1 Flashcards
(117 cards)
1
Q
What was the consequence of the failure of Gladstone’s reform bill?
A
It led to popular demands for reform and public anger
The Reform League organized rallies and demonstrations, notably the Hyde Park Railings Affair in July 1866.
2
Q
What was the significance of the Hyde Park Railings Affair?
A
It involved 200,000 people storming the park, leading to a call for military support by the overwhelmed police
It was a clear expression of public dissatisfaction with the failure of reform.
3
Q
Who was the Home Secretary during the Hyde Park Railings Affair, and what was his initial stance?
A
Walpole intended to take a firm stance and possibly use force against the demonstrators, but he backed down.
4
Q
What electoral strategy did Disraeli believe the Conservatives could gain from widening the franchise?
A
He believed it might gain electoral advantage and deepen the divide in the Liberal Party.
5
Q
What was the main proposal of the Conservative reform bill during the same Parliament?
A
To enfranchise all male householders in boroughs who had been resident for two years and paid their own rates.
6
Q
How many men were estimated to be enfranchised by the Conservative reform bill?
A
400,000 men.
7
Q
What amendments were made to the Conservative reform bill?
A
Residency qualification dropped from two years to one, and compounders were to be given the vote.
8
Q
What was the outcome of the Reform Act of 1867?
A
It enfranchised 700,000 men, significantly increasing the number of voters in certain boroughs.
9
Q
What was the impact of the Reform Act on the Conservative Party?
A
It caused alarm within the party, leading to resignations and accusations against Disraeli.
10
Q
True or False: The Reform Act of 1867 was radical in its redistribution of seats.
A
False
The redistribution of seats was limited, with over-representation of the rural South and West.
11
Q
What percentage of men in boroughs were excluded from the vote post-Reform Act of 1867?
A
40% of men in boroughs.
12
Q
Define plural voting.
A
A situation where some people had more than one vote, favoring the wealthy.
13
Q
What did the Secret Ballot Act (1872) aim to improve?
A
It aimed to reduce corruption in elections.
14
Q
What was one of the key provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act (1883)?
A
Strict penalties and limits on election spending.
15
Q
What was the estimated increase in voters due to the 1884 Reform Act?
A
2.5 million voters.
16
Q
What was the ‘Arlington Street Compact’?
A
An agreement between Gladstone and Salisbury that set the basis for the 1884 Reform Act and the 1885 Redistribution Act.
17
Q
What new principle did the Redistribution Act of 1885 establish regarding constituencies?
A
Constituencies were to be of equal size, approximately 50,000.
18
Q
What is ‘Villa Toryism’?
A
The phenomenon where middle-class suburbs aligned with Conservative representation.
19
Q
What was the significance of the Redistribution Act for the Liberal Party?
A
It benefitted the Conservatives and led to a precarious position for the Liberal Party by 1886.
20
Q
Who were the first Lib-Lab MPs and when were they elected?
A
Alexander McDonald and Thomas Burt, elected in 1874.
21
Q
What was one major change in British agriculture during the mid-Victorian period?
A
A shift towards mixed farming.
22
Q
What did James Caird advocate for in his pamphlet ‘High Farming’?
A
Intensive farming methods to increase yield.
23
Q
What was the impact of the Great Exhibition of 1851?
A
It showcased British manufacturing and boosted national pride and industry.
24
Q
What key development transformed international trade in Britain?
A
The development of the steamship and the railway.
25
Fill in the blank: The repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 led to increased _______ for British farmers.
competition.
26
What was the effect of agricultural depression starting in 1873?
Many areas of British agriculture never recovered to previous heights.
27
What was the impact of the exhibition developed for the Victoria and Albert Museum?
It gave British industry a lift and helped usher in a 20-year boom.
## Footnote
The exhibition contributed to Britain's international prestige.
28
What were the main developments transforming international trade during this period?
The development of the steamship and the railway.
