Parliamentary reform influences between 1780-1886

Question 1

The French Revolution

Answer 1

• 1789, caused the ruling elite of Br to fear that a similar style revolution could happen in Br.
• As a result they wanted to distance m/c from w/c (1832 act).
• For 1867 and 1884 acts French Revolution had little influence as the fear of revolution was less apparent an virtually non-existent, Br was prospering and becoming a global powerhouse.

Question 2

Fear of radicalism

Answer 2

• At the start of the period Parl system unrepresentative and corrupt, many pocket boroughs across Br, MP stood with little or no constituents whereas towns like Merthyr had no MP.
• Hamptden clubs setup, were popular with over 80 clubs and held a national conference.
• However due to strong repressive govt action these clubs were forced underground.
• After Napoleonic wars Br faced a growth in popular unrest due to unrep Parl system and economic issues like high unemployment.
• March of the Blanketeers and Cato St conspiracy.
• Radicalism and unrest had less influence after 1832, w/c no longer had m/c support.

Question 3

Changes in society

Answer 3

• Society constantly changing, for Parl to keep constant with time reform was needed.
• Britain going through an industrial revolution.
• Emergence of a wealthy m/c with growth of m/c consciousness(before 1832)-being m/c in to detach from w/c and radicalism, Macaulay “we drive over to the side of revolution those we shut out of power”.
• Emergence of a w/c consciousness (before 1867), Br prospering and Parl recognised their contribution, felt they deserved the vote.
• Little influence from society on 1884 act as Parl already enfranchised skilled w/c, was more out of political self-interest.

Question 4

Economic issues

Answer 4

• Post1815 increase in radicalism and for Parl reform because of the economic state of Britain. At this there was high unemployment due to mass demobilisation and cancellation of war time contracts. Also class legislation eg corn laws worsen things.
• Post 1830 there was economic depression in agriculture which led to increase prices brought on by introduction of machinery.
• In 1865 there was a slump in trade following a period of prosperity and led to higher unemployment.
• Agricultural depression in 1870’s brought on by mechanisation and new refrigeration techniques in USA, Libs wanted to seize on this by enfranchising agricultural workers to make up for the last votes.
• However during 1820’s and Liberal Toryism there was prosperity following a move towards free trade and in the 1850’s, Britain had become industrialised becoming “workhouse of Britain”.
• However economic issues were an underlying influence on Parl reform.

Question 5

Political gain

Answer 5

• Whigs motivated to pass 1832 to strengthen Parl system in their favour, been out of govt for 50yrs. Also gave them a chance to prove themselves in govt passing a significant piece of legislation.
• 1867 Act, Dis wanted to prove himself as leader of the Cons, Cons needed to reform Parl system in their favour as they spent little time govt over last 40yrs. Cons hoped to get w/c on their side like Whigs did with m/c in 1832, and secure more lasting govt.
• 1884, Libs pass out of political gain, had failed to pass 2nd Reform Act, Cons held a majority in the Lords, became people vs peers-“tassel” for political influence, Arkington Street Conpact-agreement between Libs+Cons (Libs get to pass 3rd reform but Cons get redistribution), Libs seize on agricultural depression by enfranchising agricultural workers to make up for last votes.