Over the course of the 19th century, Britain
grew richer and more powerful.
The harsh conditions of the early Industrial
Revolution led to reforms in many areas of
British life.
Political rights were expanded. By the end of
the century, every man in the United
Kingdom was entitled to vote (sorry, ladies,
A Century of Reform
not yet).
A developing middle class enjoyed the fruits
of Britain’s success
Britain
British Reforms
1815 — Fewer than 5% of population has right to vote
1820s — End of bans on voting for some religious
groups (Catholics)
1830s — Major Reforms (Reform Bill of 1832)
•
•
Most male property owners can vote
•
End of slavery in Britain and British colonies
Fair division of seats in Parliament — end of
“Rotten Boroughs”
1846 — Repeal of the Corn Laws
British Reforms
1867 — Reform Bill of 1867
Working-class men can vote
Result of Chartist demands from 1840s
Passed by Conservative Govt. (Disraeli)
1880s — Most men have vote
Elections now by secret ballot
1911 — New limits on power of House of Lords
1918 — Women over 30 can vote
1928 — All women can vote
Ireland
By 1600s, much of Ireland was colonized by
English and Scots, leaving Irish in poverty
• Nationalists like Daniel O’Connell pressed for
“Ireland for the Irish”
• 1845 — Potato Famine killed 1 million Irish, 2
million more emigrated
• Last half of 19th century — Irish sought home
rule under leaders like Charles Parnell
• Independence doesn’t come until 1921