Unit 4.1: Economy, society, and politics :
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AQA: Industrialisation and the people: Britain
Revision Notes
Unit 4: Economy, society, and politics 1846-1885:
Topic 1: Government and developing political organisation—
The development of the political system and party realignment.
o The damage created by the Conservative party over the Repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846
brought about a significant realignment of the 2 main political parties (Whigs and
Conservatives)
o This meant there were now 5 different political groups in parliament:
Protectionist Conservative
Peelites
The Whigs
The radicals
The Irish MPs
o The support of the Irish MPs was split between whatever party they believed would
concede to their demands.
o The radicals generally supported the Whigs, but on certain issues could be their worst
critics.
o The Peelites were uncertain as to whether to finalise their break and support the Whigs
or whether to find a compromise and return to their Conservative Roots
o The fact that there were 9 ministries over 20 years suggests a period of political instability and a
clear 2-party system seemed unlikely to emerge.
o It could also be seen as a formative phase out of which emerged new robust political
alignments and the beginning of a modern party system.
o Lord John Russel’s Whig government survived 6 years with the support from the Peelites and
achieved the furtherance of Free Trade by the abolition of the Navigation Acts in 1849
o The Conservatives realised by the 1850s that to rebuild the party, they would have to abandon
Protection and attract industry and commerce if they were ever again going to enjoy political
success.
o The 1852 and 1857 elections led to ineffective Conservative minority governments.
Although valuable work was being done behind the scenes on Conservative Party
reorganisation
o Ministries:
Lord Russell’s first Ministry 1846-52 Whig Seen as week and ineffective. He was
unable to inspire his followers but
survived with Peelite support. Abolished
the Navigation act in 1849, in favour of
Free Trade
Lord Derby’s first Ministry 1852 Conservative No workable majority. Progressed
democracy by abolishing the property
qualification to stand for MP. Allowed
practising Jews to sit in Parliament
Lord Aberdeen 1852-55 Whig-Peelite Coalition Directed his energy at foreign affairs
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, AQA: Industrialisation and the people: Britain
Revision Notes
policies. Defeated by tress of Crimean
War
Lord Palmerston’s First 1855-58 Whig Focused on foreign affairs, patriotism
Ministry and promoting British interests abroad
and won popular support for a time
Lord Derby’s Second 1858-59 Conservative Lacked a majority.
Ministry
Lord Palmerston’s Second 1859-65 Whig-Peelite and More cohesive government, bridge
Ministry Liberals between group politics of 1850s and
party politics. His chief concern was
foreign affairs, but with little legislation,
he blocked all reform and died in office.
He refused to contemplate reform
despite having liberal support
Lord Russell’s Second 1865-66 Whigs, Peelites, liberals Moving towards unity as Liberals, he
Ministry and Radicals retired and handed over to Gladstone.
On the eve of winning the election, he
formed a government and instantly
introduced a bill for Reform of
parliament but failed to convince enough
of his own party and was defeated.
Lord Derby’s Third Ministry 1866-68 Conservative Politically powerless but passed the
Second Reform Act 1867.
Disraeli 1868 Conservative Politically powerless with no majority. He
was determined and ambitious for his
party. Although he had the support of
the monarch, he was defeated in the
next election
The developments of the political system:
o The 1832 Reform Act had strengthened the concept of representative government and made
the political system more democratic, and so had the direct effect of weakening the political
powers of the monarch.
o The continuing creation of wealth and growth of prosperity in Britain through industrialisation
was gradually increasing the size of the electorate, as more men met the property requirements
of the 1832 Act to qualify for the franchise.
o There was a question over whether the monarchy would survive.
o When Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837, the British monarchy was unpopular,
and members of the royal family were targeted constantly in the press for their
vulgarity, low morals, extravagance, and stupidity.
o The monarch survived and flourished through Queen Victoria, who through her personal
integrity restored some of its dignity and popular appeal.
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