## Footnote
These innovations allowed Britain to dominate international trade.
29
When did Britain dominate international trade, particularly after the repeal of the Corn Laws?
Between 1846 and 1873.
## Footnote
This period was characterized by Britain's early industrialization.
30
Which country was not fully united until 1871, affecting its industrial power?
Germany.
## Footnote
This delay in unity hindered Germany's industrial development compared to Britain.
31
What role did India play in British trade during this period?
India became an essential market for British cotton and other exports.
## Footnote
This relationship significantly impacted British trade dynamics.
32
What is 'invisible trade'?
Services such as finance, banking, insurance, and shipping.
## Footnote
This area of trade saw significant growth during this period.
33
What was the balance of payments?
The difference between revenue from exports and spending on imports.
## Footnote
It can be a surplus or a deficit.
34
What was a significant consequence of the American Civil War on the British cotton industry?
A significant drop in the imports of US cotton.
## Footnote
This led to reduced production and job losses in Lancashire.
35
What was the increase in railway track in Britain from 1850 to 1875?
From 9,500 km to 22,000 km.
## Footnote
This expansion contributed to job creation and industrial growth.
36
How did the railways impact agriculture?
Enabled rapid transport of produce over greater distances.
## Footnote
This improved market access for agricultural products.
37
What was the output of British iron from 1855 to 1875?
From 2.9 million tons to 5.9 million tons.
## Footnote
This growth was driven by technological advancements.
38
What process did Henry Bessemer patent in 1856?
The converter system for steel production.
## Footnote
This system allowed for cheaper large-scale steel production.
39
What did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 signify for British shipping?
Only British steamships were narrow enough to pass through.
## Footnote
This enhanced Britain's shipping advantage in international trade.
40
What was the production growth of coal from 1855 to 1870?
From 60 million tons to 109 million tons.
## Footnote
This increase was driven by the growing demand for coal.
41
What was a significant aspect of the British economy in the mid-19th century?
High farming involving new techniques and technologies.
## Footnote
This led to improved agricultural production.
42
What economic ideology gained traction in Britain after the repeal of the Corn Laws?
Free trade.
## Footnote
This shift was influenced by Adam Smith's writings.
43
Who argued that markets should be free from government intervention?
Adam Smith.
## Footnote
He believed government interference led to higher prices.
44
What was the percentage of Britain's share of world trade in 1850?
20%.
## Footnote
This share increased to 25% by 1875.
45
What was the impact of free trade on the working classes according to proponents?
It would benefit them by lowering food prices and keeping unemployment down.
## Footnote
Cheap imports were seen as a way to reduce living costs.
46
What were the key industries that saw employment growth between 1851 and 1871?
* Coal
* Iron
* Steel
* Cotton textiles
* Railways
* Shipping
## Footnote
These sectors expanded significantly during this period.
47
What was the role of the City of London in shipping?
Dominated shipping insurance and financing mercantile ventures.
## Footnote
British firms played a crucial role in global shipping markets.
48
What was the average annual production growth of key British industries during this period?
About 3.5% per year.
## Footnote
This growth was driven by industrial expansion and technological advancements.
49
What was the change in the number of agricultural labourers between 1851 and 1871?
The number of agricultural labourers fell by almost half a million.
50
How much did the British population grow between 1851 and 1871?
The British population grew by almost 6 million.
51
What economic policies did British governments pursue during the boom?
Free trade and laissez-faire economics.
52
What did the Limited Liabilities Acts of 1855 and 1862 encourage?
Buying shares in firms with limited risk to the value of investment.
53
What was Britain's position in terms of importing and exporting goods during the boom?
Britain was importing goods of a higher total value than it was exporting.
54
What was the average net imports for the period 1861-65 according to the balance of commodity trade?
201.2 million.
55
What accounted for Britain's positive balance of trade during the period?
Income from services and investments abroad.
