The second Reform Act of 1867

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Why was there renewed pressure for electoral reform after the 1832 act?
Middle class MPs had more respect for working classes, working class men more involved in local politics, death of PM Palmerston, rise of the National Reform Union and Reform League
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What was the National Reform Union?
A union mostly made up of Liberal Party members that aimed to show that the middle and working classes could work together to achieve far reaching political reform. Moderate movement
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When was the NRU formed?
1864
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How many branches of the NRU were there?
150 -small movement
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What was the Reform League?
A more radical group supported by former Chartists, trade unionists and the working classes. Seen as a new opportunity to put pressure on the government before a general election. Less wealthy and respectable than the NRU but more influential.
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Why did parliament finally decide to pass the Act in 1867?
Defeat of the first bill triggered demonstrations, end of economic prosperity, depression in both manufacturing and agriculture, cholera epidemic = fear of revolution
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Who was the vote granted to due to the 1867 Act ?
All householders in boroughs and urban areas as well as lodgers who paid rent of £10 a year or more.
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How did the electorate change after 1867?
It increased by almost 1 million, almost doubled = 2 million
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How were seats redistributed after 1867?
Towns with a population of 10,000 or less lost one of their 2 MPs and these seats went to the growing industrial towns and counties.
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How many seats were redistributed in total?
52
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Why was the 1867 act significant?
It doubled the electorate and enfranchised many of the working classes for the first time, major step towards democracy
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How was the 1867 act limited?
The counties remained solidly conservative due to redrawing of constituency boundaries, over representation of rural south relative to north, 2/3 adult men could not vote.
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How did the social composition of MPs change after 1867?
Very little. Less than 1/4 of those elected in 1874 came from commercial or industrial backgrounds.
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Why was the 1867 Act significant for the two main political parties?
They realised they needed to better acquaint themselves with public opinion and appeal to the people at elections. Led to the rise of party political organisations.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What was the National Reform Union?

Back

A union mostly made up of Liberal Party members that aimed to show that the middle and working classes could work together to achieve far reaching political reform. Moderate movement

Card 3

Front

When was the NRU formed?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How many branches of the NRU were there?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What was the Reform League?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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