"Earl Grey was no fan of electoral reform." Why then, did his administration go to pass the Reform Act of 1832?

The American Revolution also highlighted a need for change. Britain's repressive governing style had led to the loss of its American colonies. High taxes and constant repression led to America declaring independence and in turn allowed Britain to view the consequences of a repressive Government. The American Revolution also inspired many pro-reform writers, publishing woks about the unfair political system that existed within Britain.

Earl Greys main objective was to remain in power, he was aware that if he did not introduce social reform then he would lose votes in favour of the opposition. The Whigs had shown enthusiasm towards the idea of cautious reform, however they were not completely democratic. The Whigs believed that changes needed to be made to the current political system in order to preserve its key features rather than create a new system. Even though the majority members were aristocratic, they were aware of the needs and changing shapes within a working class society. Earl Grey was aware that if major change did not occur then he would lose electoral support from the voting pubic.

Political reform for the working classes had became more evident since the industrial revolution. The development of industrial towns and cities had led to a more united workforce in urban areas. This particularly increased the power of the middle classes, more financial power increased their need for more political power. Industrialisation also highlighted the extent of poverty and suffering of the working classes. Workers believed that they were a key factor in the industrial revolution and believed that they were responsible for the countries recent wealth. They argued that they had not received recognition for the role that they had played. Reform particularly was needed within industrial cities, workers suffered long working hours, had no unions and reformed appeared vital.

Industrial revolution also caused an alliance between the middle and working classes. The government had become increasingly aware of the problems faced by the working classes however without the support of the middle class they were weak and unable to bring about change. The alliance with the middle class changed this however and gave the working class a voice. Earl Grey and other political groups were now forced to realise the need for change and the ever-worsening consequences that would occur if reform wasn't produced.

The death of George IV also highlighted the need for social reform. Gorge IV was an autocratic ruler who was against social reform however after his death his brother William IV ceased power. William IV was a more liberal ruler who was sympathetic to the need of social reform. A new Monarch led to a new election which highlighted the popularity of The Whigs. William IV in 1832 secured the passage of the first Reform Bill by agreeing to create new peers to overcome the hostile majority in the House of Lords.

Catholic Emancipation removed the Whigs inhibitions of reform, which were grounded on the fears that an extension of the vote would help popular anti-Catholicism. The success of Catholic association encouraged radicals to believe that parliamentary reform could be achieved by similar means.

Despite the fact that Earl Grey was not in favour of reform, his administration passed the Reform Act of 1832. There are several aspects as to why this occurred however the cause cannot be placed upon one pivotal factor. The Whigs did not create but merely recognised a situation that demanded reform and offered a practical remedy for a felt grievance. Earl Grey and the Whigs felt that the existing system was inadequate and wanted to get rid of the rotten boroughs and corrupt practices. They genuinely were concerned about the disharmony between the distribution of seats and the wealth and population. Factors such as the French and American revolutions also highlighted to Earl Grey that a repressive government was not the way forward. The Industrial Revolution had created a new generation of the working classes who now demanded a voice within politics. The alliance between the working and middle classes made it impossible to ignore the ever increasing need for change. Overall Earl Grey was aware that the demands for reform would not go away and a revolution had to be prevented/ avoided.

Samantha Kirby