How had the Class System Developed 1783- 1812?

Question 1

The middle class

Answer 1

Made up approximately 25% of the population by the start the 19th Century.
Merchants, tradesmen and professions but Industrial Revolution creates entrepreneurial opportunities for them which they seized. They brought economic growth and innovation

Question 2

The Industrial workforce

Answer 2

Made up if skilled craftsmen and unskilled labourers.
They had very little money.
Men earnt an average of 10 shillings per week (Women 5 for same work): the average rent was around 5 shillings.
Tied to pay changes makes of the economy.
Friendly societies paid out in hard times (established in)
Their lack of political rights broadened the scope for radicalism.

Question 3

Landowners

Answer 3

Controlled most political, economic and social activities.
More land available due to urbanisation - average farm size increase, price of food decreased but the population increased.
Gained influence in Parliament allowing them to pass acts such as the Enabling acts and to create a reduction In peasant rights (eg enclosure movement), centralising power with them. (Those with land worth more than 40 shillings)

Question 4

Agricultural Labourers

Answer 4

Forced to accept decline in wages - population increase, more labourers needed due to larger demand.
Enclosure movements decreased access to common land.
Real wages fell as inflation rose and prices became over 2x pre 1793 prices.
Liver conditions were poor - overcrowded cottages and due to economic strain, were forced to pay higher rent.
Poor Releif was used to fall back on in times of bad harvests.
1802 Health and Moral of Apprentices act was driven by social reformers with low pay and hazardous work.