Lord Liverpool and the Tories2

From 1882 the nature of Liverpool’s government changed. The decline of the radical movement as the economy improved allowed the government to make some reforms. Although Liverpool was to remain as Prime Minister until 1827, his government was made up of younger men, more open to new ideas. However, historians have discussed whether 1822 really marked a turning point in British politics or whether repression was being eased before 1822.

Changes in the Cabinet

1822 - Began after Castlereagh’s suicide - replaced by Canning - realised that there was a need for some limited reform.

Supported by Liverpool and new members of the Cabinet.

Huskisson -President as Board of Trade Robinson - Chancellor of the Exchequer Peel - Home Secretary. Result was temporary decline in Radicalism BUT Ultra

Tories remained - they wanted no reform.

Liberal Tory Reforms

Free Trade - Huskisson believed in free trade. Influenced by merchants and industrialists who thought tariffs on goods encouraged other countries to raise tariffs. Britain had industrialised first so if goods were cheaper British industry would benefit. Huskisson wanted to reduce tariffs

1822 Relaxed Navigation Acts 1823 Reciprocity of Duties Act 1824 Duties on some goods reduced 1825 More Duties reduced - Duties on all other goods fell from 50%

to 20% The result was British trade improved and the cost of living fell.

Trade Unions

Trade Unions had been illegal since the Combination Acts of 1799.

In the period 1815-22 the government seemed to be justified in this law. But the change of tone in government together with the improving economy led to a feeling that the Combination Acts were actually harming the economy. Francis Place organised a Parliamentary Committee which recommended scrapping the Laws in 1824.

The result was a wave of strikes so an Amending Law was passed but Trade Unions were now legal.

Peel at the Home Office

A combination of pressure from humanitarians such as Elizabeth Fry and John Howard and a need for a more efficient system led Peel to make reforms.

1823 - Death penalty abolished for the majority of crimes 1823 Gaols Act - Gaolers to be paid - separate gaols for

men and women - some education for prisoners - prisons to be inspected.

1829 Metropolitian Police Act soon copied by other cities.

The Tories after Liverpool

Liverpool resigned 1827 Canning became PM but soon died Goderich took over but resigned 1828 -Wellington took

over as PM But the ministry was not successful - the party split into: Progressives led by Huskisson and the Ultras - who wanted

no reform at all During this time there were two important pieces of

legislation 1828 Modification of Corn Laws 1828 Repeal of test and Corporations Act

Catholic Emancipation

Daniel O’Connel backed by the Catholic Association, won an election in County Clare. As a Catholic he was not allowed to take his seat. If the situation were to be repeated across Ireland there would be chaos

Wellington realised that the time had come for Catholic Emancipation.

Reluctantly aided by Peel, he managed to get the Bill through Parliament.

In doing so he split the Tory party even more. The Ultras left the ministry, and a weakened Tory Party did

badly in the 1830 election, having to let the Whigs take power.

Discussion points

What was the effect of the changes in economic policy on the British economy?

Why did Parliament allow Trade Unions to become legal?

How did Peel’s reforms make the system more efficient?

Why did Wellington bring in Catholic Emancipation?

Possible Exam Questions

‘1822 was a turning point in British politics’. Discuss

How liberal were the ‘Liberal Tories’?