To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essays

To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essays To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essay To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essay The 1906 election was a major turning point in the political climate of Edwardian Britain. The loss of this election heralded a period of Conservative decline and Liberal ascendancy. Many historians blame Arthur Balfour, nephew to Lord Salisbury, for the landslide loss for the Conservatives in the 1906 general election. Whether it was the policies he implemented, the political machinations of the Liberals and the newly formed Labour Party or simply a demand for a change in political policy, the 1906 election was a crucial point in the political history of Britain. Balfour was the essence of a true Edwardian politician. He was a good administrator and an excellent debater, a skill he used frequently in the House of Commons. Balfour was brought up close to politics and government as a result of his being nephew to Lord Salisbury esteemed conservative party leader; said by Atlee to be the best Prime Minister of his lifetime. This upbringing was to greatly help him in later life. Balfour aimed to maintain Conservative unity at a time when policy choices greatly divided the party. His clear mind and awareness of Britains new diplomatic and political position in the world was to later help him as Prime Minister. However, his cold detached manner made him unpopular with the voters, and was seen by many to be aloof and uncaring. This is shown by Blake, Balfour, however had his blind spots, and their effects on the electoral fortunes of the party were considerable. The Taff Vale Case 1901, highlighted to many Balfours aloof and uncaring nature with regard to the lower classes. In the Taff Vale case, Balfours position of leaving it to the courts made him highly unpopular with the lower classes who saw him to be siding with the upper classes. This allowed the Liberals to make use of the resentment against the Conservatives, and gather support for the next election. His non-intervention also alienated him from the trade unions and the lower classes, thus decreasing Conservative support. The Education Act 1902 was one of Balfours major blunders. Although his intentions were good, as he wanted to provide everyone with a better education, he managed to infuriate the Non-conformists and thus increased Liberal support and unity. However although the Act did do this it provided a better more efficient secondary schooling system. In this way, the act was a success. Yet, the success of Balfours education system was shadowed by the infuriated Non-conformists who were outraged at having to pay for Anglican and Catholic schools. This act was a major political turning point for the Tories and should have shown Balfour that he must be more aware of the concerns of the lower classes: after this act, they lost two constituencies in quick succession, whereas previously they won 9 out of 10 by-elections. The Licensing Act 1904 was another act, which offended the Non-Conformists and increased their unity under the Liberals. The ending of the diplomatic isolation of Britain was to be one of Balfours most important legacies, as it enabled Britain to begin to focus on Europe the new diplomatic theatre for power the days of the colonies were over. The alliances with Japan (1902) and France (1904) helped Britain become more prepared for the ravages of World War 1. Balfours reorganisation of both the army and navy also helped to prepare Britain for WWI. However, these achievements would only be fully appreciated after WWI, as the voters were not particularly bothered about military reforms whilst the empire was at peace. These actions did not speed up Conservative Decline, but nor did they reduce it, and so were not greatly advantageous to the Conservatives. Balfours approval of Milners request for Chinese labour in South Africa was a disastrous decision, which cost the Conservatives a large number of votes. There were three main reactions to this approval that cost the Conservatives votes: first were humanitarian concerns. Many members of the public were unhappy about the conditions the Chinese workers were being forced to work and live in. The second reaction was one of discontent at the emigration route to South Africa being closed. This meant that many unemployed workers were now unable to emigrate to South Africa for work because the demand for labour had been filled by Chinese immigrants. The third reaction was from the trade unions. They believed that if the government could import cheap labour in one of its colonies, then they could do it here in Britain. This outraged them and made them firmly oppose the Conservatives, thus increasing support for the Liberals the only real alternative to the Tories. Tariff reform also united the lower classes against the Conservatives as the Liberals raised the old cry of tax on food! this was one of the few things that could make the lower classes staunch opponents of the Conservatives. However, Balfour was opposed to this reform, and made it clear to Joseph Chamberlain that it would be a grave mistake to introduce it. Yet, as party leader, he did nothing by way of overruling him. This was a grave mistake and increased Liberal support. The Lib-Lab Pact 1903 unified the anti-conservative vote and ensured that more constituencies voted into power either Liberal MPs or Labour MPs. This secret pact ensured that less Conservatives were voted into power thus reducing their chances of winning the election of 1906. To conclude, I believe that Arthur Balfour was one of the reasons for Conservative decline and the loss of the 1906 election. However, I do not believe that it was solely his fault, as rebellious members of his cabinet put forward reforms that he disapproved of and thus alienated their party from the mass voters. This will have increased the speed at which the conservatives were falling into decline. Although this is true, I think that the political machinations of the Liberals also played a hand in the downfall of the Conservatives. In addition, I believe that the tides of change were already acting upon the fortunes of the Conservative party, and that it was merely a question of when they would be voted out of power.

