Reforms - 19th century England History Timeline and Biographies

The 19th century in England was a period marked by significant reforms that shaped the nation's social, political, and economic landscape. These reforms were driven by the need to address issues such as poor working conditions, lack of political representation, and social inequality. Key reforms included the passage of various Acts of Parliament, movements for suffrage, and efforts to improve public health and education. The timeline below outlines some of the most pivotal moments in the development of these reforms.

Creation Time:2024-07-08

1832

The Reform Act of 1832

The Reform Act of 1832, also known as the Representation of the People Act 1832, was a landmark legislation that reformed the British electoral system. It redistributed seats in the House of Commons, giving representation to industrial cities and reducing the power of "rotten boroughs."
1833

The Factory Act of 1833

The Factory Act of 1833 was introduced to improve conditions for children working in factories. It set limits on the working hours of children and mandated factory inspections to enforce these regulations.
1834

The Poor Law Amendment Act

The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 aimed to reform the system of poor relief in England and Wales. It established workhouses where the poor could receive assistance in return for labor, with the goal of reducing the cost of poor relief.
1842

The Mines Act of 1842

The Mines Act of 1842 prohibited the employment of women and children under ten years old in coal mines, addressing the harsh and dangerous working conditions in the mining industry.
1844

The Factory Act of 1844

The Factory Act of 1844, also known as the Graham's Factory Act, further regulated working hours and conditions in factories, particularly for women and young persons.
1847

The Ten Hours Act

The Ten Hours Act of 1847 limited the working hours of women and young people (13-18 years old) in textile mills to ten hours per day.
1857

The Matrimonial Causes Act

The Matrimonial Causes Act of 1857 made divorce more accessible by transferring the jurisdiction from the ecclesiastical courts to the civil courts, allowing ordinary people to obtain a divorce.
1867

The Second Reform Act

The Second Reform Act of 1867 expanded the electorate by extending the right to vote to many working-class men in urban areas, significantly increasing the number of eligible voters.
1870

The Elementary Education Act

The Elementary Education Act of 1870, also known as the Forster Act, laid the foundation for compulsory elementary education in England and Wales, making education accessible to all children.
1875

The Public Health Act

The Public Health Act of 1875 consolidated previous public health legislation and established a framework for sanitary regulation, aiming to improve public health and reduce the spread of diseases.
1884

The Third Reform Act

The Third Reform Act of 1884 further extended the right to vote to rural working-class men, bringing the electorate closer to a more democratic system.
1888

The Local Government Act

The Local Government Act of 1888 established county councils and reformed local government structures, allowing for more effective and representative local administration.
1891

The Free Education Act

The Free Education Act of 1891 made elementary education free for all children, removing financial barriers to education and promoting literacy and learning.
1897

The Workmen's Compensation Act

The Workmen's Compensation Act of 1897 provided compensation to workers who were injured at work, marking an important step in the development of labor rights and workplace safety.
1899

The Factory and Workshop Act

The Factory and Workshop Act of 1899 further regulated working conditions, focusing on improving safety and health standards in factories and workshops.
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