Acts in industrial evolution Flashcards
Public health act 1835
In 1837, Parliament passed an Act requiring the registration of all births, marriages, and deaths. William Farr was appointed to collect and publish these statistics. In his first report, Farr highlighted that unhealthy living conditions were causing thousands of deaths annually. He noted that water consumption per person in towns was very low, with most people relying on contaminated local rivers, streams, or springs for drinking water. Additionally, local government was poorly equipped to manage the needs of rapidly growing industrial cities, with insufficient controls and reliance on volunteers.
public health act 1848
The Public Health Act of 1848 established a General Board of Health in London, reporting to Parliament, and encouraged the creation of local health boards with the authority to make improvements. Three commissioners, including Edwin Chadwick, were appointed to the Board. However, the Act had limited impact as it was not compulsory; local authorities could improve hygiene but were not required to. The central government only had the power to impose health boards in areas with death rates above the national average. Additionally, the Act was temporary, with the Board of Health lasting only until 1854.
1835 municipal cooperation act
The Act passed by the government allowed 178 boroughs to establish their own councils. However, the main limitation was that it was permissive, meaning local governments were not required to improve living conditions unless they chose to. Few towns made improvements, as many residents, particularly the wealthy, were reluctant to pay higher taxes to benefit others. The rich often moved to suburban areas, typically west of the towns, to avoid the smoke and smells, as prevailing winds usually blew from the west, keeping pollution away from these areas.
Factory Acts of 1833
Restricted the working hours of children in textile factories. Children aged 9-13 could only work 8 hours a day, while those aged 14-18 could work 12 hours. Factory inspectors were appointed to enforce the rules.
Factory Acts of 1844
Further limited the working hours for women and children, reducing the workday for children to 6.5 hours and imposing safer conditions, including restrictions on dangerous machinery.
Factory Acts of 1847
Known as the Ten Hours Act, it limited the working hours of women and children in textile factories to 10 hours per day.
Chimney Sweeps Acts of 1834
Aimed to regulate the chimney sweeping trade by requiring apprenticeships and setting age limits for child sweeps.
Chimney Sweeps Acts of 1837
Strengthened regulations by making it illegal for children under 21 to be employed as chimney sweeps, addressing ongoing exploitation of young children in dangerous conditions.
Mines Act of 1842
Banned women, girls, and boys under the age of 10 from working underground in mines. This was in response to widespread reports of horrific working conditions and exploitation in the mining industry.
Coal Mines Inspection Act of 1850
Introduced official mine inspectors to oversee safety regulations in coal mines. It required mine owners to report accidents and gave inspectors the authority to investigate and enforce safety standards, marking a significant step in improving mine safety.
Great Reform Act of 1832
The Great Reform Act of 1832 reformed the British electoral system by expanding voting rights to more middle-class men through lowering property ownership requirements, though it still excluded most working-class men and all women. It abolished “rotten boroughs” and redistributed parliamentary seats to growing industrial towns and cities, better reflecting population changes and shifting political power from rural landowners to the urban middle class. While it did not achieve full democracy, the Act marked an important step toward broader electoral reform and modernizing the political system.
Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834
The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 reformed the existing system of poor relief in England, aiming to reduce the cost of supporting the poor and encourage self-reliance. It created a national system of workhouses where the poor could receive assistance, but conditions were deliberately harsh to deter people from relying on this aid. The Act replaced outdoor relief (support given to the poor outside of workhouses) and centralized control under Poor Law Commissioners. While it reduced welfare costs, the Act faced criticism for its inhumane treatment of the poor, especially in workhouses.
Combination Acts (1799 and 1800)
These acts made it illegal for workers to unite or form unions to demand better wages or working conditions. The government saw unions as a threat to social order and wanted to suppress collective bargaining. Penalties were harsh for those who violated these laws. These acts were later repealed in 1824 due to growing pressure from workers and the recognition that it was ineffective at preventing labor unrest.
Trade Union Act (1871)
This act legalized trade unions, allowing them to operate openly and without being regarded as criminal conspiracies. It was a significant step in the labor movement, enabling workers to organize and engage in collective bargaining legally. The act recognized the importance of unions in protecting worker rights.
1792 Royal Proclamation Against Seditious Publications
This proclamation aimed to curb the spread of radical ideas, particularly those associated with the French Revolution. It was directed against publications that encouraged rebellion or dissent against the British monarchy or government. This was part of a broader effort to prevent revolutionary fervor from taking root in Britain.
