Government: Grey, Melbourne and Whig ideology; Tories in opposition and government; Peel and transformation of Conservative party
After 1832, the Whigs under Grey and Melbourne governed Britain with a belief in cautious, top-down reform. Meanwhile, Robert Peel rebuilt the old Tory party into a modern Conservative party with a broader appeal.
Real World
Peel's 1834 Tamworth Manifesto publicly committed Conservatives to accepting the Reform Act and governing in the national interest — a direct pitch to the new middle-class electorate created by that very act.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between Whig and Conservative ideology; examiners penalise answers that treat both parties as interchangeable reformers.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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