114. A revolution that didn't happen and a breakthrough that did
We’re back in 1848, with the Year of Revolutions, a few of which succeeded, most of which were put down – not least in Northern Italy, where Joseph Radetzky, celebrated in a cheerful Strauss tune, pro...
30 Okt 202214min
113. Russell, Palmerston and tit-for-tat politics
We saw last week that the Russell government stood back from the Great Irish Famine to the point of practically criminal negligence. But what was it doing in the meantime? Well, it turns out that it w...
23 Okt 202214min
112. Irish hunger
A million dead. Over a million emigrants. A population that has never recovered to its level before the disaster. The Irish starved while the British government stood back and decided to let the marke...
16 Okt 202214min
111. Peel, the Corn Laws and Ireland
Peel’s name is tightly bound up with the issue of Corn Law Repeal, the striking achievement of his only full period in office (the hundred days he had before didn't really count). The repeal was, howe...
9 Okt 202214min
110. The choice: wielding a big stick or speaking softly
As Melbourne left the scene, so men like John Russell could step into his place. Russell had indeed been adding to his reputation as a liberal, just as his Whig Party was increasingly being transforme...
2 Okt 202214min
109. Curious Triangle: Melbourne, Victoria and Peel
The curious relationship continues between Queen Victoria and her first Prime Minister, Viscount Melbourne. It is, however, perhaps less easy than in the past, as the young queen becomes more wilful, ...
25 Sep 202214min
108. Palmerston, sometimes a liberal, always an activist
After the last few episodes and their focus on domestic issues, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Grey and Melbourne governments had practically no foreign policy. Nothing could be further f...
18 Sep 202214min
107. The tale of Melbourne's return, and of two remarkable women
After Peel’s 100-day stint in office, Melbourne was back. He took advantage of his return to rid himself of some figures he disliked in his government, though he had to keep Palmerston in place, despi...
11 Sep 202214min
