1. The Scottish Reform Act, 1832
In the years 1830 and 1831 there were huge protest marches in Scotland. The marchers were protesting at the unfair way in which the Government was elected. They hoped they would get the vote and Britain would become a real democracy. Many working people from the factory towns took part in these marches. They wanted to vote for a Government that would take an interest in them. They hoped it would pass laws to improve their poor living and working conditions.
There were great celebrations across Scotland in 1832 when the Government finally agreed to reform the voting laws. The 1832 Scottish Reform Act increased the number of voters to over It gave the vote to many middle-class Scots such as shopkeepers in the towns and farmers in the countryside.
However, the Act did not give the vote to working-class men and women. They still had no power to improve their living and working conditions'.
QUESTIONS
Answer all questions in full sentences!!!
1. Why were there huge demonstrations and marches in Scotland in ?
2. What did the marchers want the government to do ?
3. Why did the rich landowners fear poor working class people?
4. What were the main changes made by the Scottish reform act in 1832?
5. Which people gained the vote?
6. Which people still did not have the vote?
7. Did the Scottish Reform Act of 1832 go far enough? Give reasons for your answer.