56
In which areas did Britain struggle to compete by the end of the period?
Production of key industrial goods and materials.
57
True or False: By the 1880s, Britain was still the leader in industrialization.
False.
58
What educational issue did Britain face compared to Germany in 1875?
Male illiteracy was 17% in Britain compared to 2% in Germany.
59
What technological advancement was being pioneered in the USA during this period?
Mass production and the assembly line.
60
Fill in the blank: The percentage of British exports going to the developed world ______ during this period.
fell markedly.
61
What do some historians argue about the period from 1873 to the end of the century?
It can be called the 'Great Depression.'
62
What trend was observed in unemployment rates among trade union members during 1875-95?
Unemployment fluctuated but gradually increased.
63
What was the impact of falling prices on British companies during this period?
Profits were falling, leading to layoffs.
64
What was the average unemployment rate among trade union members during the period?
Fluctuated but gradually increased.
65
What was one of the main reasons for Britain's agricultural depression after 1873?
Weather changes that ruined crops and spread livestock diseases.
66
What major shift occurred in farming production as a result of the agricultural depression?
Some farmers shifted from crop production to dairy farming.
67
What was the political consequence of the agricultural depression?
Many landowners dropped out of politics, replaced by men from business.
68
What characterized the upper classes in mid-Victorian Britain?
Divided into landed aristocracy and landed gentry.
69
What was a common aspiration among the gentry in relation to the aristocracy?
To have their children married into the aristocracy.
70
What was the minimum annual income typically accepted for someone to be considered middle class?
£100.
71
List the different levels that comprised the middle classes.
* Rich industrialists, bankers, financiers, and merchants
* Rich clergy, doctors, university professors, public school headmasters
* Yeoman farmers, lawyers, mill managers
* Teachers and clerks.
72
What social trend was observed among the middle classes during this period?
Increased real incomes and rapid growth in numbers.
73
Fill in the blank: The emergence of suburbs was a response to the movement of the middle classes ______.
away from city centres.
74
How did the employment of servants distinguish the middle classes from the working classes?
Middle classes could afford to employ servants.
75
What distinguished the middle classes from the working classes in terms of employment?
The ability to employ servants
## Footnote
The number of servants varied from a single maid to several full-time servants.
76
Name one of the successful books aimed at middle-class women for managing households.
Mrs Beeton's The Book of Household Management
## Footnote
This book helped women cope with managing servants, entertaining, and cooking.
77
What educational institutions did affluent middle-class families send their boys to?
Public schools such as Eton and Westminster
## Footnote
This was done to emulate the upper classes in education.
78
What belief did the middle classes have regarding social positions?
Positions should be based on merit and not on birth
## Footnote
This belief influenced reforms in the army and civil service.
79
How did the middle classes view the poor?
They believed the poor were in their position due to lack of hard work and poor moral character
## Footnote
This perspective often included disdain for behaviors like drinking or gambling.
80
What was the biggest divide among the working classes?
Between the unskilled working classes and the skilled, or artisan, class
## Footnote
Skilled workers often defended their position and income.
81
What was a common issue for less-skilled workers during economic downturns?
They were more likely to be laid off
## Footnote
Their work was often dependent on seasonal demand.
82
What did the Great Depression after 1873 particularly affect?
Agriculture
## Footnote
It hit agriculture harder than industry, leading to reduced demand for agricultural workers.
83
What change to the Poor Law in 1834 affected agricultural laborers?
Required residency in a parish for five years to be eligible for poor relief
## Footnote
This led to landowners restricting laborers' employment to four years.
84
What was a significant social issue for the working classes during this period?
Terrible living conditions and high infant mortality
## Footnote
Many faced low life expectancy and overcrowded homes.
85
What was a notable regional difference in Britain during 1851-86?
Ireland was vastly different in terms of religion, politics, and economics
## Footnote
Scotland had a more developed education system and higher literacy rate.
