Great Reform Act Flashcards
When was the great reform act?
1832
Give 3 problems with the English electoral system?
Areas of the country sent 2 MPs to parliament however some didn’t
Pocket Boroughs were controlled by the rich
People were easily bribed
When was the Peterloo Massacre?
1819
What was the Peterloo Massacre?
A peaceful protest where people listened to speeches by radicals
How many people went to St Peter’s Field?
60,000
How many people died and were injured?
15 Killed
600 Injured
What did the government introduce after Peterloo?
6 Acts – one of which said there could be no meeting with 50+ people
What was created in 1829 and who set it up?
Thomas Attwood – Birmingham Political Union
What did Attwood send to parliament?
Him and 8,000 people sent a petition which was rejectedW
What were the 3 key demands of the petition by Attwood?
Votes for all men
Shorter Parliaments
End of property qualifications
How many times did the reform act try to get passed?
3 times
Why was the reform act passed?
Due to existing Lords believing they would lose power to the Whigs so the passed the law
Who benefited from the Great Reform Act?
Middle Class
Merchants and Industrialists
Who didn’t benefit from the Great Reform Act?
Working class people weren’t given the vote and secret ballots wouldn’t develop until 1872
How did the Great Reform Act help in the long term?
Call for more reform continued
Reduced power of Kings and landowners
How much money did you have to earn to vote?
£150
