Disraeli: Arguments regarding social reform
Disraeli built on the Gladstonian
legacy: many of the reforms finished-off what Gladstone had already commenced.
The Public Health Act (1875) was a good example of this. As it responded to a
Royal Commission Report first set up by Gladstone. (Read more after Break)
Popular legislation: keeping
publicans happy as well as the brewers. Trade Union legislation tried to appeal
to working-class support.
Disraeli wanted to present
his ideas as part of his wider plan for Tory Democracy and one nation Toryism.
In comparison to Gladstone’s legislation Disraeli has a more practical and
pragmatic effect (which was viewed as a breath of fresh air); less intrusive
and less demanding. More about finding practical ways of improving the lives of
people.
Both Gladstone and Disraeli attempted to reach out to the urban classes, and to the new voters after the 1867 Reform
Act, but neither believed in universal suffrage. As in this form of popular
politics: the old order needs to be seen to respond to the needs of all classes
and not just the social elite.
Effects of 1867 Reform Act
·
Rebirth of political
life in towns and country: after 1867 all constituency elections are
challenged. Liberals and Conservatives stand against each other even in safe
seats.
·
Parties start to form
manifestos (first brought about by Robert Peel); local constituency
organisations became active in recruitment. Tighter structure to party
politics. Disraeli and Gladstone were the first popular-personality
politicians.
·
MPs feel a huge amount
of pressure to be seen to do ‘good’, thus resulting in many new laws.