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were sympathetic to this issue. Peel decided to abolish the Corn Laws to help the people of
Ireland. Even though Victoria opposed the ideals of the Conservatives, she and Albert supported
Peel's efforts wholeheartedly. The Corn Laws restricted the purchase of foreign wheat through
tariffs which raised average wheat prices. By doing away with the Corn Laws, the duty on goods
was reduced so the Irish were able to buy bread. Unfortunately, Peel's actions caused many of his
supporters to turn against him, and he ended up resigning from office.
Victoria favoured the expansion of education throughout her life, but was unsure if tax-
supported schools were the way to go. Despite her indecisiveness, the Education Act was passed
in 1870, introducing compulsory elementary education. Another important advance in legislation
was the introduction of the secret ballot in 1872, which made it impossible for voters to be bribed
or intimidated. The Representation of the Peoples Act of 1874 allowed all householders who
made at least 10 pounds per year the right to vote. Through these advances, the "modern idea of
the constitutional monarch, whose role was to remain above political parties, began to evolve."
Prince Albert shared his political views with Victoria, acting as a quiet but rather large
influence over her actions. Albert was seen as a "tireless worker who was worn down by the
cares of government." (Clayton 44). Albert believed that the country's social problems should be
dealt with by the government. In a speech in 1848, Albert stated that it was the governments
"duty to perform towards the great mass of the working classes." (Grant 53). His ideas on the
importance of social welfare were very advanced for Britain at that time. Albert was very
sympathetic towards the unfortunate. He took interest in helping the poor...