Conservatism in the Age of Peel, Disraeli, and Salisbury - Vastly popular - Party of the twentieth century - 'Conservative century' - However, liberalism only part of the picture - 1841 - Sir Robert Peel, son of self-made industrialist - Impression that Peel is dull, many Victorians shared this view. Dies in 1850. - Class snobbishness, grown to be middle-class. - Peel was a hero - 1846- repeals the Corn Laws. Away with tarif f s and protection of British agriculture, opens up the country to imports. - Despite widespread opposition from backbenchers. Party splits. - Conservatives then out of power for 30 years, party of permanent opposition. - More for the condition of the poor, the working-classes by introducing free trade. - In opposition until 1874 - in power again from 1886-1906. -Explorereasonsforfluctuation,whyoutofpowerbuthowdoregainpower. Disraeli - Up to 1867 - Reform Act gives the vote to a million adult males in towns (urban male householders) - Extended again in 1884 - 3rd reform Act (Rural areas) - Mass politics - discussed democracy but not what we def i ne today. - Assumption that mass politics equals radical, conservative ideas which meant trouble. - 1868 - Gladstone elected by mass majority - Democracy means end of conservatism. - Party must adapt to survive - 1874 - Conservatives win majority. - Known for his Jewishness. - Gladstone argues the reason Disraeli isn't supporting the Christian Bulgarians at hands of Turkish Muslims is because Bulgarians are Christian - not pursuing a British Christian - not properly British. - Nearly goes bankrupt in 1820s, doesn't go to public school, becomes a writer, literary f i gure - 1840s. - Series of scandalous af f air with older married women in 1830s - then marries widows (45) - Traditionalist - committed to the idea of aristocracy and monarchy - because he's an out- sider and wants to belong. -BringsflairandexcitementtoVictorianpolitics. - Counter point to Gladstone - devout, moral, Evangelical. Disraeli - romantic, colourful, Jewish - Gladstone thought him to be immoral. - Disraeli says Gladstone is a hypocrite, writing to Queen in 1880, calling him irresponsi- ble. - Ministry is defensive. Lords Salisbury (1870-2) - Born in 1830, into great political dynasties, Cecil's - Terrif i ed by democracy, haunted by American Civil War in 1860s - 1867 - 'Conservative Surrender' - attacks Disraeli, attacks Reform Act, breaking up polit- ical system which bring peace and stability.
- Resigns over Reform Act, - 'Prime Minister of Despair' - Serves as PM for 13.5 years in total. - Party organisation - adapt to party politics - mobilising their audience - National Union (1867) - Primrose League - 1880s - of fers a role for Conservative women. Organises concerts, dances, more member son the league than Trade Unions. - Largest Voluntary movement in British History. - Ef fective at organising - momentum. - Cornford - party broadens appeal - party of aristocracy to the party of the middle- classes. - WH Smith - self-made man, Richard Cross is