8. The Great Reform Act Flashcards
How did attitudes in Parliament (Whig Party) begin to change?
There was growing recognition that at least some change was necessary and it would be better if Parliament itself managed this change
When Lord Grey formed the Whig-led government in 1830, it seemed reform would come
However, how was reform prevented ?
The House of Commons passed two separate Bills, but each time they were rejected by the Tory-dominated House of Lords.
There were riots in Bristol, Nottingham and Derby
At same time, “Captain swing” protests were taking place against new threshing machines, which threatened people’s jobs
What was finally passed in 1832?
A third reform bill was Passed through both Houses of Parliament
What was its main terms?
56 boroughs were disenfranchised and 31 reduced to one MP
67 new constituencies were created
The property qualification for voting was broadened to include small landowners, tenant farmers and shop keepers - 650,000 could now vote
Vote was given to all householders who paid a yearly rental of £10 +
Women were forbidden for voting
Some people who had the vote had them taken away due to new property qualifications
How did political and economic action increased?
The Tolpuddle martyrs were transported to Australia for seven years for forming a trade union
They got a lot of public sympathy
There was opposition to the Poor Law Amendment Act
the Ten Hours Movement and Anti- corn law league all pushed government for further change
Political demands for reform increased as people realised the 1832 reform act had done nothing to address wider grievances