86
How did the North and South differ economically during the mid-Victorian period?
Northern areas had higher wages and better housing for workers
## Footnote
This contrasts with the South which had higher rents and less industry.
87
What characterized the lifestyle of the wealthy during the mid-Victorian era?
A life of luxury with extensive social events and travel
## Footnote
Wealthy families moved between homes for different seasons and social occasions.
88
What was a key sign of prosperity for the middle and upper classes?
Taking annual holidays
## Footnote
Spa towns and seaside resorts grew during this period.
89
What did the ideas of laissez-faire and self-help suggest regarding government intervention?
It was not the government's job to support the poor or interfere with workers' conditions
## Footnote
This ideology contributed to the existence of terrible poverty alongside great wealth.
90
What were common living conditions for working-class families?
Very basic diet and often going without food
## Footnote
Families typically lived on potatoes and bread with meat being a rare luxury.
91
What were the dangers faced by workers in industries like mining?
Dangerous working conditions leading to high fatality rates
## Footnote
Mining was particularly hazardous, with many deaths from accidents.
92
What did the phrase 'the labourers did not live in the proper sense of the word' imply?
Many working-class individuals merely survived rather than lived fulfilling lives
## Footnote
This reflects the dire conditions faced by many in the working class.
93
What was a common method for poor families to supplement their income?
Street selling, taking in washing, or home-based crafts
## Footnote
Some resorted to illegal means like poaching or petty crime.
94
What was the number of men who died in mining accidents between 1860 and 1897?
Nearly 24,000 men died in mining accidents.
95
What health issues were caused by working in match factories?
Phosphorous fumes led to 'phossy jaw', damaging teeth and jawbone.
96
What health problems did agricultural workers commonly face?
Rheumatism and bronchitis from long hours in cold and wet conditions.
97
How did dangerous working conditions affect the working classes?
Contributed to ongoing poverty and worsened health.
98
What was the role of the Poor Law?
Raised money locally to support the poor unable to support themselves.
99
What was a consequence of applying for poor relief?
Individuals had to enter a workhouse and surrender personal belongings.
100
What were workhouses designed for?
To hold those who could not support themselves.
101
What was the New Poor Law introduced in 1834 aimed at?
Organizing poor relief and establishing workhouses through poor law unions.
102
What conditions did many working-class families live in?
Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and dilapidated housing.
103
What was the impact of slum conditions on public health?
Led to outbreaks of diseases like cholera.
104
What was the attitude of some working-class individuals towards slum living?
Preferred the 'freedom' of slums over middle-class housing standards.
105
What was a common expenditure for workers regarding housing?
Workers spent between a quarter and half of their wages on rent.
106
What was the purpose of friendly societies?
To provide financial support for members during unemployment or sickness.
107
What did Samuel Smiles advocate in his books?
Self-help, individualism, and self-improvement.
108
What were the 1855 and 1875 Friendly Societies Acts designed to do?
Provide protection and regulation for friendly societies.
109
What was the role of trade unions?
To maintain or improve pay and working conditions through collective bargaining.
110
What characterized the new model unions that emerged in the 1850s?
Less radical, focusing on respectability and negotiation rather than revolution.
111
True or False: The new model unions sought to overthrow the existing government and ownership structure.
False.
112
Fill in the blank: The standard of living for the working classes during 1851-1886 was ______.
[much debated].
113
What did the term 'self-help' imply in the Victorian context?
Belief that working classes should support themselves without government aid.
114
What was a major criticism of the Poor Law?
It often forced families into workhouses, separating them and imposing harsh conditions.
115
What did consumer cooperatives provide for their members?
Cheaper, pure food and dividends from profits.
116
What was the impact of industrialization on the wealth distribution among the working classes?
Spread wealth more widely but did not significantly improve lower working class conditions.
117
What did Karl Marx theorize about workers and capitalism during this period?
The exploitation of workers would lead to revolution and capitalism's collapse.
