IB History Extension of the Franchise Notes

Overview

1. The Reform Act of 1832 gave more middle-class men the vote and redistributed seats from “rotten boroughs” to growing industrial towns, but it left most working-class men excluded.
2. The Second Reform Act of 1867 extended the vote to many urban working-class men, nearly doubling the electorate and strengthening the role of the House of Commons.
3. The Third Reform Act (1884–1885) expanded voting rights to rural workers, creating a more democratic system where about two-thirds of adult men could now vote.
4. These reforms forced both the Conservatives and Liberals to build stronger party organizations and campaign more effectively, since they had to appeal to a larger and more diverse electorate.

Causes

1. Industrialization: Rapid urban growth led to demands for representation in Parliament.
2. Political Pressure: The Whigs, led by Earl Grey, sought to address public discontent and prevent revolution.
3. Social Unrest: Events like the Peterloo Massacre (1819) highlighted the need for reform.

Provisions

1. Redistribution of Seats: Abolished 56 rotten boroughs and reduced representation in 30 others.
2. Extension of the Franchise: Granted voting rights to men owning property worth £10 or more annually, increasing the electorate by about 50%.
3. Representation for Industrial Cities: Cities like Manchester and Birmingham gained representation.

Impact

1. Increased Electorate: The number of voters rose from 435,000 to 652,000.
2. Middle-Class Influence: The reform favored the middle class, leaving the working class largely disenfranchised.
3. Foundation for Future Reforms: Set a precedent for gradual, peaceful reform.

The 1867 Reform Act (Second Reform Act)

Causes