'Peel damaged the Conservative Party 1829-1846'. Assess this view.

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'Peel damaged the Conservative Party 1829-1846'. Assess this view.

Advantages

  • Repeal of the Corn Laws 1846 - split the party, party didn't win a majority for 30+ years.
  • Catholic Emancipation Act 1829 - Peel supported it and wasn't forgiven by 'Ultra Tories', went against his & Tory ideals.
  • Income tax -  hit Tory interest.

Disadvantages

  • 100 Days in govt, Dec 1834. - consolidated party unity, created the Ecclesiastical Commission (overhaul of finances and administration for CofE) & boosted party morale.
  • Tamworth Manifesto - appeal to new m/class electorate. Gained 100+ seats in 1835 G.E.
  • 1841 Election victory.
  • Improved party organisation -which lead to electoral success.

Evaluation

While the Corn Laws, Irish Coercion Bill and the earlier Catholic Emancipation Act lead to the split of the party and loss of their majority and Peel's forced resignation, Peel was a great national leader. He changed the party and helped it with its revival after the 1832 and showed how the party could change along 'modern' lines. As well, he laid the foundation for modern Conservatism. 

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