Alternative Synoptic Essay

Question 1

Middle class

Answer 1

Start to emerge as a class in the industrial revolution-wealthy m/c contributing to growth of Britain, creating jobs but had very little political influence pre 1832.
1832 changes this-m/c enfranchised-“uniting men of property”-as a result laws passed which favoured m/c eg Poor Law Amendment Act 1834.
M/c influence grows locally-Municipal corporations act 1835 creates town councils which m/c dominate.
Many laws still favoured the wealthy-eg social reform of Dis often permissive and limited in impact-Dis feared “harassing” m/c like Gladstone did.
Chartism’s failure-lack of m/c support as they were satisfied with the system.

Question 2

Working classes.

Answer 2

Feared by successive govts, particularly after French Revolution. Living in worst conditions undertaking dangerous jobs-w/c expected to know their place. Had no representation-corrupt political system. Many began supporting radical movements-after 1815 (Spa Fields, M of B) when difficult economic times.
1832 led to emergence of Chartist movement-with it a growth in w/c consciousness.
1867 reform act leads to emergence of national politics-have to consider all classes.
Social reform of Dis as Gladstone eg artisans dwellings act clear attempts to win over w/c voters.
Change in role of govt-an attempt to please all classes-seen in Dis’ speeches at crystal palace and Manchester 1872.
Emergence of socialism in 1880’s eg Fabians but Britain still dominated by the Cons and Libs, no w/c party had emerged.

Question 3

Upper class

Answer 3

Pre 1832 Britain dominated by landed classes-class based legislation occurred as a result eg Corn Laws 1815, Parl system unrepresentative, responsible for law and order but not well being of people. 
Very little interest in Parl reform-Pitt's proposals in 1783 and in 1785 unsuccessful. 
1832 was seen by the Whigs a necessary action to preserve the Parl system. 
1872 secret ballot act and 1883 corrupt and illegal practices act reduced influence of landed classes and later contributes to emergence of socialism and a w/c political party. 
However landed dominance continued.
Political system still favoured u/c-House of Lords dominated by u/c- could veto laws.
Landed classes had controlled the pace of change throughout-Whigs had "reformed to preserve" in 1832, Dis in 1867 had "won the race" but also redistributed seats and increased county franchise to limit the impact of change.