This question focuses on an evaluation of the reasons why the Whigs were changed between the Repeal of the Corn Laws and Gladstone's first ministry into the Liberal Party. The Whigs were a political party formed of aristocrats, they were considered very right wing, they dominated the government. The Whigs then became the Liberals and their social and political views favoured reform and progress - there were many different views in this party. Between 1846 and 1868, it was a transition period of multi-party politics and coalitions between the Repeal of the Corn Laws and Gladstone's first ministry.

John Peel's support of the Corn Law Repeal split the Tories into two camps. Peel's supporters joined with Whigs to create the Liberal Party and the anti-Peel Tories became the Conservative Party. There were many reasons for the transformation of the Whigs into the Liberals, with the rise of the popular press...