Booklet 4
Political Developments 1886 - 1914
1
, The Electoral fortunes and misfortunes of the Conservative Party and
Liberal Party
The Rise of the Labour Party
The beginning of a new age
Between August 1886 and December 1905, the Conservative Party was the most successful
one in British politics, being in power for all but two and three-quarter years of the nineteen-
year period. This was a time when the electorate had been widened to include male
householders in both borough and county elections and when the Conservatives were still
strongly associated with a landed interest (but this was declining in power in prosperity).
They were led by the Marquess of Salisbury, a man who came from the heart of the
landowning aristocracy. He always used the word ‘English’ rather than British, and indeed
this was where they were most successful electorally. He held traditional Conservative
views, felt the working class were vermin, and was incredibly suspicious of democracy.
However, with his pragmatic outlook, and his strong managerial and leadership skills, he was
able to lead the ascendancy of the Conservative party against the ‘people’s William’, and
retained their dominance up until his retirement in 1902.
Why do you think the Conservatives became so dominant in this period?
Go further: can you suggest any elements that may have ended their dominance in 1905?
General Election Results 1880 - 1906
2
, 1. How many seats did the Liberals lose in the 1886 election?
2. Why did the Liberals only hold a minority government in 1892 – 1895?
3. Which Party peaked in 1885?
4. What party grew 15 times over in between elections?
5. How many seats did the Conservatives lose in the 1906 election?
The Liberal Decline
The Liberals 1886 –1892.
***The Irish Question – we will look at this later as we address Anglo-Irish relations
over the whole period.***
When Gladstone became Prime Minister for the first time, he claimed that ‘my mission, is
Ireland.’ This issue plagued Gladstone, and was one of the leading factors in splitting the
party in 1886. See the further Ireland booklet.
Using your textbook p64-65, answer the following questions.
1. How did the Liberals split in 1886?
Liberal Unionists (right-wing & radicals under Chamberlain)
2. Despite the split of 1886, what did the Liberals achieve in 1892?
A government – largest party & alliance with Irish Nationalists
3. What were the Liberals committed to in the 1892 election and why?
Home Rule – the price demanded by the Irish for their co-operation in forming a
working government.
4. Who wanted Gladstone to follow a radical social reform programme?
The radicals who had not left the party with Joseph Chamberlain.
5. Why did Gladstone agree to the ‘Newcastle Programme’?
3
Political Developments 1886 - 1914
1
, The Electoral fortunes and misfortunes of the Conservative Party and
Liberal Party
The Rise of the Labour Party
The beginning of a new age
Between August 1886 and December 1905, the Conservative Party was the most successful
one in British politics, being in power for all but two and three-quarter years of the nineteen-
year period. This was a time when the electorate had been widened to include male
householders in both borough and county elections and when the Conservatives were still
strongly associated with a landed interest (but this was declining in power in prosperity).
They were led by the Marquess of Salisbury, a man who came from the heart of the
landowning aristocracy. He always used the word ‘English’ rather than British, and indeed
this was where they were most successful electorally. He held traditional Conservative
views, felt the working class were vermin, and was incredibly suspicious of democracy.
However, with his pragmatic outlook, and his strong managerial and leadership skills, he was
able to lead the ascendancy of the Conservative party against the ‘people’s William’, and
retained their dominance up until his retirement in 1902.
Why do you think the Conservatives became so dominant in this period?
Go further: can you suggest any elements that may have ended their dominance in 1905?
General Election Results 1880 - 1906
2
, 1. How many seats did the Liberals lose in the 1886 election?
2. Why did the Liberals only hold a minority government in 1892 – 1895?
3. Which Party peaked in 1885?
4. What party grew 15 times over in between elections?
5. How many seats did the Conservatives lose in the 1906 election?
The Liberal Decline
The Liberals 1886 –1892.
***The Irish Question – we will look at this later as we address Anglo-Irish relations
over the whole period.***
When Gladstone became Prime Minister for the first time, he claimed that ‘my mission, is
Ireland.’ This issue plagued Gladstone, and was one of the leading factors in splitting the
party in 1886. See the further Ireland booklet.
Using your textbook p64-65, answer the following questions.
1. How did the Liberals split in 1886?
Liberal Unionists (right-wing & radicals under Chamberlain)
2. Despite the split of 1886, what did the Liberals achieve in 1892?
A government – largest party & alliance with Irish Nationalists
3. What were the Liberals committed to in the 1892 election and why?
Home Rule – the price demanded by the Irish for their co-operation in forming a
working government.
4. Who wanted Gladstone to follow a radical social reform programme?
The radicals who had not left the party with Joseph Chamberlain.
5. Why did Gladstone agree to the ‘Newcastle Programme’?
3
