Pressure for change 1832-46: Social reform campaigners Flashcards
When did philanthropic activity begin to increase?
In the second quarter of the 19th century
What was this largely in response to?
The extraordinary level of economic and social change brought about by industrialisation, population growth and urbanisation, all of which brought about completely new social problems
What was the increase in philanthropy an indication of?
Changing social attitudes
Why did individuals and groups so often have to attempt to solve social problems?
Because it was not regarded as the official role of the state to accept responsibility for the welfare of its people
What did Lord Shaftesbury make it his life’s work to do?
Fight for social justice and more humane living and working conditions for the labouring poor
What was strange about the leading social reformers at this time, like Ashley and Chadwick?
They opposed political reform
What happened to the social composition of parliament following the GRA?
It was still predominantly run by men of substantial wealth, but this now included a small intake of middle class men, among them many radicals, like John Fielden
Whose ideas provided the main impetus for social reform despite the fact that he died in 1832?
Jeremy Bentham
What was the Benthamite mindset with regards to political institutions?
That clinging onto the old ways of doing things out of reverence for tradition was not a valid justification, process must have utility and work
Whose ideas did Edwin Chadwick consider when when he was advising on poor law reform?
Bentham’s
What was the problem with Chadwick’s application of the usefulness test?
Despite the fact that he had genuine concern for the welfare of the poor, its applications didn’t take into consideration the feelings of individuals
What did Chadwick do while he was a member of the commission of inquiry into factory conditions?
He recommended an 8 hour work day for children to act as a compromise between factory owners and reformers
What was the significance of Chadwick’s 1842 Report on the Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population of Great Britain?
It exposed the squalid, unhygenic conditions in Britain’s towns and cities and it became the blueprint for improved sanitation and eventually a proper drainage system in every community
Who was the foremost social reformer of the 19th century?
Lord Shaftesbury
What was Shaftesbury amibitious for a career in as a young man?
Politics
What did the introduction of any social measures depend on at this time?
The initiative of philanthropists and experts
When did Shaftesbury enter parliament?
In 1826, as a tory
How did Shaftesbury’s political career shift in 1833?
He became the leader of the parliamentary campaign for the 10 hour movement, his focus therefore now rested on achieving social advancement rather than political advancement
What did his strong social conscience make him determined to do?
Bring public attention to the social evils of the day
What did a Commission on the Employment of Children in Mines recommend?
An end to the underground employment of women and children
What did he argue passionately for?
A 10 hour bill, which would have succeeded if not for the government’s sleight of hand with the subsequent 1844 Factory Act, which saw female working hours capped at 12 per day
Why was the 1844 Factory Act an important piece of legislation despite its limitations?
Because it set the precedent for government intervention in the working hours of adults
When did he finally get his 10 hour bill?
In 1847, with the support of the whigs and the tory protectionists - who were angry with Peel over the repeal of the corn laws
Explain the religious influence on philanthropy at this time?
- Shaftesbury was an evangelical and public duty was part of his religious belief
- There was a growing conviction among the upper and middle classes that it was there Christian duty to help those less fortunate than themselves. However moral judgements were made; charity did not extend to the so called undeserving poor, with help more readily given to those who were prepared to help themselves
What did the 1842 Mines Act do?
Made it illegal for boys under 10 and all women to work underground
What did the 1844 Factory Act do?
Set a maximum 6.5 hour working day for children between 9-13, and 12 hours a day for women
Why was the 1836 Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Act useful?
Because it meant there was a way to verify children’s ages so that the new Factory Acts could be enforced
What has happened to John Fielden’s contribution to social reform?
It has been overshadowed by more prominent figures, like Shaftesbury
What was his family background like?
He was born into a respectable Quaker family with a strong work ethic
How did he become successful as an adult?
He took over his father’s small cotton mill and made it into one of the largest cotton manufacturing businesses in the country
What did he use his wealth to do?
Benefit the poor
List the social, egalitarian causes he supported
- Argued for male suffrage
- Early supporter of chartism
- Hostile to poor law reform, believing it would depress the manufacturing industry, supporting resistance to its introduction in the industrial north
What was his foremost interest?
Factory reform, arguing for shorter working hours on the basis that it would benefit owners and workers. He therefore admired and supported Shaftesbury, assisting the passage of the 10 hours act in 1847
