Early Attempts at Parliamentary Reform in the 1780s: Including the Work of Pitt

Question 1

French Revolution 1789 and Growth of Raicalism

Answer 1

• The French Revolution of 1789 and the fear of revolution spreading to Britain.
• The growth of Radicalism in Britain with many radical groups demanding Parliamentary Reform and Universal Male Suffrage e.g. LCS
• As a result of the context of the 1790s, Parliamentary Reform became associated with radicalism and revolution to the extent that it was resisted e.g. Even a proposal by Charles Grey merely for an inquiry into possible improvements was rejected in 1793 and again in 1797.

Question 2

Lack of success of the Parliamentary Reform Movement in the 1790s

Answer 2

• Although the clubs, discussion groups and societies aimed to reach all classes, they were dominated by members of the middle or upper classes, who wrote pamphlets and distributed them in the hope that their message would spread.
• The Parliamentary Reform Movement was divided ideologically and geographically.
• There is also little evidence that campaigns launched by radical by radicals such as John Wilkes had little popular support from non-voters outside of London. Likewise, by 1783, the ‘Yorkshire Association’ had little support outside of Yorkshire.

Question 3

Lack of Support (part one)

Answer 3

• Pitt was unable to gain the support in Parliament for his attempts to pass Parliamentary Reform e.g. 1786.
• Pitt’s decision not to threaten to resign if Parliamentary Reform was defeated was taken as a signal that he did not feel strongly about Reform.
• George III and the Cabinet also opposed Parliamentary Reform. At this time the Monarch had a right to veto legislation.
• There was support for the Status Quo of the ‘Establishment’ and the ‘Monarchy’. John Nichols commented that George III was regarded by many as ‘The Father of the People’

Question 4

Lack of Support (part two)

Answer 4

• There was an understandable decline in enthusiasm for making changes to the political system while there were threats at home and abroad (i.e. French Rev. (1789), War with France (1793) and Radicalism at Home).
• Pitt dropped unsuccessful policies as a tactic to remain in power, this is the case with parliamentary Reform e.g. he did not put forward further Parliamentary Reform after defeat of the 1786 Bill.

Question 5

Catholic Emancipation

Answer 5

• Any Parliamentary Reform would have been limited without Catholic Emancipation
• Pitt’s attempts to pass Catholic Emancipation failed in 1801
• This issue would not be settled until 1829 and when it was, it opened the way for the 1832 Reform Act

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

• Highlight the context of the 1790s