The Limited Impact of Industrialization on the Political System by 1850
TITLE
‘By 1850, industrialisation had made little impact on the political system.
ESSAY
The argument that by 1850 industrialisation had made little impact on the political system can be challenged based on several factors. While it is true that certain aspects of the political system remained unchanged or adapted to accommodate industrialisation, there are indications that significant shifts were occurring as a result of industrialisation.
One key aspect to consider is the impact of the Representation of the People Act 1832. While it did tie the middle class to the established authority and maintained the status quo to some extent, it also brought about important changes to the representative system. The abolition of 'Rotten' and 'Pocket' boroughs and the creation of new boroughs in industrial and commercial towns improved representation in Parliament, weakening the dominance of the rural and landed interest. This suggests that industrialisation did have an impact on the political system by fostering a more representative and inclusive political structure.
Furthermore, the emergence of movements such as Chartism can be seen as a direct result of industrialisation and its effects on the lower classes. The inadequate political voice and limited access to the franchise provided by the 1832 Act fueled demands for political change among the working class. While the demands of Chartism were not immediately enacted, the movement itself reflected a growing politicisation among the lower classes, indicating a shift in the political landscape brought about by industrialisation.
Additionally, the rise of individuals like Sir Robert Peel, who came from an industrial business background, to high political offices indicates a changing political elite influenced by industrialisation. The acceptance that the growing middle class needed representation in politics is evident in Peel's leadership as Prime Minister. This suggests that industrialisation did have an impact on the composition of political leadership and decision-making.
In conclusion, while it is valid to argue that certain elements of the political system remained unchanged or adapted to industrialisation by 1850, there are strong indications that industrialisation did have a significant impact on the political system. The reforms brought about by the 1832 Act, the emergence of movements like Chartism, and the changing composition of political leadership all suggest that industrialisation was reshaping the political landscape during this period.
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By 1850, industrialisation had made little impact on the political system. How valid is this view? Arguments to support the statement could be as follows:
- Through its emphasis on property rights, the Representation of the People Act 1832 tied the middle class to the established authority and so maintained the status quo.
- In Queen Victoria’s first parliament, Lord John Russell set out the finality of the 1832 Act in terms of changes to the representative system.
- Chartism developed as a result of the 1832 Act failing to provide the lower classes with the political voice and access to the franchise which would provide the means to improve their working and living conditions.
- The Chartists made numerous demands to change the political system, but none were enacted. After 1848, it had ceased to be a national movement.
- Peel’s repeal of the Corn Laws (1846) can be seen as a move to preserve the landed interest by compromising to prevent demands for more radical change which would have ended its dominance.
- The aristocracy maintained their position within the system by adapting to industrialisation. For example, the Duke of Bridgewater’s investment in transport developments, such as canals. The Duke of Hamilton took an active part in industrialisation through his extensive ownership of coal mines.
- With the exception of Peel, high political offices were the preserve of the aristocracy even after the 1832 Act.
The view can be challenged. Industrialisation did appear to have changed the political system at the highest level. Sir Robert Peel was the first Prime Minister (1834‒45 and 1841‒46) who, as the son of a prominent factory owner, came from an industrial business background. Through the employment and business opportunities it created, industrialisation increased the size and wealth of the middle class. This led to an acceptance that this change needed to be reflected in politics. The Reform Act 1832 saw abolitions of ‘Rotten’ and ‘Pocket’ boroughs and the creation of 43 new boroughs, mostly in in northern industrial and commercial towns, which improved representation in Parliament. This indicates a weakening of the dominance of the rural and landed interest. The repeal of the Corn Laws could be seen as a sign that industrial and commercial, not landed, interests would dictate future economic policy. The poor working and living conditions created by industrialisation led to a growing politicisation of the lower classes. They saw political representation as the way to bring about improvements in their conditions. There was a slowly developing acceptance that government should be more active, for example, The Factory Acts of 1819 and 1833. Accept any other valid responses.