How far do you agree that the extension of the franchise,1830-1931 occured due to 'popular pressure'?

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PART B ESSAY: 44 MARKS

HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE THAT THE EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE,

1830-1931 OCCURRED DUE TO ‘POPULAR PRESSURE’?

The extension of the franchise occurred between 1830 and 1931 and over the 100 years the franchise increased to around 21 million from 500,000. Over this time there were 4 main acts passed which were passed in 1832,1867, 1884, and 1918. In 1832 the first reform act was passed and although it was not regarded as very extreme, it did pave the way for the other reform acts leading up until 1932 when the extension of the franchise had been complete. The French revolution of 1789 caused upper classes and politicians to fear the possible effects that popular pressure could have and this is the reason why some historians have suggested that popular pressure was the cause of the extension of the franchise. The popular pressure came in the form of covert and overt popular pressure. Covert popular pressure was present as politicians were constantly aware of the threat of revolution, after the French revolution, 1789. This form of popular pressure was reasonably successful and was a factor in all of the acts passed in the extension of the franchise. Overt popular pressure during the extension of the franchise was in the form of unions created by working and middle classes where rallies and meetings were held. Although overt popular pressure didn’t go unnoticed, most politicians were not affected by the beliefs and actions of popular pressure groups and overt popular pressure was far less effective than covert pressure. If popular pressure was not of great importance, other factors such a politicians or parties self interest and economic changes can be argued to be of more importance in the extension the franchise. An argument used by some historians is that popular pressure caused the extension of the franchise. However, most historians although they agree it may have played a role argue other events as the main causes for the extension of the franchise.

The arguments that popular pressure was important are supported by a number of events that took place during the extension of the franchise. The events of popular pressure can be divided into those which were overt and those, which were covert.

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Overt examples of popular pressure are not difficult to come by as there are a number of examples of overt agitation prior to reform acts being passed. By 1830 the case for parliamentary reform had become stronger that it had ever previously been and this was not because the case for reform had changed but simply the fact that the pressure for reform had increased. The radical movement played a crucial role in the proceedings of the reform act and the political unions mass meetings and petitions in support of reform. The “Days of May” in 1832 were of major ...

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