topic 15 - what factors influenced parliamentary reform?

the British population had reached 29 million by 1861 however…

only around 1 million people had the right to vote

who still could not vote?

a majority of the working classn

why was increasing urbanisation a motivator for reform?

people continued to flood into urban areas but there were no changes to the sizes of constituencies to reflect this

who was putting pressure on the government?

the radicals led by john bright

how did he do this?

he made many speeches from 1858-9 which brought demands for reform grater publicity

what groups grew in prominence during the 1850s?

new model unions

these new model unions placed emphasis on persuading people they were…

moderate and respectful in an attempt to win respect from politicians and the press

new model unions were for…

skilled workers

what did the american civil war do?

created greater publicity for equal rights and opportunities

what is one incident caused by the war which highlights the political maturity of the working class?

the northern blockade on southern ports (in America) prevented cotton from reaching Lancashire mills which led to unemployment in the area - in spite of this, the cotton workers still supported the northern cause

what happened to gladstone during this period?

he converted to become more pro-reform

what prompted this?

persuasion from the radicals and trade unions

what allowed him to start implementing this internal changes?

the death of the liberal leader lord palmerston in 1865

what did Disraeli realise about reform?

it was inevitable and therefore better for the Conservative Party to lead it rather than the liberals so that they could reap the rewards

what were the rewards?

the support of the working class?

what does this suggest a motivator for reform was?

the potential for political gain

why was there a fear of unrest at this time?

in 1866, there was a short but sharp economic crisis which caused widespread unemployment and bankruptcy

what happened in july of the same year?

a demonstration was planned to take place in Hyde park

whilst the government shut down the park to prevent the protest…

there were still disturbances and destruction of property