To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essays

To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essays To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essay To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essay The 1906 election was a major turning point in the political climate of Edwardian Britain. The loss of this election heralded a period of Conservative decline and Liberal ascendancy. Many historians blame Arthur Balfour, nephew to Lord Salisbury, for the landslide loss for the Conservatives in the 1906 general election. Whether it was the policies he implemented, the political machinations of the Liberals and the newly formed Labour Party or simply a demand for a change in political policy, the 1906 election was a crucial point in the political history of Britain. Balfour was the essence of a true Edwardian politician. He was a good administrator and an excellent debater, a skill he used frequently in the House of Commons. Balfour was brought up close to politics and government as a result of his being nephew to Lord Salisbury esteemed conservative party leader; said by Atlee to be the best Prime Minister of his lifetime. This upbringing was to greatly help him in later life. Balfour aimed to maintain Conservative unity at a time when policy choices greatly divided the party. His clear mind and awareness of Britains new diplomatic and political position in the world was to later help him as Prime Minister. However, his cold detached manner made him unpopular with the voters, and was seen by many to be aloof and uncaring. This is shown by Blake, Balfour, however had his blind spots, and their effects on the electoral fortunes of the party were considerable. The Taff Vale Case 1901, highlighted to many Balfours aloof and uncaring nature with regard to the lower classes. In the Taff Vale case, Balfours position of leaving it to the courts made him highly unpopular with the lower classes who saw him to be siding with the upper classes. This allowed the Liberals to make use of the resentment against the Conservatives, and gather support for the next election. His non-intervention also alienated him from the trade unions and the lower classes, thus decreasing Conservative support. The Education Act 1902 was one of Balfours major blunders. Although his intentions were good, as he wanted to provide everyone with a better education, he managed to infuriate the Non-conformists and thus increased Liberal support and unity. However although the Act did do this it provided a better more efficient secondary schooling system. In this way, the act was a success. Yet, the success of Balfours education system was shadowed by the infuriated Non-conformists who were outraged at having to pay for Anglican and Catholic schools. This act was a major political turning point for the Tories and should have shown Balfour that he must be more aware of the concerns of the lower classes: after this act, they lost two constituencies in quick succession, whereas previously they won 9 out of 10 by-elections. The Licensing Act 1904 was another act, which offended the Non-Conformists and increased their unity under the Liberals. The ending of the diplomatic isolation of Britain was to be one of Balfours most important legacies, as it enabled Britain to begin to focus on Europe the new diplomatic theatre for power the days of the colonies were over. The alliances with Japan (1902) and France (1904) helped Britain become more prepared for the ravages of World War 1. Balfours reorganisation of both the army and navy also helped to prepare Britain for WWI. However, these achievements would only be fully appreciated after WWI, as the voters were not particularly bothered about military reforms whilst the empire was at peace. These actions did not speed up Conservative Decline, but nor did they reduce it, and so were not greatly advantageous to the Conservatives. Balfours approval of Milners request for Chinese labour in South Africa was a disastrous decision, which cost the Conservatives a large number of votes. There were three main reactions to this approval that cost the Conservatives votes: first were humanitarian concerns. Many members of the public were unhappy about the conditions the Chinese workers were being forced to work and live in. The second reaction was one of discontent at the emigration route to South Africa being closed. This meant that many unemployed workers were now unable to emigrate to South Africa for work because the demand for labour had been filled by Chinese immigrants. The third reaction was from the trade unions. They believed that if the government could import cheap labour in one of its colonies, then they could do it here in Britain. This outraged them and made them firmly oppose the Conservatives, thus increasing support for the Liberals the only real alternative to the Tories. Tariff reform also united the lower classes against the Conservatives as the Liberals raised the old cry of tax on food! this was one of the few things that could make the lower classes staunch opponents of the Conservatives. However, Balfour was opposed to this reform, and made it clear to Joseph Chamberlain that it would be a grave mistake to introduce it. Yet, as party leader, he did nothing by way of overruling him. This was a grave mistake and increased Liberal support. The Lib-Lab Pact 1903 unified the anti-conservative vote and ensured that more constituencies voted into power either Liberal MPs or Labour MPs. This secret pact ensured that less Conservatives were voted into power thus reducing their chances of winning the election of 1906. To conclude, I believe that Arthur Balfour was one of the reasons for Conservative decline and the loss of the 1906 election. However, I do not believe that it was solely his fault, as rebellious members of his cabinet put forward reforms that he disapproved of and thus alienated their party from the mass voters. This will have increased the speed at which the conservatives were falling into decline. Although this is true, I think that the political machinations of the Liberals also played a hand in the downfall of the Conservatives. In addition, I believe that the tides of change were already acting upon the fortunes of the Conservative party, and that it was merely a question of when they would be voted out of power.

