What Did the Duke of Wellington Do During His Term as Prime Minister?
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, served as Prime Minister in the early 19th century. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a mixture of significant social reforms, political maneuvering, and resistance to change. This article delves into the details of his actions during this period, focusing on his contributions and the controversies he faced.
Founding King’s College London
One of Wellington’s most notable achievements was the founding of King’s College London. This institution played a crucial role in the education landscape and continues to be a prestigious institution today. The establishment of King’s College London not only contributed to the intellectual development of British society but also reinforced the Duke’s legacy.
Catholic Emancipation
Wellington is also remembered for his role in pushing through the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829. This act granted full civil rights to the Catholic community, including the right to hold elected office. This was a significant milestone in Irish history and demonstrated Wellington’s commitment to national unity and social progress. However, not everyone supported his efforts. One critic challenged him to a duel, which Wellington accepted. The outcome of the duel is uncertain, as there is no definitive evidence of whether Wellington's missed shot was by design or by chance.
Parliamentary Reforms
Arthur Wellesley’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by both support and opposition. He generally resisted parliamentary reforms, arguing that changes would undermine the liberties of the nation. His views were influenced by his experiences as a military commander, where he observed that public ignorance led to poor decision-making. This perspective was somewhat reflected in his resistance to the 1832 Reform Act, which aimed to extend voting rights to a wider segment of the population.
Role in the Transformation of the House of Lords
Despite his resistance to parliamentary reforms, Wellington played a significant role in transforming the House of Lords. Traditionally, the Lords were loyal to the Crown and played an unspoken, supportive role. Wellington turned the Lords into a more active political force with a commitment to the interests of the landed aristocracy. This shift allowed the Lords to play a more prominent role in legislative processes, thereby preventing the Commons from gaining too much power.
Wellington’s efforts to balance the power between the Commons and the Lords were useful but controversial. While some critics hailed his actions as a check against the power of the Commons, others viewed them as a conservative defense against social progress. The 44 elected peers from Scotland and Ireland who supported him were key in maintaining this balance, although it remained controversial.
Legacy and Controversy
Although Arthur Wellesley was an excellent military commander, he was often criticized for his role as Prime Minister. He was seen as resistant to change and was referred to as the "Iron Duke" due to his strict adherence to traditional values. This unpopularity led to frequent breakages of his windows, necessitating the installation of metal shutters. Nevertheless, his actions oversight of the 1832 Reform Act contributed to the gradual progress of social reforms in Britain.
Further Reading
For a comprehensive understanding of Wellington’s tenure as Prime Minister, I recommend the following book:
“Wellington’s Charge.” Berwick Coates. Copyright 2002.
This book provides in-depth insights into the political and social context of Wellington’s time as Prime Minister, allowing readers to explore the various issues he faced in more detail.
By examining the actions and decisions of the Duke of Wellington during his time as Prime Minister, we can gain a deeper understanding of the political and social dynamics of the early 19th century in Britain. Despite his resistance to some reforms, his contributions to education and religious freedom remain significant.