(CURRENT CAMBRIDGE HISTORY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT)
A- Level history (7041/1G) - This is an invaluable document of all my essay plans working at an A* grade for the AQA Britain course. Includes all my central arguments, introductions and counter arguments. Is ordered thematically (social/ economic/...
How important was Disraeli in the development of the Conservatives 1851-1885?
Disraeli is a central figure in the development of the Conservatives, rising to prominence in 1846
after the Corn Law split, briefly becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1852 and leading Cons to
first outright election victory in 3 decades in 1874. His primary contribution to the Conservative’s
development was his revolutionised the party’s political tactics managed to restore the
Conservatives to the political mainstream. Less so, he broadened party appeal however this was a
vote winning campaign . He failed to “re-educate” the party as he claimed thus didn’t greatly
develop Conservative principles and wasn’t responsible for the overhaul of organisation. However,
Disraeli was exceptionally important in the party’s development as he inarguably widened the
appeal of the Conservatives.
1. Transformed party tactics
In order to broaden party appeal. Established principle that opposition leaders should attack gment-
before Disraeli opposition to Libs was passive. During 1850s and 1860s Cons became passive, over
2/3 split from Peel. Crystal Palace speech heavily attacked Lib reforms, referred to Gstone “Harty
Tarty”- had huge personal rivalry 1852-68. Clever and tenacious leader – embarked on series of
speeches 1872, previously unheard of, to appeal to the ordinary man who was often illiterate- 35%
males 1850. However, began to less skilfully master politics later period- in 1880 election never
claimed any credit for reforms, seemed as passive as they did in 1850s
2. Broadened Party
During Peel, no enthusiasm in the party for direct gment intervention, emphasised social reform.
Dickens “vote winning programme of social reform”. After 1872 speeches promising to “elevate
condition of the people” won 350 seats. Although echoed Peel’s strategy of 1830s broadened the
party appeal to attract dissident Libs- 1880 Gstone Irish Compensation Bill, Disraeli managed to get
50 Libs to vote against and Lord Lansowne defected over to Cons. As Blake noted, Disraeli gave
“broad based appeal” to the party, despite still emphasising maintenance of national institutions. An
ode to his work was 1881 Primrose League, party organisation directed at working class; 1 million
members 1891.
3. Educated Policy
Claimed after 1867 act “yes, I educated out policy”- developed party policy immensely but never re-
educated views. Converted Cons to Parliamentary reform but ultimately a “leap in the dark”, not a
change of principles. Re-educated policy upon free trade for pragmatic reasons – defeated in 1852
election bc protectionist stance. During 1874-80 ministry taught Cabinet about TU reform “we have
settled the long and vexatious contest”. Greatly stressed Lords integrity which Salisbury later
inherited. However Cons continued to defend the constitution. Crystal Palace June 1872 “maintain
the institutions of the country”, cons remained wedded to traditional principles conveyed in 1874
manifesto upon strengthening institutions. Part of wider “One Nation Conservatism” aim to broaden
party appeal.
4. Organisation
Was overhauled but not due to Disraeli. Only started re-organisation after 1868 defeat, Nation Union
of Conservatives set up 1869. Understood need for party discipline, ENCOURAGED re-organisation of
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