1. Nineteenth-century electoral reform
Exam focus: Edexcel
Elizabeth Francis
Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

2. Exam focus: Edexcel
The following slide provides an essay plan for a sample Edexcel-style question for paper 1 option D, Britain 1785–1870: democracy, protest and reform. Sample question: To what extent does the influence of political ideas, brought about through the French Revolution, explain the increasing demand for parliamentary reform in the years 1785–1832? (20 marks)
Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

3. 1. The Ideas of the French Revolution
Introduction
Contextualise the period 1785–1832.
State judgement from the outset: role of the middle class more important than ideas of the French Revolution.
Other factors to consider: reduction in power of the crown, working class role, fear of revolution and radicalism.
1. The Ideas of the French Revolution
Enthusiasm greatest among those who wanted reform in GB — e.g. those excluded from political office by the Test and Corporation and Subscription Acts, middle classes denied the vote, and Parliamentary Whigs blocked by Pitt's firm hold on power.
1792 the French promised support for armed insurrection in London.
The influence of the French Revolution encouraged people to press for a National Convention.
2. Influence of the emerging middle class
Wealthy middle class wanted political power to match their economic power.
Industrial middle classes lived and worked in areas such as Manchester, under-represented in Parliament.
1810s and 1820s some industrialists were mobilising popular protest to pressurise for change.
Whigs began to support reform to placate the industrialists.
Conclusion
Summary of key factors considered.
Influence of the emerging middle class a more significant reason for the increasing demand for parliamentary reform.
To what extent does the influence of political ideas, brought about through the French Revolution, explain the increasing demand for parliamentary reform in the years 1785–1832? (20 marks)
3. Reduction in the power of the crown
Edmund Burke took a leading role in the debate surrounding the power of the monarchy.
Argued against unrestrained royal power.
Push for parties to take a greater role in restraining the power of the crown.
Pitt was the first PM to attempt to update the Constitution and the proposed 1785 Reform Bill reallocated parliamentary representation.
5. Fear of revolution and a tradition of radicalism
French Revolution had ignited fear of a revolution in Britain.
Fear of revolution led to an increased desire for reform from within parliament.
The influence of Henry “Orator” Hunt and the promotion of annual parliaments and universal suffrage.
Spa Fields 1816–17.
Peterloo 1819.
Reform riots of 1831.
Links between factors are shown with the blue arrows
4. The role of the working class
Reformed parliament would better consider the social and economic problems of the working classes.
Low wages of industrial workers and poor living conditions in industrial towns and cities.
Peterloo 1819.
Reform Riots of 1831.