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Beacon Lights of History, Vol. 10 (Classic Reprint)
Beacon Lights of History Vol 10 - Classic Reprint Author:John Lord BEACON LIGHTS OF HISTORY. — WILLIAM IV. — ENGLISH REFORMS. — ON the death of George IV. in 1830, a new political era dawned on England. His brother, William IV., who succeeded him, was not his equal in natural ability, but was more respectable in his character and more liberal in his views. With William IV. began the undisputed ascendency of the Ho... more »use of Commons in national affairs. Before his day, no prime minister could govern against the will of the sovereign. After George IV., as in France under Louis Philippe, " the king reigned, but did not govern." The chief of the ascendent political party was the real ruler.
When William IV. ascended the throne the Tories were still in power, and were hostile to reform. But the agitations and discontents of the latter days of George IV. had made the ministry unpopular. Great political reformers had arisen, like Lords Grey, Althorp, and Russell, and great orators like Henry Brougham
VOL. X. - 2
Table of Contents
WILLIAM IV English Reforms; Page; Social evils in England on the accession of William IV 26; Political agitations 28; Premiership of Lord Grey 29; Aristocratic character of the reformers 29; Lord John Russell 31; The Reform Bill 31; Its final passage 40; Henry Brougham 41; Lord Melbourne, Prime Minister 42; Troubles in Ireland 43; O'ConneU 47; Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister 50; His short administration 51; Succeeded by Lord Melbourne 51; Abolition of West India slavery 52; Thomas Babington Macaulay 53; Popular reforms 54; Trades unions 55; Reform of municipal corporations 57; Death of William IV 58; Penny postage 59; Second ministry of Sir Robert Peel 61; The Duke of Wellington 61; Agitations for repeal of the Corn Laws 61; Birth and education of Sir Robert Peel 66; His conservative views 67; His High Church principle 68; Enters the Cabinet of Lord Liverpool 68; Catholic Emancipation 69; Resigns the representation of Oxf« less