Reform of the Social and Political Problems caused by the Industrial Revolution

Happened in stages

1832-1867 (many proposed by the Chartists)

Voting restrictions decreased

****Reform Bill of 1832 - gave the people made wealthy by the Industrial Revolution a voice in Parliament by changing the voting districts and lowering the property qualifications for voting.

****Increased the number of people who could vote by lowering voting qualifications

Provided Liberty

****Abolished imprisonment for debt

****There was gradual abolition of slavery throughout the British colonies when the 1833 Act gave freedom to all children under the age of 6; all children six and older were to be free in 7 years

****Repealed the Corn Laws (laws which kept cheap foreign corn out of Great Britain, which favored the land owners but punished the lower classes)

Supported Education

****Gave financial support to schools opening the path for public education

Early 1900's (Fabian Society)paved the way for

Social Democracy

Laws were passed****laws which provided for child care, old age pensions, better housing and health and unemployment insurance but taxes had to be raised.