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Reform and challenge, c1851–c1886

Victorian and Edwardian Britain, c1851–1914: Reform and challenge, c1851–c1886

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90 min

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AqaA LevelHistory1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

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6 objective pages available

Reform and challenge, c1851–c18866 objectives

The political system: parliament and the workings of mid-19th century democracy; ruling elites; prime ministers; parties and party realignment to 1867.
Political developments under Gladstone and Disraeli; liberalism, conservatism and the bases of their support; the extension of the franchise.
Economic developments: agriculture, trade and industry; economic ideologies; boom and 'the workshop of the world'; the onset of Depression.
Society and social changes: class and regional division; prosperity and poverty.
Social movements and policies; self-help; trade unions; education and social reform legislation.
The condition of Ireland and Anglo-Irish relations: land agitation and the political response; Home Rule.

ElectorateFranchiseLiberalismConservatismIndustrial RevolutionEconomic LiberalismReform ActSocial ChangeChartismTrade UnionLand AgitationHome Rule

Use specific examples: When answering questions about reforms, always include specific examples of the changes and their impacts.
Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing political reforms, always include specific acts or policies to support your arguments.

Confusing the Reform Acts: Clearly differentiate the reforms introduced by each act, noting that the 1832 Act primarily addressed the representation of the middle class, while the 1867 Act focused on urban working-class enfranchisement.
Confusing Liberalism with Socialism: Liberalism focuses on individual freedoms and limited government, while socialism emphasizes collective ownership and economic equality.

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