Edexcel Unit 5: Representation and Democracy 1830-1931

I was wondering how you would tackle this question. What would be your essay plan?

How far do you agree that the main motivation for changes in the electoral system in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was the landed classes’ determination to retain their political power?

Reply 1

Lubby Lulu

I'm doing this module too. I hate it! Anyway, if i were you i'd concentrate on the 1832 reform act, it was a reform in order to preserve aristocratic power, not to extend the franchise to the 'people' as democracy was a dirty word in and around the 'gentlemen's house' that was Parliament. You could then look at later developments say 1867 then 1884/5 and the greater extension of the franchise as Grey (i think it was Grey but i'm not altogether sure as i haven't revised this topic yet!) had said, "we have opened a door I see no prospect of closing". What with industrialisation, interests had shifted from something landed to something more middle class and (believe it or not!) industrially based. The aristocracy realised this, if they had not then they wouldn't have been so desperate to cling on to power and legislate in this way.
Hopefully, that will give you a springboard for further ideas.

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