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1867 Reform Act - Coggle Diagram
1867 Reform Act
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Political Parties
Formed more formal HQs: Conservative Central Office (CCO) formed in 1867 and National Liberal Front (NLF) established in 1877.
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MPs increasingly followed party decisions (although whipping system still not as strong as in present day).
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Political members increasingly accepted the verdict of the people e.g. Disraeli resigned prior to House of Commons meeting in 1868.
Popular Pressure
Organisations
Reform League (1864) - established by wealthy merchants, manufactures and radical MPs in Manchester.
Reform Union (1865) - Less funds than reform union but more members (largely working class) with more radical ideas.
International
Struggle for freedom in American Civil War and quest for Italian unification inspires calls for radical reform and change in the political system in Britain.
Actions
Hyde Park Protest (23rd July 1866) - unruly mob joined protest and began to derail railings at Hyde Park. Skirmishes with police broke out and lasted 2 days with troops being called in to assist.
High Politics
Pre-cursor events
Death of Palmerston (1865) - popular PM due to assertive policy but detested idea of parliamentary reform. Death created power vacuum which both parties wished to exploit.
Pale of Constitution Speech (1864) - Gladstone implied every man would eventually come under the pale of the constitution and reserve the right to vote.
William Gladstone
Supported idea of radical reform since enfranchising skilled working class in boroughs could attract more votes to the Liberal Party.
Inspired by Veteran John Bright that working class artisans could exercise the franchise responsibly. Sobriety, hard work, self help were ideals reserved by such individuals which the middle and upper classes respected.
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Disraeli and Derby
Employed strategy of boldness - attempting to increase number of conservative voters by extending franchise in borough area while maintaining aristocratic influence in counties.
Would be huge success if he could manage to cement conservative power while dividing the Liberals (risky strategy but certain to guarantee leadership of CP following Derby).
Formed alliance with Adullamites (aristocratic Whigs and right Liberals who opposed the bill) and convinced them that Gladstone's bill was too radical - rejected in June 1866.
Following this he introduced his own reform bill and partnered with radical MPs to ensure it was passed (since Conservatives were minority government).
Franchise
Size of the electorate
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In England and Wales, the boroughs increased by 134% whereas the counties increased by only 46% (83% overall).
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