'The success of the Conservatives in the period 1886-1905 was the result of the Liberals' failures.' Assess the validity of this view.

The failures of the Liberal Party within the period 1886-1905 were key to the success of the Conservatives. The culmination of Gladstone's dramatic conversion to Home Rule (which disastrously split the party), the conflicting ideology of New Liberalism and 'Gladstonian' Liberalism, as well as the significant divisions created by the Boer War, all allowed for the Conservative party to re-emerge as the dominant force in British politics, holding power for seventeen of the twenty years. Although Lord Salisbury's pragmatic leadership, efficient party organisation and an unprecedented age of jingoism were important contributing factors, the failures of the Liberals were fundamental for the ascendancy of the Conservatives.

MW
Answered by Molly W. History tutor

6405 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

Was England a Protestant nation by 1553?


How to incorporate historiography into your A Level History essays?


Was Oliver Cromwell a military dictator? Discuss.


'Economic successes was the most important reason for Conservative electoral dominance in the period from 1951-64.' How far do you agree?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning