Tamworth Manifesto facts for kids
The Tamworth Manifesto was an important public statement made by a politician named Robert Peel in 1834. He made this statement in a town called Tamworth. Many historians believe this manifesto set out the main ideas for the modern British Conservative Party.
In November 1834, King William IV removed the Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, who was from the Whig party. The King then asked the Duke of Wellington to form a new government. However, the Duke of Wellington suggested that the King choose Robert Peel instead.
Peel wanted to show the country that his ideas for the Conservative Party were different from older ways of thinking. He wanted to make it clear that his party was ready for change.
So, on December 18, 1834, the Tamworth Manifesto was published in newspapers. It was originally a message to the voters in Peel's own area. But it was shared widely across the country. In the end, Peel and his brother William were the only candidates in Tamworth for the 1835 election. They were elected without anyone running against them.
What Did the Tamworth Manifesto Aim For?
The main goal of the manifesto was to get support from voters for the new Parliament.
- Peel agreed that the Reform Act 1832 was a final and important change to how the country was run.
- He promised that the Conservatives would carefully look at government and church organizations.
- If something was clearly wrong or unfair, he promised to fix it.
- Peel also offered to look at changes for the church to protect its true interests.
- His main message was that the Conservatives would make changes to keep the party strong.
- However, he was against changes that he thought were not needed. He worried about constant arguments and changes.
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