Conservative Dominance in British Politics Between 1885 and 1902

Conservative Dominance in British Politics Between 1885 and 1902

During this period in history, it is clear to say that the

conservatives dominated British politics. However, is it due to

conservative strengths or liberal weaknesses? Although the weakness

and the divisions within the liberal party helped the conservative

cause, the latter party were dominant due to their unrivalled strength

in politics. There were many reasons for these strengths, but it is

safe to say that this was the main factor for supremacy in politics in

the later 1800's.

As Prime Minister in this period, Salisbury won three elections in

fourteen years, which is a Conservative record unmatched by Liverpool

in the 1820's and Margaret Thatcher in the 1980's. This is a clear

indication of how successful the Conservatives were in this period.

This shows that one of the main Conservative strengths was the

leadership skills of Salisbury. He handled both opponents and awkward

political customers on his own side with considerable skill. Historian

Peter Marsh believes that Salisbury was 'more of a diehard than any

Conservative leader since his godfather the Duke of Wellington.'

Salisbury had many skills. His choice of leadership within the

Conservatives was crucial. For example, in 1887 he appointed W.H.Smith

to be first Lord of the Treasury. This showed Salisbury's shrewd

judgement of men from a social group different from his own. This was

important as this man was from a working class background, and could

have had a good effect on the vote from the working classes. Salisbury

also used to appoint people from a business background, with 200 in

the upper house by...

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Italy and Austria. Salisbury always refused attempts in the late 1880s

by German Chancellor Bismarck to draw him into the Triple Alliance of

Germany, Austria and Italy. He believed that Britain's lack of

definite alliances and commitments was to the country's advantage.

Although Liberal weaknesses and divisions, such as the no support for

leader Gladstone in the 1890s, helped the Conservative cause, this was

not the main reason for dominance. The Conservatives owed a lot to the

skills of Salisbury. He adapted well to the changing political

climate, and also made policies which appealed to all walks of life,

and a wide range of social people. He made astute political decisions

and appointed opposition officials in his ranks. The dominance of

conservatism was due to him, and his political strengths as a leader.