Britain, c1785–c1870: democracy, protest and reform - 1 The growth of…

The idea

Between 1852 and 1870, pressure for further parliamentary reform grew from extra-parliamentary organisations and shifting party politics. The National Reform Union (founded 1864) campaigned for household suffrage and a secret ballot, drawing on middle-class leadership. The Reform League (founded 1865) mobilised mass meetings and demonstrations, notably in London and the industrial north, demanding manhood suffrage. Changing political attitudes in the 1860s, including Disraeli's desire to outmanoeuvre the Liberals and the impact of the American Civil War on working-class politics, made reform politically viable. The impact of the Reform Act 1867 was significant: it enfranchised many urban householders, redistributed seats, and increased the electorate, though it fell short of universal male suffrage.

What earns the marks

• Explains the aims and methods of the National Reform Union, including its middle-class leadership and campaign for household suffrage and a secret ballot.
• Explains the aims and methods of the Reform League, including its working-class membership, mass demonstrations, and demands for manhood suffrage.
• Analyses changing political attitudes in the 1860s, such as the impact of the American Civil War, the decline of Chartism, and party competition between Liberals and Conservatives.
• Assesses the impact of the Reform Act 1867, including the extension of the franchise in boroughs, seat redistribution, and the resulting increase in the electorate.
• Evaluates the extent to which further parliamentary reform between 1852 and 1870 represented a victory for extra-parliamentary pressure or for party political calculation.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing the National Reform Union with the Reform League.

  Put it right: The Union was middle-class led and sought household suffrage, while the League was more working-class and sought manhood suffrage.

• Claiming that the 1867 Act granted universal male suffrage.

  Put it right: It only enfranchised certain householders and lodgers, leaving many men and all women without the vote.

• Overstating the role of the Reform League in directly causing the Act.

  Put it right: Parliamentary tactics and party rivalry were also crucial.

Exam tips

• Use specific evidence, such as the 1866 Hyde Park demonstrations or the 1867 Reform Act's borough franchise qualification, to support arguments.
• Compare the significance of the National Reform Union and the Reform League in terms of membership, tactics, and influence on government.