence and French Revolution.
what changed in 1830-46
ideological differences deepen whigs embrace more social policies
organisational changes too- great reform act means parties need to register voters to become more organised
why did the changes in 1830-46 happen
1832 reform act-recognises increased need to manage elections.
Whigs – Lichfield House Compact – alliance of Whigs, Radicals and Irish MPs formed to defeat Peel’s Conservative gov.
what was the lichfield house compact
whigs form an agreement to work with Irish and radical MPs
why did the Great reform act mean more organisation for parties
parties had to register tvoters
what caused the tories to divide even more in 1830-46
catholic emancipation
what clubs emerged due to the 1832 reform act
Carlton and whig reform clubs
what did the Tamworth manifesto do
promised reform of abuses but also to protect traditional institutions such as the church-popularised the term conservatives
what did the Litchfield house compact do
a deal between whigs, radical MPs and Irish MPS to work together against the conservative government
what did the tory Carlton club do
raised money, find and support candidates and ensure turnout
what did the Whig reform club do
similar to Carlton club but after 1841 improved local organisation, promote voter registration and support electoral candidates
what were some ideological changes that happened to the Whigs in 1846-86
development of the liberal party out of the coalition of Whigs, Peelites, Radicals and Irish MPs-ideology grows after 1865 under Gladstone, initially as Chancellor (I) Retrenchment - free trade and low taxation, avoid excessive spending – peaceful foreign policy (II) State modernisation – army, civil service, local Government Board. (III) Equality – religious discrimination removed (IV) Social Reform – education, health, local poor relief etc, labour laws, licensing (V)
what were some ideological changes that happened to the conservatives 1846-86
Disraeli leads a modernisation of the Conservatives – initially over the 1867 Reform Act and then with a deliberate broadening of the appeal of the party to embrace the new electorate. One-nation ideas – aka Tory Democracy – include Social Reform (housing, health, working conditions, education), whilst defending the Anglican Church. Still divisions over free trade or protection. Interventionist foreign policy
what issues arose for the liberal party in 1846-86
Liberals have a broad coalition but problems with conflicting interests and the need to keep them all happy
what led to more organisation for the conservatives 1846-86
set up of the conservative national Union (NUCCA, 1867) and a Central Office in London (1870). First National Party agent appointed (Gorst) – increases the number of local associations, especially in urban/industrial areas and attempts to appeal to new voters. National coordination and meetings. Becomes an important campaigning advantage Later (1883) the Primrose League was created to promote the party and support aspiring MPs. Membership depended on subscription i.e. middle class and activities included campaigning (delivering leaflets etc). Key significance = involving women on an equal basis to men.
what led to more organisation for the liberals
local Liberal Associations (caucuses)– aim to attract and retain working and middle-class support. Lots of social activities like Conservatives, and support Liberal representatives
what caused the organisation in 1846-86
Anti-corruption measures – required more professional local agents to do accounts and ensure rules were adhered to (monitor spending and electoral procedures including counts, + more volunteers to work that had previously been paid for
what did sir John Gorst do
a key figure in the first Central Office and very successful. The contract ended in 1875 and was allowed to leave, but the organisation quickly deteriorated which was seen as a key factor in the Conservatives 1880 defeat and Gorst was recalled to the role. The big advantage for the Conservatives system after 1885 because of central, not local power.
what did Joseph Chamberlain do
were pioneers of local Liberal Party organisation in Birmingham. Chamberlain focused on tracking and advising voters to maximise Liberal success. in 1867 Disraeli had introduced 2 votes per person for Boroughs with 3 MPs to try to guarantee Conservative seats, but Chamberlain’s system voters were guided and 3 Liberals elected). This model was taken up by other local associations.
what caused the liberal spilt in 1886-1928
Gladstone’s failure over Home Rule and the Liberal defeat in 1886 led to a split in the party with the unionists (i.e. opposed to Home Rule for Ireland – Whigs and some radicals, 78 of them in 1886) leaving to join the Conservatives.
what led to more organisation for parties in 1886-1928
1918 Act made parties realise that they would need a mass membership to respond to a mass electorate.
what led to the rise of the labour party in 1893
Initial growth is partly based on the desire to improve the representation of the working-class – i.e. more MPs from working-class backgrounds (connected to the view that Liberals were not keen to extend working-class representation). Keir Hardie and other key figures avoid references to ‘socialism’ to ensure broad appeal
what led to the organisation of the labour party
funding from the Trades Unions was needed for candidates especially until 1918 (to provide salaries for those elected) and costs of elections continued to need support from TUs after then.
Lib-Lab pact (1903) important in launching the party
what caused the rise of the labour party in 1893
Political and Social change is important – growing franchise, working-class majority constituencies, TU power (and attacks on it such as Taff Vale in 1901 which provoked a reaction which increased support for the Labour movement amongst the working class), improved education etc. BUT not a simple explanation e.g. working-class interests vary across the country (agriculture, different industries, dockers etc) and Labour’s growth does not entirely correlate with growth in franchise or union power.
