Reform and Protest in Wales and England, c. 1830 -1848
The Industrial Revolution brought a number of significant changes to Britain, mass industrialisation, a growing population and the emergence of expanding towns and cities, all led to great social and political change. The tide was turning and the old aristocracy, accepting they could not stop it, did all they could to stem the inevitable demands for change. Fear of revolution and an opportunity to redress the political imbalance, saw the Whigs introduce a Reform Bill and extend the franchise, but not before rioters took to the streets of Merthyr to demand the changes occur.
Furthermore, the government became immersed in the lives of the people by passing a series of social reforms aimed at improving the lives of the working classes. Inspired by the ideals of Utilitarianism which propagated the notion that the correct thing to do was achieve 'the greatest good for the greatest number.'
Movements like Chartism, offered rational and reasoned options for a fairer political system, however, when their calls for change fell on deaf ears, the protest element of British society took up the banner in the call for reform and expressed their anger in the form of the Newport Rising. By the end of the 1840s the politcal instability in Britain settled down, only to be revived again and again throughout the century, undoubtedly the events of 1830 - 1848 had opened a door that would not be shut - Reform was wanted and the people were prepared to Protest for it to be achieved!
Check out the resources -----------------------\/
Furthermore, the government became immersed in the lives of the people by passing a series of social reforms aimed at improving the lives of the working classes. Inspired by the ideals of Utilitarianism which propagated the notion that the correct thing to do was achieve 'the greatest good for the greatest number.'
Movements like Chartism, offered rational and reasoned options for a fairer political system, however, when their calls for change fell on deaf ears, the protest element of British society took up the banner in the call for reform and expressed their anger in the form of the Newport Rising. By the end of the 1840s the politcal instability in Britain settled down, only to be revived again and again throughout the century, undoubtedly the events of 1830 - 1848 had opened a door that would not be shut - Reform was wanted and the people were prepared to Protest for it to be achieved!
Check out the resources -----------------------\/
reform_and_protest_in_wales_and_england_word.pdf | |
File Size: | 1191 kb |
File Type: |
|
|