1832 Representation of the People Act

Question 1

What was the pressure to pass the 1832 GRA?

Answer 1

• End of Napoleonic War revitalised the demand for reform
• William IV - crowned in 1830 who was open to reform

Question 2

Why was the Whig parties determination to achieve reform the most important application of pressure?

Answer 2

• Persuaded the king that reform would resolve tensions
• Yet Bill was blocked, Whigs resigning - led to an unpopular Tory gov which forced the king to accept reform to achieve peace

Question 3

What did the 1832 GRA do?

Answer 3

Men owning properties valued at £10 gained the vote
- Yet, those who had previously voted under the 40-shilling qualification retained their vote

Question 4

What was the impact?

Answer 4

• Increased electorate from 435,000 to 810,000
• Yet, plural voting continued - still no working class and female citizens, dominated by the wealthy