Chapter 14: Whig Social Reforms Flashcards
What was the result of the Great Reform Act?
There was continued pressure on the Whigs to continue with reforms from a wide range of radical and religious groups. The Whigs had not promised a reform programme, but the achievement of a measure of political reform prompted the expectation of improvement and changes in other areas.
What reforms were the radical and religious groups seeking?
Application of poor law, working hours and conditions in factories, local government organisation, establishment of provision for education and an end to slavery in the British colonies.
What was taken into account before any reform was introduced?
Findings of a Select Committee of the House of Commons. This system had been improved by greater use of Royal Commissions, a body set up by government to look into a specific issue e.g workings of the Poor Law.
Who were the members of the Royal Commission?
Members included ‘experts’ as well as mps meaning opinion outside of Parliament was taken into consideration as well.
What was a result of the Royal Commission?
The potential for philanthropic, humanitarian and evangelical ideas (‘general ideology’) to influence social reforms was increased.
What was the state of the Royal Commission by 1846?
It was becoming the norm for proposals on key social issues to be considered by a Royal Commission before being finalised.
What Social Reforms did the Whigs introduce?
Education, slavery, Municipal Corporations, Factory Act, and Poor Law.
