To What Extent Was Peel's Reorganisation of the Tory Party responsible for the election victory of 1841?

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view all our essays on Politics that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

To What Extent Was Peel's Reorganisation of the Tory Party responsible for the election victory of 1841?

After the Tories suffered their worst defeat in the 1832 elections, many believed that the road to success would be a long, hard struggle for the party to re-emerge as a political force. After extending the franchise that year through the Great Reform Act, the Whigs intended to gain perpetual support from those in favour of major change. However, this fantasy was interrupted when Tory leader Robert Peel led his party to victory in July 1841. After undergoing several major changes during Peel's tenure, the reorganisation of the party resulted in Tory victory carrying a broader electoral appeal. Peel's clever remodelling of the party substantiated Tory success whilst combating waning support. Nevertheless, one must recognise what part Whig failure played in the new Conservative gains. The Whigs had disappointed with their proposals for change and now Peel was able capitalise on these errors, and in doing so highlight his own party's success.

After a shattering defeat in the 1832 elections, the Tories seemed destined for failure. Having just 185 seats in Parliament and a legacy of betrayed principles through policies