‘The repeal of the Corn Laws was the main reason for the weakness of the Conservative Party during the period from 1846 to 1866.’ How far do you agree?
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2021
Topic
Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846-1918
👑Complete Model Essay
‘The repeal of the Corn Laws was the main reason for the weakness of the Conservative Party during the period from 1846 to 1866.’ How far do you agree?
The Repeal of the Corn Laws and the Weakness of the Conservative Party (1846-1866)
The repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 stands as a pivotal moment in British political history. It not only ushered in an era of free trade but also significantly impacted the political landscape, particularly for the Conservative Party. This essay will explore the extent to which the repeal of the Corn Laws can be seen as the main reason for the Conservative Party's weakness between 1846 and 1866. While the repeal undoubtedly contributed to the party's internal divisions and electoral struggles, other factors, such as the rise of Liberalism and the dominance of Palmerstonian foreign policy, played equally significant roles.
The Conservative Party's Internal Divisions
The repeal of the Corn Laws triggered a deep schism within the Conservative Party. Sir Robert Peel, the party leader, was a firm believer in free trade and led the campaign for repeal. His decision, however, alienated a significant portion of the party, particularly the large landowners who benefited from protectionist policies. This split created the Protectionist and Peelite factions, with the latter generally supporting free trade and aligning with the Whigs. This division weakened the Conservatives by preventing them from presenting a united front and hindered their ability to effectively challenge the Liberal government.
Lack of Leadership
The death of Peel in 1850 further exacerbated the Conservative Party's leadership crisis. While Lord Derby and Benjamin Disraeli emerged as prominent figures, neither could fully unite the party. Derby's aristocratic background and traditionalist views appealed to the Protectionist wing but alienated the Peelites. Disraeli's charisma and political acumen were not enough to bridge the ideological gap. The Conservatives, lacking a unifying figure, struggled to regain control of the government.
The Rise of Liberalism
The repeal of the Corn Laws, alongside the burgeoning industrial economy, contributed to the growth of Liberalism in Britain. The Whigs, along with the Peelites and Radicals, formed a powerful coalition under the leadership of Lord John Russell. The Liberals embraced free trade and social reform policies, which appealed to a broad range of voters, including urban workers and industrialists. Their success in elections and their effective governance further undermined the Conservative Party's position.
The Influence of Palmerston
The period between 1846 and 1866 saw the rise of Lord Palmerston, a charismatic and popular figure who dominated the political scene. Despite his initial affiliation with the Whigs, Palmerston embraced a pragmatic approach to politics, often working with both Conservative and Liberal elements. His successful foreign policy, particularly in the Crimean War, further enhanced his popularity and provided a strong rallying point for the Liberals.
Conclusion
While the repeal of the Corn Laws undoubtedly contributed to the Conservative Party's weakness in the period between 1846 and 1866, it was not the sole reason. The party's internal divisions, the lack of a unifying leader, the rise of Liberalism, and the dominance of Palmerston's foreign policy played equally important roles. Overall, the repeal of the Corn Laws acted as a catalyst, accelerating the Conservative Party's decline and paving the way for the emergence of a new political order based on liberalism and free trade.
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The Repeal of the Corn Laws and Conservative Weakness (1846-1866)
Introduction:
The repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 was a pivotal moment in British political history, marking a significant shift towards free trade and having lasting impacts on the Conservative Party. This essay will argue that while the repeal itself contributed to Conservative weakness between 1846 and 1866, it was ultimately one of several factors that limited their electoral success. Other crucial elements include the rise of the Liberal Party, Palmerston's leadership, and broader economic trends.
Arguments Supporting the Primacy of Corn Law Repeal:
Party Split and Division:
The repeal of the Corn Laws deeply fractured the Conservative Party. It led to the formation of the Peelite faction, free traders who sided with Peel against the protectionist stance of many within their own party. This split created lasting animosity and distrust, preventing a united front for two decades.
Leadership Vacuum:
Peel's dominance, followed by his death in 1850, left a leadership void. Neither Derby nor Disraeli could fully unite the party, still reeling from the aftershocks of the Corn Law debate. The lack of a strong, unifying figure hampered their ability to present a cohesive opposition to the Whigs and later the Liberals.
The Peelite Factor:
The Peelites, though small in number, played a crucial role in denying the Conservatives a clear path to power. Their alignment with the Whigs, based on shared free trade principles, effectively bolstered the opposition and kept the Conservatives in the political wilderness for extended periods.
Alienation of Key Support:
The repeal alienated many landowners, a traditional pillar of Conservative support. The perceived attack on their economic interests drove some away from the party, further weakening its base. This loss of crucial backing had long-term consequences for Conservative electoral fortunes.
Counterarguments: Broader Context of Weakness
Economic Prosperity:
The period from 1846 to 1866 witnessed significant economic growth and prosperity in Britain. This benefited the incumbent Whigs and later the Liberals, who could claim credit for the favorable economic climate. The Conservatives, associated with the pre-repeal protectionist policies, struggled to make headway in a time of relative affluence.
Palmerstonian Ascendancy:
Lord Palmerston's leadership, particularly his foreign policy successes, resonated with the electorate. His brand of liberal nationalism proved popular, further overshadowing the Conservatives and contributing to their struggles. Palmerston's political acumen and public appeal were formidable obstacles.
Rise of the Liberal Party:
The emergence of the Liberal Party, a fusion of Whigs, Radicals, and Peelites, created a formidable political force. This realignment of political allegiances further marginalized the Conservatives. The Liberals represented a broader coalition of interests and ideals, proving more adept at capturing the changing political landscape.
Conclusion:
While the repeal of the Corn Laws undoubtedly weakened the Conservative Party, attributing their struggles solely to this event is an oversimplification. The repeal, while significant, occurred within a complex political and economic context. Factors such as economic prosperity, Palmerston's leadership, and the rise of the Liberal Party played equally crucial roles in shaping the political landscape of the period. The Conservatives were victims not only of their own internal divisions but also of the broader forces of change sweeping through British society.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Answers that the repeal of the Corn Laws was the main reason for the weakness of the Conservative Party
might argue that the party split and remained divided for 20 years. They might also argue that the Conservatives lacked leadership as a result of repeal. Peel was the dominant force (till his death in 1850) and, thereafter, Derby and Disraeli, but none was trusted enough to unite the party. They may also argue that the Peelites (or free traders) supported the Whigs and helped keep the Conservatives out of office. They might also argue that repeal alienated the larger landowners whose support was crucial to the party.
Answers that other reasons explain the weakness of the Conservative Party
might analyse the economic prosperity of the period which resulted in support for the Liberals. They might also discuss the influence and leadership of Palmerston and especially his successful foreign policies. They might also emphasise the emergence of the Liberal Party with the merger of the Whigs, Radical and Peelites.