The Whigs formed a political party dominated by rich landowners. They had supported parliamentary reform between 1830 and 1832 in order to prevent revolution but were not radical social reformers.
Following the 1832 election, the Whigs had a large majority over the Tories. However, they had to fight general elections in 1835, 1837 and 1841. After the 1835 election, the Whigs had to rely on support from Daniel O'Connell's group of Irish MP's and radicals.
In 1839, the Whigs government resigned following a revolt in Jamaica, but the Conservative leader, Peel, refused to take office because of the Bedchamber crisis.
Although the Whigs were reluctant reformers who ensured that participation in politics was limited to relatively few property owners, they made important administrative changes during their term of office from 1833-41.
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