The Great Reform Act of 1832 and After

 

I. Introduction: The Issue of Political Reform

     A. Argument for Reform

     B. Three Main Arguments Against

II. Timing of the Great Reform Act

     A. Deteriorating Economic Conditions

     B. Resignation of Liverpool

     C. Divisive Polices of Wellington 

          1. Test and Corporation Acts

          2. Catholic Emancipation

     D. Death of George IV

III. Return of the Whigs

     A. Earl Grey

     B. Radical and Middle Class Agitation

     C. Overcoming the Lords

IV. Significance of the Great Reform Act of 1832

     A. Scope of the New Electorate

     B. Birth of the Party Agent

     C. Redistribution of Constituencies

     D. Successful Alliance of Property

V. Government after the Great Reform Act

     A. Election of 1832

     B. Three Social Reforms of 1833

          1. Abolition of Slavery

          2. Education

          3. Factory Act

     C. The New Poor Law of 1834

     D. The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835

VI. Politics: Grey to Melbourne
     A. The Resignation of Grey (1834)
     B. The Role of William IV
     C. Lord Melbourne’s Administration
          1. Melbourne’s Personality
          2. Controlling the Cabinet
          3. Relationship with Victoria
     D. The ‘Bedchamber Crisis’ (1839)

VII. Conclusion: Reshaping Politics in the 1830s 

 

 

 

Key Terms

Duke of Wellington

Test and Corporation Acts

Catholic Emancipation Act

William IV

Earl Grey

Great Reform Act

Party Agents

‘rotten boroughs’

New Poor Law

Municipal Corporations Act

 

 

 

back to the syllabus.