Lord Kelvin and Liberal Unionism

2009/04/01 by I. G. C. Hutchison · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Irish and British Studies #Historical Studies of British Isles #Scottish History and National Identity

paper · pdf · doi:10.1088/1742-6596/158/1/012004

openalex publication_date 2009/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

Kelvin had been a staunch Liberal until Gladstone's Irish Home Rule Bill of 1886 made him a Liberal Unionist. He believed the measure would damage Ireland's best interests and would create economic and social instability. He also rejected it on constitutional grounds. Concern for the position of Ulster's Protestants was, however, not a major issue for Kelvin. Between 1886 and 1890 he was the most prominent Liberal Unionist in the West of Scotland, and under his leadership, the party was highly effective in the region. It is likely that, to a certain extent, his peerage was a reward for his political work. After 1890, Kelvin became more of a party figurehead, while his views on many political issues drew him closer to those of the Conservatives.

Cited by

• Liberal Unionist Party [wikipedia]

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