Development of the conservatives

Tory rule 1783-1830

The party remained solidly unified led by Pitt until 1801 and others from then. The party promoted maintenance of law and order, defence of property, strong armed forces, and moderate economic policy in a defined way that the whigs could not achieve. The tory party became incredibly divided over the catholic emancipation act 1829 and lost the next election. After the 1832 the party accepted a program of moderate reform.

Carlton clubs 1832

Formed after the passing of the reform act it was a social club for tory MPs and acted as a central hub to organise the party from. They were then expanded by Bonham, who was put in charge of party organisation, and who promoted the creation of Tory member associations to provide a focal point for local supporters.

Tamworth manifesto 1834

Peel announced this to a large crowd including journalists. It set out a new Tory program of moderate reform and renamed the party to the Conservatives to more clearly highlight their values.

Lichfield house compact 1835

This collapsed Peel’s government as the Liberals formed a large enough coalition to form their own government. However, the compact wouldn’t last and the conservatives won the 1841 election with a reasonable majority of 76 seats

Tory splits 1846

Peel repealed the corn laws in 1846 causing a huge conservative rebellion. A separate bill was proposed to relieve the 1845 potato famine in Ireland by Peel but this was so fiercely opposed that he was forced to resign by 1846.

The impact of the 1867 reform act

Despite being created by Disraeli, the liberals won the 1867 election as it was too early for the terms of the reform act to be applied. The county seats it created would win them the next election.

Party Organisation under Gorst

Gorst created the central office for selecting candidates and organising. He recognised the urban power so set up social clubs for working men in urban centers creating the most well organised party in the country.

Disraeli’s Tory Democracy speeches 1872

Disraeli set out his plan for One Nation conservatism making the party a national one not one based on class. Part of this was social reforms with, for example a program of slum clearances.

Primrose League 1882

This was set up in memory of Disraeli with a motto of ‘Empire and Liberty’. It had 1 million members in 1891 and 2 million in 1910. Not only important for growing the party it allowed in women making them politically active and sympathetic to the conservative party.

Impact of the 1884 reform act

Salisbury used this to create seats in new suburban wealthy towns and create single seat constituencies that were beneficial to the party for gaining seats even with a lower share of votes.

Balfour’s tariff reforms 1900

These were terrible policy choices made in an attempt to raise money but crushed the working class and free trade. The policy caused massive splits in the party which sent it out of contention for the next 15 years.

Position of the party 1928

The party was strong after ww1 and the coalition collapsed in 1922. The party was seen as stable and opposing socialism making it a stronger alternative than the liberals who were now defeated.

Answer structure

Reform acts, Individuals, Policy