Why did Post War Distress and Discontent End? Flashcards

1
Q

Economic

A

Of greater significance was the economy was improving. Britain was slowly emerging from the post war slump. New markets were being opened up and industry was slowly returning to a peacetime situation. Unemployment was falling and wages were gradually returning to a more realistic level. There was a general improvement in living standards. A series of good harvests brought down the price of bread. As William Cobbett remarked: ‘I defy you to agitate a fellow with a full stomach’.

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2
Q

Political

A

Government repression against those campaigning for change was having an effect Large scale trouble was prevented.

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3
Q

Monarchy (part one)

A

In 1820, people’s attentions were diverted by a royal scandal. There occurred the Queen Caroline divorce affair. George III died in 1820 and was succeeded by his son, the Prince Regent, as George IV. The new King was determined that his estranged wife should not be crowned Queen. Liverpool was persuaded to introduce a Bill of Divorce into Parliament on the grounds of Caroline’s adultery.

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4
Q

Monarchy (part two)

A

The spectacle of the royal divorce and all the personal revelations it entailed did serve to divert attention, further weakened the Crown’s position and prestige. Radicals and Whigs supported Caroline who was was excluded from attending the coronation at Westminster Abbey. Liverpool was forced to abandon divorce proceedings. A mouth after the coronation, Caroline died.

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5
Q

Social

A

Some minors were introduced, although their impact was small. The most important was the Factory Act(1819). This forbade the employment of children under 9 in the mills and limited the working hours of 9-16 year olds to 12 hours a day. Lack of factory inspectors made the law virtually unenforceable.

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