Government: Canning, Goderich and Wellington; repeal of Test and Corporation Acts; metropolitan police force; Catholic Emancipation
After Lord Liverpool resigned in 1827, three short-lived Prime Ministers passed significant reforms. These reforms gave rights to Catholics and religious dissenters, and created Britain's first professional police force.
Real World
Catholic Emancipation (1829) allowed Daniel O'Connell — who had won the Clare by-election despite being unable to take his seat as a Catholic — to finally enter Parliament, directly forcing Wellington's hand.
Exam Focus
Avoid describing these reforms as evidence Wellington 'wanted' change — examiners reward analysis of reluctant, crisis-driven concessions over genuine liberal intent.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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