To what extent do the Tories deserve to be called the Liberal Tories in the period 1822 to 1830? Flashcards
What is the modern sense of liberal?
Seeking consensus, being humane, acting progressively, being prepared to make changes to improve people’s lives and avoiding excess - these are usually seen as ‘positive’.
What was the contemporary sense of liberal?
Liberal meant having a more constitutional government, which responded to the people more and encouraged freedom of opportunity for merchants, businessmen and traders. To some, this would be a negative, e.g. High Tories, saw this label as an insult.
Who were liberals at the time?
Opposed to the power of the Church and the monarchy, and fought for constitutions which allowed for some representation of the views of the people.
What happened under the liberal tories?
Did bring about some reforms, old restrictions were lifted and more free trade. There was also more acceptance of Whig ideas and willingness to cooperate with the Whigs.
What happened following the death of Castlereagh?
Lord Liverpool reshuffled the cabinet.
Who were the liberal tories?
They came from middle-class backgrounds compared to the majority of landowning Tories and were open to new ideas and prepared to introduce some reforms, making them more progressive than the previous cabinet.
What did Liverpool hope to do?
Improve social and economic reforms and to gain support of nationwide moderate reforms.
What were the three main areas of reform?
- Home office.
- Reform of administration of justice.
- Economic.
What was the Penal Code?
It reduced hundreds of contradictory reforms to 8.
What happened to the death penalty and other crimes?
1823 - The death penalty was abolished for over 180 offence and the rest were left for the judge to decide punishment, except for murder and treason.
Punishments for other offences were less severe.
When was the Gaols Act?
1823
What was the Gaols Act?
This removed abuses and made imprisonment a major punishment. Jailers were paid and there were male and female jailers. It also provided education, doctors, chaplains, inspectors to preventre-offending.
When was the metropolitan police established?
1829.
What was the metropolitan police force?
Peel introduced London police force. 1000 (upto 3000) paid constables under the control of a commissioner withheadquartersat Scotland Yard. Crime rate reduced. Many felt it was another form of repression, resented police. Respect for police increased.
When and what was the Reciprocity of Duties Act?
1823 - The government could make treaties with other countries for free trade. Removed trade restrictions with Britain’s colonies.