To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essays

To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essays To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essay To what extent was Arthur Balfour responsible for Conservative decline Essay The 1906 election was a major turning point in the political climate of Edwardian Britain. The loss of this election heralded a period of Conservative decline and Liberal ascendancy. Many historians blame Arthur Balfour, nephew to Lord Salisbury, for the landslide loss for the Conservatives in the 1906 general election. Whether it was the policies he implemented, the political machinations of the Liberals and the newly formed Labour Party or simply a demand for a change in political policy, the 1906 election was a crucial point in the political history of Britain. Balfour was the essence of a true Edwardian politician. He was a good administrator and an excellent debater, a skill he used frequently in the House of Commons. Balfour was brought up close to politics and government as a result of his being nephew to Lord Salisbury esteemed conservative party leader; said by Atlee to be the best Prime Minister of his lifetime. This upbringing was to greatly help him in later life. Balfour aimed to maintain Conservative unity at a time when policy choices greatly divided the party. His clear mind and awareness of Britains new diplomatic and political position in the world was to later help him as Prime Minister. However, his cold detached manner made him unpopular with the voters, and was seen by many to be aloof and uncaring. This is shown by Blake, Balfour, however had his blind spots, and their effects on the electoral fortunes of the party were considerable. The Taff Vale Case 1901, highlighted to many Balfours aloof and uncaring nature with regard to the lower classes. In the Taff Vale case, Balfours position of leaving it to the courts made him highly unpopular with the lower classes who saw him to be siding with the upper classes. This allowed the Liberals to make use of the resentment against the Conservatives, and gather support for the next election. His non-intervention also alienated him from the trade unions and the lower classes, thus decreasing Conservative support. The Education Act 1902 was one of Balfours major blunders. Although his intentions were good, as he wanted to provide everyone with a better education, he managed to infuriate the Non-conformists and thus increased Liberal support and unity. However although the Act did do this it provided a better more efficient secondary schooling system. In this way, the act was a success. Yet, the success of Balfours education system was shadowed by the infuriated Non-conformists who were outraged at having to pay for Anglican and Catholic schools. This act was a major political turning point for the Tories and should have shown Balfour that he must be more aware of the concerns of the lower classes: after this act, they lost two constituencies in quick succession, whereas previously they won 9 out of 10 by-elections. The Licensing Act 1904 was another act, which offended the Non-Conformists and increased their unity under the Liberals. The ending of the diplomatic isolation of Britain was to be one of Balfours most important legacies, as it enabled Britain to begin to focus on Europe the new diplomatic theatre for power the days of the colonies were over. The alliances with Japan (1902) and France (1904) helped Britain become more prepared for the ravages of World War 1. Balfours reorganisation of both the army and navy also helped to prepare Britain for WWI. However, these achievements would only be fully appreciated after WWI, as the voters were not particularly bothered about military reforms whilst the empire was at peace. These actions did not speed up Conservative Decline, but nor did they reduce it, and so were not greatly advantageous to the Conservatives. Balfours approval of Milners request for Chinese labour in South Africa was a disastrous decision, which cost the Conservatives a large number of votes. There were three main reactions to this approval that cost the Conservatives votes: first were humanitarian concerns. Many members of the public were unhappy about the conditions the Chinese workers were being forced to work and live in. The second reaction was one of discontent at the emigration route to South Africa being closed. This meant that many unemployed workers were now unable to emigrate to South Africa for work because the demand for labour had been filled by Chinese immigrants. The third reaction was from the trade unions. They believed that if the government could import cheap labour in one of its colonies, then they could do it here in Britain. This outraged them and made them firmly oppose the Conservatives, thus increasing support for the Liberals the only real alternative to the Tories. Tariff reform also united the lower classes against the Conservatives as the Liberals raised the old cry of tax on food! this was one of the few things that could make the lower classes staunch opponents of the Conservatives. However, Balfour was opposed to this reform, and made it clear to Joseph Chamberlain that it would be a grave mistake to introduce it. Yet, as party leader, he did nothing by way of overruling him. This was a grave mistake and increased Liberal support. The Lib-Lab Pact 1903 unified the anti-conservative vote and ensured that more constituencies voted into power either Liberal MPs or Labour MPs. This secret pact ensured that less Conservatives were voted into power thus reducing their chances of winning the election of 1906. To conclude, I believe that Arthur Balfour was one of the reasons for Conservative decline and the loss of the 1906 election. However, I do not believe that it was solely his fault, as rebellious members of his cabinet put forward reforms that he disapproved of and thus alienated their party from the mass voters. This will have increased the speed at which the conservatives were falling into decline. Although this is true, I think that the political machinations of the Liberals also played a hand in the downfall of the Conservatives. In addition, I believe that the tides of change were already acting upon the fortunes of the Conservative party, and that it was merely a question of when they would be voted out of power.

