Things were dicey across Europe in 1832 - not all that long since French Revolution; unrest in France in 1830 leads to Louis Philippe; 1832 saw Parisians manning the barricades as described in this pretty famous book. Unrest elsewhere on the Continent.And in typically stable Britain - lots of forces in play. Much attention focused on the need to Reform the electoral rules for House of Commons. The famed "rotten boroughs" - places that perhaps were populated hundreds of years back are still entitled to elect one or two Members, while rapidly growing industrial centers in some cases had no representation at all.
Duke of Wellington - highly successful military leader (as described here) and effective conservative political leader - uninterested in any such Reform.
A new King - William IV - gives cause for hope of Reform. But his conservative (and German) wife seems to slow his role.
Charles Grey becomes prime minister and is the key figure in pushing the Reform project. (And his success causes great popularity; a new tea is introduced which to this day is named "Earl Grey".)
Growing influence of trade unions (Birmingham a key example). The "people" are fired up - fear of violence is a driving force, interestingly enough. Lots of changes going on - leading to actions such as destruction of machines believed to be taking away jobs.
House of Commons - led by Grey - approves Reform. House of Lords - not accountable electorally - blocks it. William IV finally agrees to appoint enough additional peers to tip the vote - which obviates the need for such drastic action.
Lots of echoes to current times here. Passage of Reform in 1832 typically cited, apparently justifiably, as a good example of England's ability to evolve - and avoid France-style revolutions. (Though note that following Reform, very few males still can vote and, of course, no females. One step at a time.)
No comments:
Post a Comment