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Political change and social reform, 1832-1846 (A-level only)
the Age of Reform: Britain, 1832–1885 (A-level only): Political change and social reform, 1832-1846 (A-level only)
6
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelHistory1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885
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6 objective pages available
Political change and social reform, 1832-1846 (A-level only)6 objectives
- Government: Grey, Melbourne and the ideas and ideology of the Whig Party; the Tories in opposition and government; Peel and the transformation of the Conservative party.
- The Whig response to social change; social reforms including: education, factory legislation, abolition of slavery, the Poor Law Amendment Act, the Municipal Corporations Act.
- Pressure for change: Chartism; Irish radicalism; the Anti-Poor Law League; the Anti-Corn Law League; social reform campaigners including Shaftesbury and Chadwick.
- The Conservative response to change: finance, administration and the economy; the Bank Charter Act; trade and business reform.
- Economic developments: the railway 'revolution' and associated economic growth; agriculture and Corn Law repeal.
- Social developments: conditions in urban Britain; changes in the lives of workers and the poor; unions and other working-class movements.
Key terms
Reform Act of 1832Corn LawsFactory legislationAbolition of slaveryPoor Law Amendment Act 1834Public Health Act 1848IndustrialisationFree TradeFranchiseUrbanization
Exam tips
- Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing political changes, always refer to specific legislation or key figures to support your arguments.
- Use specific examples: When discussing reforms, always provide specific examples and their impacts to support your arguments.
Common mistakes
- Overgeneralizing the impact of the Reform Act of 1832: Acknowledge that while it expanded the electorate, many working-class individuals remained disenfranchised.
- Confusing reforms: Focus on the specific aims and outcomes of each reform to differentiate them clearly.
Practice preview
- Which of the following was a key feature of the Whig Party's ideology during the period of 1832-1846?
- What role did Sir Robert Peel play in the transformation of the Conservative Party during this period?
- Evaluate the impact of the Reform Act of 1832 on British politics and society.
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