England rapidly transformed into an industrial country from an agricultural one during the Romantic Age. The Industrial Revolution in the country created turmoil and significant social changes too. Open fields were enclosed by walls and these enclosure increased efficiency and productivity in agriculture. The landscape of the country changed drastically but these were at the cost of increased slums and dislocation of the poor. A large portion of the population in the rural areas migrated to cities for jobs. But the increasing mechanization in factories led to a crisis of unemployment. People were paid low wages and they suffered from poverty. The mindset of people also changed. People began to think differently from conventional ideas and a modern class consciousness emerged, the upper class, middle class and the working class. People began to be classified as those who owned land and those who did not.
The Middle Class and its Dominance
When Industrial Revolution broke out, the middle class grew more influential and larger. They became factory owners and gained immense profit. Even though the upper class possessed land, the industrial middle class possessed money. They had more than one source of wealth. They made fortunes out of manufacturing and trading. Merchants who trade commodities became more richer than the upper class. Education was another factor for the emergence of the middle class, they were well educated and were known for their profession rather than their family heritage. They began to criticize the upper class for leading a life of pomp and leisure and also the poor for not working hard. The middle class also provided less wages for lower class workers and shunted their growth.
Even though they were powerful and influential, they didn't have the right to vote in the society. Only 2% of the total population of England actively involved in the election process. So the middle class along with other classes continuously protested for electoral reforms. Thus these protests led to the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832.
Increased mechanisation further worsened the social conditions. A large number of workers became unnecessary and they stayed unemployed.
The Liddite riots of 1811 which consisted of textile workers protesting against the introduction of new machines shook the Government. They entered factories and destroyed the machinery. The riot was later suppressed by force by the Government.
Peterloo Massacre : The common man suffered the most during the increased Irish immigration,increased unemployment, increased number of slums and The Economic Depression of 1819. On 16th August 1819, a crowd of 60,000 - 80,000 people gathered to listen a speech by Henry Hunt at St.Peter's field, Manchester. During this gathering,they demanded the reform of Parliamentary representation. The cavalry charged into this crowd and left 11 dead and hundreds of people injured.
Gordon Riots
The Gordon Riots of 1780 in London was against the Papists Act of 1778, which passed in order to decrease official discrimination against British Catholics.The riots came at the height of American War of Independence.After this reformation, the Catholics were not allowed to practise their religion, voting, owning land etc. The protests evolved to looting and other riots in the country. The rioters took control of the New Gate Prison, freed the prisoners and set fire to the prison. Once again, the army intervened and the rebellion was subdued.
The Middle Class and its Dominance
When Industrial Revolution broke out, the middle class grew more influential and larger. They became factory owners and gained immense profit. Even though the upper class possessed land, the industrial middle class possessed money. They had more than one source of wealth. They made fortunes out of manufacturing and trading. Merchants who trade commodities became more richer than the upper class. Education was another factor for the emergence of the middle class, they were well educated and were known for their profession rather than their family heritage. They began to criticize the upper class for leading a life of pomp and leisure and also the poor for not working hard. The middle class also provided less wages for lower class workers and shunted their growth.
Even though they were powerful and influential, they didn't have the right to vote in the society. Only 2% of the total population of England actively involved in the election process. So the middle class along with other classes continuously protested for electoral reforms. Thus these protests led to the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832.
Increased mechanisation further worsened the social conditions. A large number of workers became unnecessary and they stayed unemployed.
The Liddite riots of 1811 which consisted of textile workers protesting against the introduction of new machines shook the Government. They entered factories and destroyed the machinery. The riot was later suppressed by force by the Government.
Peterloo Massacre : The common man suffered the most during the increased Irish immigration,increased unemployment, increased number of slums and The Economic Depression of 1819. On 16th August 1819, a crowd of 60,000 - 80,000 people gathered to listen a speech by Henry Hunt at St.Peter's field, Manchester. During this gathering,they demanded the reform of Parliamentary representation. The cavalry charged into this crowd and left 11 dead and hundreds of people injured.
Gordon Riots
The Gordon Riots of 1780 in London was against the Papists Act of 1778, which passed in order to decrease official discrimination against British Catholics.The riots came at the height of American War of Independence.After this reformation, the Catholics were not allowed to practise their religion, voting, owning land etc. The protests evolved to looting and other riots in the country. The rioters took control of the New Gate Prison, freed the prisoners and set fire to the prison. Once again, the army intervened and the rebellion was subdued.
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