Theme2-influence of the aristocracy

Question 1

what changed in 1780-1832

Answer 1

From the 1780s onwards – some action against power and cost of the Crown but nothing significant done to reduce aristocratic dominance in politics.
The development of radical ideas with increased support did lead to greater questioning of the system + growth in support for reform.

Question 2

what were the causes of the change in 1780-1832

Answer 2

Tory dominance (could link this to Whig’s growing support for reform)
Napoleonic wars a distraction.
Key radical figures – Paine, Cartwright, Wilkes, Cobbett and Hunt.
The LCS, Hampden Clubs, Political Register. All influence ideas but limited power v strong governments of Pitt and Liverpool
Economic and social change – growing middle class (+non-aristocratic population) too but radical cause weaker when the economy is stable

Question 3

what changed in 1832-65

Answer 3

Impact of 1832 House of Commons - increase in county seats arguably increases aristocratic influence.
Also the Chandos Clause – gave the vote to tenants in agricultural areas who would vote in accordance with the interests of their landowners.
Abolition of rotten / pocket boroughs did little to dilute aristocratic control of parliament – 70%+ MPs were connected to peers or the county gentry throughout this period.

Question 4

what caused the changes in 1832-65

Answer 4

Whig self-interest – 1832 Reform Act was designed to promote the fortunes of the Whigs who were the more aristocratic of the two parties.  Although middle-class franchise increased the ‘Reform to preserve’  was about the power of the aristocracy – i.e. middle-class support was being recruited to ensure this.
Could be argued that 1832 represents a turning point in the power of the House of Lords – unable to block reform (William IV and Grey’s threat to create peers) and declining legitimacy v Commons

Question 5

what changed in 1865-1905

Answer 5

Power and influence of the aristocracy declines:
Household suffrage  - boroughs in 1867, counties in 1884 – electorate could be influenced by organised parties but too large for aristocrats to do so. 
Ballot Act (1872) + Corrupt Practices Act (1883) together reduce influence over tenants (NB together, not just ballot) and getting rid of bribery and treatment (not seen again after 1880 election)
Redistribution Act (1885) also very important in the professionalization of politics – parties want better quality candidates, aristocratic influence over candidates reduced.
Although % of aristocrats in commons falls steadily influence in government continues – Most PMs.  10 peers in Salisbury’s Cabinet 1895

Question 6

what caused changes in 1865-1905

Answer 6

Key cause = political reforms
ie.. 1867 - - 1872 - - 1883 - - 1884 - - 1885
analysis can focus on the causes of these and the extent to which reduced aristocratic influence was intended/expected.

Also after 1880 economic changes (imported corn + impact on agricultural profits and introduction of death duties) reduced the wealth of the aristocracy thereby further reducing their influence.

Increased franchise further reduces the legitimacy and power of the Lords + Lords weakened by failed attempt to block 1880s reform but still have enough power to block Home Rule in 1892.

Question 7

what changed in 1906-1928

Answer 7

1906 election – only 10% of MPs from aristocratic /gentry families.
Parties continue to grow in power, the Labour party emerges and the working classes start to be successful in politics.
Peers v People over Liberal reforms again, initially shows some power (Balfour’s weapon (‘poodle’) v 1909 budget) but this results in Parliament Act significantly reduces the power of the Lords. BUT some retention of power – e.g. Lords in the cabinet continues (one-third of Baldwin’s 1924 Cabinet – 14 MPs / 7 peers

Question 8

what caused the changes in 1906-1928

Answer 8

New Liberal social policy and its opposition in the Lords end up working against the aristocracy – Parliament Act significantly weakens the Lords.

1918 and WW1 are important – an extension of the franchise, 1911 payment of MPs, - speeds up the growth of Labour and also social change. Over the period attitudes to democracy and aristocratic influence reverse with the latter dating BUT aristocrats do retain some influence even after 1928