Cambridge University in Context

The 1830s were a politically turbulent time. Governmental power oscillated between the Whigs and Tories, and radical groups were increasingly vigorous and vociferous. In the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, the wages of the working class had decreased whereas taxes and the price of food had increased to meet the huge fi nancial deficit.

It is incorrect to think of the Tories, on the one hand, as the party of the aristocracy and wealthy landowners; and of the Whigs, on the other, as the party of the meritocracy, intent on reforming out-dated practices and vested interests. In fact, Earl Grey’s Whig cabinet of 1830 was composed entirely of aristocrats.30 Leading Tories were Lord Wellington, Viscount Palmerston and Sir Robert Peel (the younger); and prominent Whigs were Earl Grey, Lord John Russell, Lord Henry Brougham and Viscount Melbourne. All just mentioned, except the brilliant but unpredictable Brougham, served periods as Prime Minister. Though some Whigs were keen reformers, many were reluctant to associate with more extreme radicals who shared some of their opinions. Only later, from 1847 and under the leadership of W.E. Gladstone, did the whole Whig party become identifi ed with Liberalism.