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LEVEL: AS MODERN HISTORY Disraeli

9. Success of Disraeli (30 minutes)

Assess the success of Disraeli in carrying out his election promises between 1874 and 1880. (60 marks)

In the Crystal Pace speech in June 1872, Disraeli promised to improve the condition of the people and uphold the Empire of England. At first glance the record of his ministry to 1880 would seem to show that he succeeded in doing both of these things, thus fulfilling his election promises. Indeed one trade union leader said The Conservatives have done more for the working class in five years that the Liberals have done in fifty. However, if the record is examined carefully it can be seen that the Conservatives were not very effective in carrying out their pledges. It could be argued that Disraeli had little hope of really improving the condition of the people, as this would have alienated his own party, and so what he could do was limited. It could also be argued that his promises were merely a cynical ploy to gain working-class support and he had no real intention of doing anything concrete to improve their lives. Disraeli and the Conservatives did pass laws to try and improve the condition of the people. The Public Health Act and the Artisans Dwellings Act were designed to improve the health of the working class, as was the Sale of Food and Drugs Act. However, the Public Health Act, although it laid down minimum standards of hygiene in towns, was in reality the consolidation of many previous items of public health legislation. Similarly, the Artisans Dwelling Act gave local authorities the powers to carry out slum clearance. Opposition from within the party, however, meant that its provisions were weakened. It was seen by many Conservatives to be an attack on the rights of private landlords and so the compulsory element was removed. It was left to the local authorities to decide whether or not to make use of the powers. Few, with the notable exception of Birmingham under the leadership of Joseph Chamberlain, did because of the cost. There were improvements in working conditions. Factory Acts were passed in 1874 and 1878 which limited the hours to be worked, building on previous legislation. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1876 did set limits on the loads carried by merchant ships, thus making them safer. However, the law was passed only after the constant badgering of Disraeli by Samuel Plimsoll and until 1890 the ship owners could draw the plimsoll line where they wished. Trade Union legislation was a success in gaining working-class support. The Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act 1875 allowed peaceful picketing once again and the Employer and Workmen Act of 1876 made breach of contract a civil rather than a criminal matter. Both of these Acts were of obvious benefit to the growing union movement. Sandons Education Act was designed to encourage children to take advantage of the education system by creating School Attendance Committees and allowing them to help out with school fees for elementary education. Once again, however, there was no compulsion to do so and the take up across the country was patchy, weakening the impact of the legislation. It has also been suggested that the motivation for the Act was to stop the spread of the Liberal-dominated School Boards into the counties, which were traditional Conservative strongholds. According to the Conservative historian Robert Blake, the legislation of Disraelis government constitutes the biggest instalment of social reform passed by any one government in the 19th century. Yet much of the legislation was permissive rather than compulsory and its effect on the condition of the people varied across the country. Disraelis other pledge was to uphold the Empire of England. Disraelis foreign and imperial policy has been described as forward, in contrast to the previous policy of Gladstone. Again, at first glance he seems to have succeeded in his stated aim, the successful negotiation of the Treaty of Berlin 1878, the purchase of the Suez Canal Shares and the acquisition of the Boer Republics in South Africa. With more analysis, however, the success of Disraelis policy can be seen to be mixed.

Copyright Pearson Education Limited 2001

Answers:
LEVEL: AS MODERN HISTORY Disraeli

After the Congress of Berlin, called to discuss the implications of the war between Russia and Turkey, Disraeli claimed he had brought back peace with honour in that he had prevented the formation of what he feared would be a Russian dominated Big Bulgaria with a Mediterranean coastline. However his policy towards the Eastern Question had to be modified in the light of Gladstones attack on the Turks handling of the Bulgarians. Also his own Foreign Secretary, Lord Salisbury, said, we have backed the wrong horse in that a big Bulgaria would have been a better block to Russian ambitions towards the eastern Mediterranean than three smaller states. He was later proved right. Disraeli has been credited with reviving the idea of the British Empire. In 1875, by stepping in and buying almost a half share in the Suez Canal from the Egyptian ruler, he prevented French domination of the Canal and secured an important route to India. By making Queen Victoria the Empress of India with the Royal Titles Bill Disraeli sent out a message to the Russians that Britain was prepared to defend India. Disraelis involvement in South Africa and Afghanistan was less successful. Annexing the Boer Republics and defeating the Zulus seemed to be very successful but in reality the actions were taken by the men on the spot without Disraelis knowledge. Although the Empire appeared to have been successfully defended and even expanded, the results would not be really seen until later governments had to deal with the situation left to them. Similarly the Afghan Wars of 1878 and 1880 appeared to be a vigorous defence of the Empire. Again the action was taken by men on the spot and later agreed to by Disraeli and again dealing with the problems caused would be the responsibility of later governments. Taken as a whole, Disraelis foreign and imperial policy could be described as a triumph of style over substance. While for the most part it was popular in Britain very little was actually achieved. How far did Disraeli fulfil his election promises? There is no doubt that the condition of the people of England did improve but was this a direct result of Disraelis actions or was it the result of local authorities deciding to make use of the permissive powers granted to them? The Empire was upheld and even expanded but it was to be the work of later governments that would consolidate the Empire, Disraeli merely set the ball rolling. As a whole, much of what Disraeli had promised was achieved and although he can not take very much credit for the actual implementation of the policies he should be seen as the man who gave the Conservatives the desire to make the changes. So he therefore deserves the credit for the policies if not the details.

(Total marks 60)

Copyright Pearson Education Limited 2001