1850 -1859

Question 1

1850

Answer 1

Factory act passed - Women and under 18s could work 6-6, with 90 mins break, increasing hours to 10.5 hours a day. Work week was extended from 58 hours to 60 hours

Question 2

1851

Answer 2

29 cities had population of 100,000
Amalgamated society of Engineers established - Made up of Old mecahnics, steam engine makers and general smiths, Practiced New model Unionism under William allen, rigid administration, was well funded
Henry Mayhew publishes ‘London Labour and London Poor’ - Used empirical investigations to produce 4-volumed work showing working people wanted to earn their way, but employers were stopping it, changed Victorian perception of indolence.

Question 3

1852-57

Answer 3

Burial Acts passed - Growth in population resulted in shortage of burial plots, shallow graves dug. Acts in 52,54,57 established public network of cemeteries overseen by Burial board that maintained cemeteries, reduced frequency of disease

Question 4

1855

Answer 4

Friendly Society Act passed - new department ‘registrar of Friendly societies’ registration easier

Question 5

1858

Answer 5

Abolition of property Qualifications for MPs - One of the chartist six points
Workhouse visiting society established - Existed to improve moral and spiritual improvements of workhouse inmates

Question 6

1859

Answer 6

ASE fund London builder’s strike - Paid three installments of £1000 to ensure strike would last.
Samuel smiles publishes ‘Self Help’ - Offered answers to the question of poor relief and changed views of poor, highlighted importance of industry and individual dertmination
Molestation Act - Made persuading others to join unions a crime.