Tariff Reform and the Build up of the Liberal Party

After Salisbury stepped down as the leader of the conservatives, it was either Balfour or the ex-Liberal Joseph Chamberlain to take power. Because of JC’s past, he would not have the backing of most conservatives; however, he remained unhappy with their ruling.

He was unhappy for ;
- He wanted to be Prime Minister but there was little chance of that happening
- He thought that governments lack of social policy was undermining his credibility
- Woried about the lack of progression (germany and usa expansion)
- Frustrated with the lack of progress for the unification of the empire.

Chamberlain was a huge fan of the empire, and repeatedly made efforts to advance the ‘Imperial Federation’ idea, in which the self governing territories within the empire would become a union of equals, but all his ambitions had failed, and he saw this as a future disaster for Great Britain and the Empire, as he believed the future lay in large countries with large natural resources. He was therefore determined to embark on a scheme that would grip the public to rescue the Empire.

Tariff reform was the topic. Chamberlain had been privately unsure about the free trade policy in a world that was becoming more protected, he was not personally a protectionist, he hoped international free trade would one day be restored. He did however, intend to use the money made for social reform that Britain desperately needed. However taxing imports meant increase in prices
- difficult to sell idea to working class
- unite liberals in opposition ( a reason for the cons defeat)
- could divide unionists

However, it was the last chance for imperial unification, as imperial trade was exempt from taxation or reduced rates, meaning the Empire countries would receive less taxation meaning it was protected. Chamberlain made a speech on tariff reform in Birmingham 1903, in favour of the system. This debate split the unionists. Balfour sat on the fence, with unity the main priority.
- Tarriff Reform League and Free Food League created
- Some unionists went to the liberals.

Chamberlain resigned from the government, as did leading free traders. Balfours government was now weak and looked terrible up until his resignation in 1905. Tariff reform had made ground within the party, but the rest of the country opposed. Liberals looked as the defenders of cheap food. It was a main reason behind their defeat, and the fact that the 157 seats they won.
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BUILD UP OF LIBERAL PARTY AT THIS POINT



The Liberals were a broad based coalition of which contained 5 major different political groups. Because of the vast amount of groups, the liberals had no set principles. This however was a necessity due to the huge number of differing opinions in the Party.


The Whigs were the dominant group in the liberal party with many aristocratic members. Though seen as more progressive than the Conservatives and willing to introduce certain reformation, they were seen as the 'traditional' side to the party.


The Peelites were supporters of Sir Robert Peel who headed a Conservative Reforming Ministry from 1841-46 of which he reduced taxes on imports. When the Corn Laws which protected british agriculture were declared, he split the Conservative party and his offshoot members went to the Liberals who were reformist in attitude, the famous member being Gladstone.


The Independent Radicals a group of very intelligent and radical reforming intellectuals with no real structure or agenda, and they did not always agree with the decisions of the Whigs when in power.


Non Conformists, Members of the Protestant church that were not Anglican. They supported the Whigs/Radicals and wanted the Anglican Church to be disestablished, and so supported those two groups as they were not as supportive of the Anglican church. Whilst not always agreeing they were critical of the RC religion and not always anti-conservative


The Chartists were a radical group in 1830’s that campaigned for working class political rights. They often attracted educated working class individuals and were led by middle class radicals. Even though Chartism collapsed after issuing the 'Peoples Charter' (campaign for working class education), the offshoots went to the Liberals.

SUMMARY
JC previous Liberal - now a major conservative
Fan of the Empire, wanted an 'Imperial Federation', necessity for GB.
Could never be the PM due to background with Liberals.

Tariff reform was a last bid attempt for Imperial Federation and because of the changing times, in which protectionism was becoming more frequent. Empire would be exempt from prices, and money made would go to Social reform.

Food prices would rise, Could split the unionists, Working Class wouldn't be happy and the Liberals would campaign furiously. It did split the unionists, some going to liberals, most attempting to accept Tarriff reform and other major members forming the Unionist Free Food league. A disaster for the Unionists.


Liberals a broad coalition with no real agenda or fixed opinions
WHIGS - dominant party, quite conservative
PEELITES - offshoot Conservatives, supports of Rob Peel. Reformist, 'Gladstone'
INDEPENDENT RADICALS - Radicalist and reformists in beliefs.
NON-CONFORMISTS - Non CofE protestants. Campaigned for Anglican disestablishment
CHARTIST - Radical middle-class group who campaigned for working class rights.