Post on 04-Jan-2016
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Peel – The Great Reformer?
1834-35 & 1841-46
“No minister ever stood,or could stand,against public opinion.”
Peel - 1834
Peel – An Introduction…
• Prominent Conservative Politician
• Tried his hand at Farming - Helped develop the Tamworth Pig
• Son of a textiles industrialist - merchant
Tamworth Manifesto…
•December 1834
•Reorganisation of party
structure
•Outlined ideas of ‘necessary
reform’ and keeping the traditional
Tory views on Corn Laws and the Church
Conservatives
NOT Tories!
Social Reforms?• Mines Act – 1842 – Pressurised by Evangelical party members
• Factory Act - 1844 ‘moral duty’
• Bank Charter Act – 1844 – Increase investment
• Tax and Tariff Reforms – Stimulate economy and create long term social reform
Corn Law Repeal…Pressurised by Anti-Corn Law League.
In favour of ‘Free Trade’
Thought economic policies would lead to social reform in the long run
Betrayal of Party?
• Tory period principles
• Bed Chamber Crisis
• 1841 election
So, was Peel a reformer after all?
Yes No
•Passed many reform laws - Tories traditionally against reform
•Went against Wellington – Peel thought of country over party
•Progressive reformer – adapted ideas
•Used ideas of others
• Buckled under pressure – didn’t reform unless had to
•Voted against great reform
Almost a reformer…