ABSTRACT
The Conservative party remains the longest-established major political party in modern British history. This collection makes available 19th century documents illuminating aspects of Conservatism through a critical period in the party’s history, from 1830 to 1874. It throws light on Conservative ideas, changing policies, party organisation and popular partisan support, showing how Conservatism evolved and responded to domestic and global change. It explores how certain clusters of ideas and beliefs comprised a Conservative view of political action and purposes, often reinforcing the importance of historic institutions such as the Anglican Church, the monarchy and the constitution. It also looks at the ways in which a broadening electorate required the marshalling of Conservative supporters through greater party organisation, and how the Conservative party became the embodiment and expression of durable popular political sentiment. The collection examines how the Conservative party became a body seeking to deliver progress combined with stability.
The documents brought together in this collection give direct voice to how Conservatives of the period perceived and extolled their aspirations, aims, and the values of Conservatism. Introductory essays highlight the main themes and nature of Conservatism in a dynamic age of change and how the Conservative axiom, in an imperfect world of successful adaptation, being essential to effective preservation informed and defined the Conservative party, the views of its leaders, the beliefs of its supporters, and the political outlook they espoused. This second volume continues covering the period 1830-1850.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 5|268 pages
A Financial Minister, 1842–1846
chapter 1|26 pages
Robert Peel, Speech in the House of Commons, February 9th, 1842, on the Corn Laws
chapter 2|32 pages
Robert Peel, Speech on the Financial Condition of the Country on march 11th, 1842; with the Schedules Containing the New Custom Duties, and the Tax Upon Property and Income. Carefully Revised
chapter 3|20 pages
‘Sir Robert Peel’s Policy’
chapter 4|43 pages
‘Review of Conservative Publications’
chapter 5|37 pages
Robert Peel, Speeches May 6th and 20th, 1844, on the Renewal of the Bank Charter, and the State of the Law Respecting Currency and Banking
chapter 6|15 pages
‘Ministerial Measures’
chapter 8|15 pages
‘The Late and the Present Ministry’
chapter 9|42 pages
‘Close of Sir Robert Peel’s Administration’
part 6|151 pages
Conservative Disunion, 1847–1850