To what extent did Sir Robert Peel reshape the modern British state, 1841-46

To what extent did Sir Robert Peel reshape the modern British state, 1841-46?

He reshaped politics by ending the clear Whig, Tory divide and introducing a liberal attitude. His series of economic and social reforms metamorphosed Britain towards a more liberal modern state which encompassed the growing middle classes. Peel?s conservative politic position has been critically analysed by many historians.

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Historian Norman Gash promotes peel as the founder of modern conservatism while Richard A. Gaunt argues he developed a new liberal approach to politics.[1] His removal of tariffs and encouragement of free trade highlight his liberal attitudes.

Peel rebuilt his party and as Douglas Hurd puts it reinvented his party to be more appealing to the growing middle class. The middle classes were growing in prosperity as well as numbers, they were becoming impatient with the old rigid ways but were against revolution.

Historian G.H Francis describes peel as a slave to public opinion, he mentions in his work that ?(Peel) his mind marched with that of the public?[2]. However it can be argued that Peels reorganisation and public confidence led to restoration of faith in politics. Peel built a cabinet of outstanding talent which included dukes, small farmers and tradesmen. ………

The 1842 Railway act ensured safe running of the railways. New lines were to be inspected by the board of trade who had more authority to demand traffic return and question any accidents.

This Act created the Modernisation as we see it today with tightening of rules and regulations all the time. He passed a series of other railway acts which modernised and made efficient the railway.

The 1844 Bank Charter Act created stability and confidence in the pound which restricted previous banks from issuing notes, the main objective was to strengthen relationship between paper money and gold reserves.

[11] The low lending rate which had been cut to 3¼% which allowed construction of more railway thus creating speculation on railway construction and allowing capital to be generated. Peels economic policy has been described by Blake as succe