Gentlemanly Capitalism and Economic Policy: City, Government and the ‘National Interest’, 1850–1914

In previous chapters we have tried to show that, as the wealth, cultural standing and political authority o f the aristocracy diminished, the reformed gentlemanly class that arose in the course o f the nineteenth century achieved greater wealth and social status than the manufacturers w ho were associated w ith the major staple industries o f Britain. It remains for us to demonstrate that this economic and social superiority was reflected in the making o f economic policy after 1850, and in its chief modifications after 1880.