1. Lord Liverpool and the Tories2

2. zFrom 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.

3. Changes in the Cabinet z1822 - Began after Castlereagh’s suicide - replaced by Canning - realised that there was a need for some limited reform. zSupported by Liverpool and new members of the Cabinet. zHuskisson -President as Board of Trade zRobinson - Chancellor of the Exchequer zPeel - Home Secretary. zResult was temporary decline in Radicalism BUT Ultra Tories remained - they wanted no reform.

4. Liberal Tory Reforms zFree 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 z1822 Relaxed Navigation Acts z1823 Reciprocity of Duties Act z1824 Duties on some goods reduced z1825 More Duties reduced - Duties on all other goods fell from 50% to 20% zThe result was British trade improved and the cost of living fell.

5. Trade Unions zTrade Unions had been illegal since the Combination Acts of 1799. zIn 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. zThe result was a wave of strikes so an Amending Law was passed but Trade Unions were now legal.

6. Peel at the Home Office zA 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. z1823 - Death penalty abolished for the majority of crimes z1823 Gaols Act - Gaolers to be paid - separate gaols for men and women - some education for prisoners - prisons to be inspected. z1829 Metropolitian Police Act soon copied by other cities.

7. The Tories after Liverpool zLiverpool resigned 1827 zCanning became PM but soon died zGoderich took over but resigned 1828 -Wellington took over as PM zBut the ministry was not successful - the party split into: zProgressives led by Huskisson and the Ultras - who wanted no reform at all zDuring this time there were two important pieces of legislation z1828 Modification of Corn Laws  1828 Repeal of test and Corporations Act

8. Catholic Emancipation zDaniel 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 zWellington realised that the time had come for Catholic Emancipation. zReluctantly aided by Peel, he managed to get the Bill through Parliament. zIn doing so he split the Tory party even more. zThe Ultras left the ministry, and a weakened Tory Party did badly in the 1830 election, having to let the Whigs take power.

9. Discussion points zWhat was the effect of the changes in economic policy on the British economy? zWhy did Parliament allow Trade Unions to become legal? zHow did Peel’s reforms make the system more efficient? zWhy did Wellington bring in Catholic Emancipation?

10. Possible Exam Questions z‘1822 was a turning point in British politics’. Discuss zHow liberal were the ‘Liberal Tories’?