▪ Internal policies
▪ Irish Problem
VIII. Robert Peel and the Return of the Tories
Sir Robert Peel was a prominent British statesman and leader of the Conservative Party (Tories) in the 19th century. He played a crucial role in shaping British politics, especially during his two terms as Prime Minister (1834-1835 and 1841-1846). Peel is remembered for his internal policies and his handling of the Irish Problem, both of which had long-term impacts on Britain.
1. Robert Peel and the Return of the Tories
1.1. Background of the Tories
Tory Party: The Tories were one of the two major political parties in Britain during the 19th century, representing the landed aristocracy and traditional values.
Weakening of the Party: After the passing of the Reform Act of 1832, which expanded voting rights to the middle class, the Tories struggled to remain relevant. The Whigs, their political rivals, gained more influence as they supported reforms benefiting industrialists and the middle class.
Return to Power: Under Robert Peel’s leadership, the Tories rebranded themselves as the “Conservative Party” and adopted a more reform-oriented approach to attract the new middle-class voters. Peel’s efforts revitalized the party and brought it back to power.
2. Internal Policies of Robert Peel
2.1. Economic Reforms
Free Trade Policies: One of Peel’s most significant contributions was his commitment to free trade. He believed in reducing tariffs to encourage competition and lower prices for consumers.
Repeal of the Corn Laws (1846): The Corn Laws had been enacted to protect British landowners by imposing tariffs on imported grain, which kept food prices high. However, they became increasingly unpopular, especially among the working class and industrialists. Peel repealed the Corn Laws, a controversial decision that split the Conservative Party but benefited the economy by lowering food prices and reducing the cost of living.
2.2. Financial Reforms
Income Tax: To compensate for the loss of revenue from the reduced tariffs, Peel reintroduced income tax in 1842. This was aimed at wealthier individuals, making the tax system more equitable and providing the government with steady revenue.
Banking Reforms: Peel passed the Bank Charter Act of 1844, which regulated the issuance of banknotes. This measure was taken to ensure that paper money was backed by gold reserves, helping to stabilize the economy.
2.3. Social Reforms
Factory Act (1844): Peel introduced factory reforms to improve the conditions for workers. The Factory Act of 1844 limited working hours for women and children and enforced basic safety standards in factories.
Police Reforms: Earlier in his career, Peel had established the Metropolitan Police Force in London in 1829, which became a model for modern policing. His aim was to reduce crime through organized and professional law enforcement.
2.4. Administrative Reforms
Civil Service Reform: Peel promoted merit-based appointments in government positions, rather than relying on patronage. This improved the efficiency and professionalism of the British administration.
3. The Irish Problem
3.1. Background of the Irish Problem
Ireland under British Rule: Ireland had been under British control for centuries, and Irish Catholics, who made up the majority of the population, faced discrimination. They were denied political rights and subjected to economic hardships.
Religious Tensions: The Act of Union of 1801 had united Britain and Ireland, but Irish Catholics continued to face restrictions, especially in holding public office, which deepened the religious divide between Protestants and Catholics.
3.2. Peel’s Policies on Ireland
Catholic Emancipation (1829): Earlier in his political career, Peel had opposed Catholic emancipation, which sought to grant political rights to Catholics. However, as Home Secretary, he reluctantly supported the Catholic Relief Act of 1829, allowing Catholics to hold public office. This marked a significant step in addressing religious discrimination but angered many Tories.
3.3. Economic and Social Issues
Poverty and Famine: Ireland was plagued by extreme poverty, especially among tenant farmers, who relied on the potato crop for sustenance. In 1845, the Great Famine struck, caused by potato blight, which led to widespread starvation and death. Peel tried to alleviate the situation by importing maize from the United States to provide food, but the aid was insufficient to fully address the crisis.
3.4. Repeal of the Corn Laws and Ireland
Impact on Ireland: Peel’s repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 was partly influenced by the Irish famine. By removing tariffs on imported grain, Peel hoped to lower food prices in Ireland and reduce starvation. However, the repeal did not immediately solve the famine, and Peel’s handling of the Irish crisis drew both praise and criticism.
3.5. Peel’s Legacy in Ireland
Mixed Success: While Peel’s policies helped mitigate some of the immediate problems in Ireland, they did not address the underlying issues of land ownership, poverty, and political representation. His efforts to deal with the Irish Problem were seen as too little, too late by many, and Ireland’s struggles continued for decades.
4. Political Challenges and Legacy
4.1. Peel’s Split with the Conservative Party
Division over the Corn Laws: The repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 caused a major rift in the Conservative Party. Many landowners, who formed the core of the party, opposed the repeal because it threatened their economic interests. Peel’s decision led to a split within the party, with many Tories, including future Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, turning against him.
4.2. End of Peel’s Political Career
Resignation: Following the split within the Conservative Party, Peel was forced to resign as Prime Minister in 1846. Despite the end of his political career, Peel’s reforms had a lasting impact on British economic and political life.
4.3. Legacy of Peel
Modern Conservative Party: Robert Peel is often regarded as the founder of the modern Conservative Party. His emphasis on pragmatism, free trade, and social reform reshaped the party’s identity.
Economic Modernization: Peel’s economic reforms laid the foundation for Britain’s transition to a free-market economy, which would dominate British policy for decades.
Conclusion
Robert Peel was a transformative figure in British politics, leading the Conservative Party through a period of significant economic, social, and political change. His internal policies, including economic reforms, the repeal of the Corn Laws, and social reforms like the Factory Act, played a key role in modernizing Britain. However, his handling of the Irish Problem, particularly the Great Famine, remains a controversial aspect of his legacy. While Peel’s policies benefited Britain as a whole, they were often seen as insufficient in addressing the deep-rooted issues in Ireland. Nevertheless, his influence on British politics, particularly in shaping the Conservative Party, is undeniable and remains relevant to this day.
