Why did the Tories collapse in 1830/ Why did Tories lose 1830 general Election?

Question 1

The death of Lord Liverpool and the Dispute over the Succession (part one)

Answer 1

• Lord Liverpool’s resignation after a stroke led to disunity
• Without Liverpool’s leadership, the different factions within the Tory Party argued over policy and major differences appeared between various personalities contesting the leadership
• Canning’s appointment as PM in spring of 1827 was an extremely popular choice in the country at large and he was determined to follow his own agenda.

Question 2

The death of Lord Liverpool and the Dispute over the Succession (part two)

Answer 2

• However, Canning was equally unpopular with large sections of his own party, both Wellington and Peel resigned and refused to serve under him
• The survival of Canning’s ministry depended on an alliance of Enlightened Tories such as Huskisson and Palmerston and members of the Whig Party

Question 3

The death of Lord Liverpool and the Dispute over the Succession (part three)

Answer 3

• Canning’s Premature death led to the appointment of Lord Goderich - This administration was to be one of the worst century, it lasted until Jan. 1828.
• The only realistic alternative as PM was the Duke of Wellington who was completely unsuited to the position because of his brutal honesty and lack of tact. Wellington’s appointment split the party even further.
• Supporters of Canning (Canningites) were extremely uneasy that Wellington’s (a known Ultra) was PM.

Question 4

Differences within the Tory Party over Catholic Emancipation (part one)

Answer 4

• While Catholics had the vote (if they met the requirements), they were prohibited from holding public office, e.g. MP
• This was a particular problem in Ireland where 90% of the population was Catholic.
• Emancipation would remove these restrictions and, its supporters claimed, solve all the problems of Ireland

Question 5

Differences within the Tory Party over Catholic Emancipation (part two)

Answer 5

• Religious bigotry and hatred was rife within the Tory Party and any discussion of Catholic Emancipation threatened the fragile unity of the Party
• Once Liverpool had resigned, the different groups and divisions came out into the open i.e. the Ultra-Protestant group led by Wellington and Peel (opposed to Emancipation); and the Canningites who were far more open in their support for Emancipation

Question 6

Differences within the Tory Party over Catholic Emancipation (part three)

Answer 6

• Events in Ireland ultimately meant that the Tory Party had to relent and Catholic Emancipation was passed
• The Ultras, who felt betrayed by Wellington and Peel, did everything they could to discredit the Ministry up to it ending in November 1830.

Question 7

The Question of Parliamentary Reform and the Final collapse of Tory Rule in 1830 (part one)

Answer 7

• Most Tories were staunch supporters of the existing electoral system because it represented their interests as landowners and they viewed it as a safeguard against Revolution like had happened in France in 1789
• Wellington, Peel and the Ultras were firmly against the extension of the vote for precisely the above reasons
• The Canningites were more enthusiastic

Question 8

The Question of Parliamentary Reform and the Final collapse of Tory Rule in 1830 (part two)

Answer 8

• The divisions in the Tory Party were partially exposed when an opportunity arose to enfranchise the under-represented cities of Manchester and Leeds. Wellington was opposed to the idea and this lead to the resignation of the leading Canningite, Huskisson.
• The issue of Catholic Emancipation had a knock-on effect on Parliamentary reform because peaceful protest had ensured the abolition of what was regarded as a fundamental pillar of Toryism

Question 9

The Question of Parliamentary Reform and the Final collapse of Tory Rule in 1830 (part three)

Answer 9

• The death of George IV in 1830 and the accession of William IV was another blow to those opposed to Parliamentary Reform
• The new king was known to be more tolerant to the more tolerant to the Whig position
• There was open opposition by the Canningites and Whigs to Wellington’s continued opposition to Parliamentary Reform.
• Worsening economic and political conditions highlighted the need for change

Question 10

The Question of Parliamentary Reform and the Final collapse of Tory Rule in 1830 (part four)

Answer 10

• The Tories were subsequently defeated over an investigation into the Civil List account (annual amount the Royal family is awarded by Parliamentary)
• Wellington commanded little loyalty among his own party and was confronted by a resurgent Whig Party led by Earl Grey
• The end of Tory rule at the November 1830 election was a certainty