What forces were pushing for the reform of liberalism in the 19th century

Question 1

Charles Dickens

Answer 1

–novels and stories exposed the
inhumane living conditions of
the working class
· Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in Britain
–promotion of free trade
–Crystal Palace exhibition
· moderate Chartists
· supporters of the Factory Acts
· supporters of universal male suffrage
· supporters of universal female suffrage

Question 2

John Stuart Mill

Answer 2

–promoted rights of women
· William Gladstone (British PM and leader of Liberal Party in late 19th century Britain)
–universal public education
–legalization of labour unions
–promoted meritocracy in the army and civil service
–compensation provided for injured workers
—shorted working hours

Question 3

Herbert Asquith

Answer 3

(British PM from 1906-1916 and leader of the Liberal Party in Britain)
–attempted to prevent new democratic-socialist Labour
Party from increasing its popularity at the expense of his
party by co-opting some socialist policies
–limited unemployment insurance provided for
unemployed workers
–meagre old age pensions provided to the elderly
–government employment offices established to help
unemployed workers find jobs
–removal of restrictions on strikes and other trade-union
activities
· causes of social liberals
–creation of public school system
–Factory Acts (improving conditions for factory workers)
–abolition of child labour
–democratic extension of the vote to a greater proportion
of the middle class (e.g., Reform Act of 1832 in Britain)
–democratic extension of the vote to the working class
(e.g., Reform Acts of 1867 &1884 & 1918 in Britain)

Question 4

What reforms did Social LIberals help bring about, especially in the later half or so of the 19th Century?

Answer 4

Factory Acts - gradual restriction of factory owners in terms of safety, hours, conditions, age of employees.
Social Reforms - some (minor) Social Safety net. Old Age pension, Worker’s Compensation. Also compulsory, state-funded education, laws restricting the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors
Democratic Reforms - gradual removal of property qualifications for voting (for men), the introduction of the secret ballot, and the eventual inclusion of women in the right to vote.