RI Y3 History HBL UK Summary 2021

• This refers to attempts or efforts to correct the socioeconomic disparity suffered by the working class in British society. • And also the strive for universal suffrage (voting rights) • Attempts or measures could be classified as conservative (passive), moderate and radical. THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN BRITAIN REACTIONS AND REFORMS • This refers to attempts or efforts that were averse to changing the status quo or dismantling the existing systems. • These included self-help initiatives by the working class. • Example – Cooperative movements such as the Rochdale Pioneers. • By the factory owners / rich – philanthropists such as Robert Owen, Samuel Smiles and Titus Salt. CONSERVATIVE • This refers to attempts or efforts that operated within the legal perimeters of established socio-political system. • Changes were however made to the prevailing system to help the working class. • Legislation and laws passed by the Parliament are examples under Robert Peel, William Gladstone and other lawmakers / MPs. • Not just social policies and laws but also change in the constitution to help the people. • It could also include collective actions by trade unions, like, Amalgamated Society of Engineers. • Others include to push for suffrage for the working class and poor. MODERATE • This refers to attempts or efforts to overthrow or completely remove existing established socio-political systems. • Or it could be attempts characterised by the use of force or violent actions. • Attempt by the Luddites was an example. • Sometimes, radical members within the trade unions also tried to carry out without confronted employers with violent reaction – example the Sheffield Outages episode. RADICAL

• Did the British society become more enlightened in the midst of industrialisation and modernisation? • Some glimpses of benign leadership and observance of humanity. • Some wealthy elites and politicians were prepared to manage poverty of the working class. • Example – Owen, Smiles, Salt, Ashley Cooper, Peel, Gladstone and others. • Was it enough? ENLIGHTENMENT? • The Industrial Revolution changed the fabric of family despite all the socioeconomic repercussion for the working class. • The factory system and industrial technology enabled women to become wage-earning individuals. • They were able to generate income and did not have to become a dependent. • After some soul-searching, the 1880 Education Act made school attendance compulsory for children up to the age of 10. • Gradually, the role of children would be students to pursue knowledge in school which would enhance their social mobility in future. SOCIAL • While the working class pressed for socioeconomic equality and opportunities, they were conscious that gaining voting rights would help. • The struggle for universal suffrage was a long journey but the ruling elites did relent eventually. • From First Reform Act of 1832, 1867 Representation of the People Act (the second Reform Act), 1884 Representation of the Peopl