Chapter Twelve Flashcards
Who are the examples of middle class reformers? What did middle class reformers generally believe?
James Mill who believed lol power should extend to the middle classes. Francis Place. Middle class reformers believed demonstrations ought to be orderly and well-conducted, remembering the Six Acts. They were excited by Grey's accession into government 1830, and intended to spur the Whigs on to implement their pledge to reform quickly. Excited by the July Revolutions in France.
What was the 1830 July Revolution?
A rising in France, deposing the French King Charles X, who had tried to adopt unpopular repressive measures, in favour of Phillipe a progressive French aristocrat.
What did Charles Grey believe?
Had advocated reform for decades. First proposed 1792. Believed landed interest should be the predominant influence in Parliament, but believed the rmiddle classes should have a voice- without this, they may become Radical or Revolutionary. Cabinet was drawn almost entirely from the House of Lords, reflecting the continuing aristocratic dominance of Whig party.
Why had the authorities been unnerved in the late 1820s? How did Grey’s government respond?
Economic downturn, causing unrest, particularly Swing Riots. Grey realised firm action was required to stem the upsurg of disorder and possible rebellion before reform. They set up special commissions to deal with rioters, handed heavy sentences- repressive as Pitt/Liverpool.
What did the variety of demands from various radical groups include?
Universal male suffrage, equal electoral districts, secret ballot, payment of MPS, abolition of property qualifications to stand as an MP and annual elections
What was Thomas Attwood’s Birmingham Political Union?
It inspired other similar groups to form in places as diverse as Manchester and Worcester, and Francis Place founded the National Political Union. Pressurised government to reform. Demanded the reform bill through petitions, mass meetings, demonstrations and sometimes rioting.
What effect did Industrialisation have on the middle classes demands for reform?
Brought economc benefits to them. As the middle classes grew in number and more of their memers enjoyed new wealth and prosperity, they believed they had a right as responsible, contributing, educated citizens to have a political voice. They believed they were not best served by landed aristocracy whom they believed acted in their own selfish interests and made poorly-judged economic decisions.
What was the status of the working classes regarding reform?
The working classes were more politically aware and ha responded to Radical influence in the post-war years, but their interest fell away as the economy improved. Often dismisseed by the middle classes, who believed they were not educated enough to vote. Whereas the mc focused on political reform, the wc were interested in the social and economic benefits.
What happened March 1831?
The first bill was put forward for reform, but it was wrecked by Commons opposition at the Committee stage, prompting Grey to resign and a general election to be called, resulting in a Tory defeat and the Whigs returned.
What happened October 1831?
A slightly amended bill was reintroduced and passed through Commons. Tory maority in Lords threw it out. They were turning their backs on the middle and working classes, provoking an immediate, strong reaction across the country with high profile anti-reformists such as the Dukes of Wellington and Newcastle having their houses attacked by the mob.
What were the days of May? 1832?
After months of protest and unrest in the country, the Government faced its worst crisis. Another revised bill (the third bill) was rejected by the Lords. Grey asked the King to create 50 new peers to get the bill through. He refuse. Grey resigned .Wellington formed ministry. Britain seemed to be on the verge of a revolution, mass demonstrations in Birmingham, Manchester and London. Grey returned as PM when Wellington lacked support. King agreed to create peers if it was rejected a fourth time, but the Bill was passed in June.
What were the shortfalls of the Great Reform Act?
Voting still took place in public nd so bribery and corruption continued. Counties still dominated by landed gentry. Class composition of Commons did not alter a grat deal and a decade later 70% of MPs came from the landed classes, with the vast majority of the population having no vote and the wc competely excluded. Sixth of all men and no women were enfranchised. Register of Electors was introduced but many would not pay the one shilling registration fee, no properly paid oficials to organise list.
What did the GRA allow the Whigs to maintain?
They wished to maintain the principle that owning land or property was an essential qualification for political power, and believed the landed aristocracy played a pat in maintaining stability and socialorder. For this to happen, they involved cmmercial and industrial interests alongside landed interests.
What was the response to the GRA of the radicals?
They were dissatisfied,, arguing reform had not gone far enough. No secret ballot meant bribery and corruption, allowing landlords to continue exercising control. Franchise was still too narrow, excluded wc. Electorate increased from about 435,000 voters to 652,000. Only 1/6 men could vote.
Who did the new enfranchised mc vote or?
The Whigs, enabling them to form a majority government for most of the following three decades. The Whigs felt that, however, instead of a ‘door being open’ to reform, they had done enough to satisfy demand.
