Assess the significance of popular pressure in bringing...

Assess the significance of popular pressure in bringing about improved representation and greater democracy in Britain in the period 1830-1931 The period of 1830-1931 saw gradual yet largely significant governmental reforms which led to an extension of the franchise from 500,000 to around 21 million. Prior to 1832, Britain’s franchise composed of a selective elite of the landowning class, however the 1832 reform act, although a disappointment in the extent of what it achieved, paved the way for further reform as it brought people together in rebellion (the Bristol Riots). This proved that popular pressure had the potential to be very successful in orchestrating parliamentary reform. The influence of pressure from outside parliament was†¦show more content†¦Whether a revolution was possible is questionable amongst historians, however as Eric Evans wrote, ‘What mattered was that enough MPs and Peers believed that it was, and acted accordingly.’2 It could also be said that unwittingly the government had evoked an atmosphere of popular pressure in Britain as everyone had seen how easily they had sur rendered to the rebels’ demands. Despite the bill’s limitations, the rioters had after all successfully achieved the first piece of legislation which was an incentive for future pressure from outside Parliament, hence quickening the process of improving representation and democracy in Britain. The Hyde Park riots of 1866 were another example of working-class radicalism in protest for reform. Similarly to the Bristol Riots, the rebels were destructive by force and although there was said to be ‘more mischief than malice’, a policeman was killed. Both the Bristol and Hyde Park riots were successful as they were each followed by a reform the next year. I believe that the main reason for the Hyde Park riots’ victory was the unification of the National Reform Union and the Reform League, two distinctively divided (in class) bodies. This demonstrated that people of different classes and backgrounds were able to unify in common aims in ways which the political parties could not. Furthermore, this alliance could be seen as a step towards democratic reform as it began toShow MoreRelatedOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagestheory currently available. What is needed is a text that will give a good idea of the breadth and complexity of this important subject, and this is precisely what McAuley, Duberley and Johnson have provided. They have done some sterling service in bringing together the very diverse strands of work that today qualify as constituting the subject of organisational theory. Whilst their writing is accessible and engaging, their approach is scholarly and serious. It is so easy for students (and indeed others