Using Visual Basic VBA with HTTPS and SSL

Using Visual Basic VBA with HTTPS and SSL Is it possible to access web pages with HTTPS and that require login/password using Excel? Well, yes and no. Heres the deal and why its not so straight forward. First, Lets  Define Terms HTTPS is by convention the identifier for what is called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). That doesnt really have anything to do with passwords or logins as such. What SSL does is set up an encrypted connection between a web client and server so that no information is sent between the two in the clear using unencrypted transmissions. If the information includes login and password information, encrypting the transmission protects them from prying eyes...but encrypting passwords isnt a requirement. I used the phrase by convention because the real security technology is SSL. HTTPS only signals to the server that the client plans on using that protocol. SSL can be used in a variety of other ways. So...if your computer sends a URL to a server that uses SSL and that URL starts with HTTPS, your computer is saying to the server: Hey Mr. Server, lets shake hands over this encryption thing so that whatever we say from now on wont get intercepted by some bad guy. And when thats done, go ahead and send me the page addressed by the URL. The server will send back the key information for setting up an SSL connection. Its up to your computer to actually do something with it. Thats key (pun...well, sorta intended) to understanding the role of VBA in Excel. The programming in VBA would have to actually take the next step and implement the SSL on the client side. Real web browsers do that automatically and show you a little lock symbol in the status line to show you that it has been done. But if the VBA just opens the web page as a file and reads the information in it into cells in a spreadsheet (a very common example), Excel wont do that without some additional programming. The servers gracious offer to shake hands and set up secure SSL communication just gets ignored by Excel. But You Can Read the Page You Requested in Exactly the Same Way To prove it, lets use the SSL connection that is used by Googles Gmail service (which starts with https) and code a call to open that connection just like it was a file. This reads the web page like it was a simple file. Since recent versions of Excel will import HTML automatically, after the Open statement is executed, the Gmail page (minus the Dynamic HTML objects) is imported into a spreadsheet. The goal of SSL connections is to exchange information, not just read a web page, so this is normally not going to get you very far. To do more, you have to have some way, in your Excel VBA program, to support both the SSL protocol and maybe to support DHTML too. Youre probably better off starting with the full Visual Basic rather than Excel VBA. Then use controls like the Internet Transfer API WinInet and call Excel objects as needed. But it is possible to use WinInet directly from an Excel VBA program. WinInet is an API - Application Programming Interface - to WinInet.dll. Its mainly used as one of the major components of Internet Explorer, but you can use it directly from your code as well and you can use it for HTTPS. Writing the code to use WinInet is at least a medium difficulty task. In general, the steps involved are: Connect to the HTTPS server and send an HTTPS requestIf the server asks for a signed client certificate, resend the request after attaching the certificate contextIf the server is satisfied, the session is authenticated There are two major differences in writing the WinInet code to use https rather than the regular HTTP: You should also keep in mind that the function of exchanging a login/password is logically independent of encrypting the session using https and SSL. You can do one or the other, or both. In many cases, they do go together, but not always. And implementing the WinInet requirements doesnt do anything to respond automatically to a login/password request. If, for example, the login and password are part of a web form, then you might have to figure out the names of the fields and update the fields from Excel VBA before posting the login string to the server. Responding correctly to a web servers security is a big part of what a web browser does. On the other hand, if SSL authentication is required, you might consider using the InternetExplorer object to log in from within VBA... The bottom line is that using https and logging into a server from an Excel VBA program is possible, but dont expect to write the code that does it in just a few minutes.