The second refrom act 1867

Question 1

Give 5 reasons for why Disraeli passed the 2nd reform act (give evidence)

Answer 1

1. Pressure from reform unions- Hyde park riots 1867
   2.Conservatives wanted a high profile win- Hadn’t been in power since 1846
2. Personal Rivalry- Disraeli vs Gladstone- Gladstone tried to pass act in 1866
3. Personal Ambition- Both were Chancellor of the Exchequer wanted to become Prime Minister
4. Principle- Disraeli always wanted to bridge the gulf between rich and poor
   Gladstone- always wanted the ‘respectable’ middle class to be represented

Question 2

What were the main changes in government attitudes which put pressure for political reform?

Answer 2

The Prime Minister, Palmerston died in 1865= opposed reform, more liberal Prime Minister got in (John Russle)

Attitudes of individuals changed= Gladstone visited the cotton mills and saw what the working class had to live through 
Disraeli wanted to bridge the gap between rich and poor

Question 3

What were the main social and economic changes which put pressure for political reform?

Answer 3

1865= bad harvest and forced people to claim poor relief 
1866-67= cholera struck claiming 14,000 lives

Question 4

Give examples of the external pressures which put pressure for political reform?

Answer 4

Actions and beliefs of radical campaigners- John Bright argued that it was the time for ordinary people to have the vote.

Creation of pressure groups- National Reform Union

Question 5

What did the 1867 reform act do to voter registration?

Answer 5

Efficient voter registration became vital after the reform act because of the enlargement of the borough franchise.

It also made party political presences in the constituencies imperative.

Question 6

What two major developments took place after the 1867 reform act?

Answer 6

1. Both the conservatives and the Liberals established a central office in London and party organisation became centralised and efficient.
2. Local party organisations were set up throughout the country and formed the umbrella organisations of the Conservative National Union and the National Liberal Federation. Similar ginger groups worked parallel with he large organisations;
   Liberal Liberation Society
   The Conservative Primrose League.