Redistribution of Seats and Conservative Reform Strategies

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the redistribution of seats and Conservative strategies under Disraeli.

What were rottenboroughs in the context of parliamentary representation?

Rottenboroughs were constituencies that were over-represented and lost MPs during the redistribution of seats.

Which cities gained seats during the redistribution of seats?

Larger cities such as Manchester and Birmingham gained seats.

What is gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party, such as placing suburbs expected to vote Liberal within Conservative borough boundaries.

How did Disraeli's pragmatism influence Conservative reform?

Disraeli viewed reform as a way to attract working-class voters to the Conservatives by stealing reform ideas from the Liberals.

What strategy did Disraeli use to win over working-class voters?

By expanding the vote in boroughs, Disraeli hoped that new voters would support the Tories instead of the Liberals.

What impact did the 1866 Reform Bill have on the Liberal party?

The 1866 Reform Bill split the Liberal party, which allowed Disraeli to outmaneuver Gladstone and pass Conservative reform, making the Liberals appear weak.