Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
With William IV (1830-1837) they were first introduced electoral reforms: Seats in the Commons (Parliament) were assigned giving priority to the urban districts, against rural ones dominated by landowners. In 1831 the electoral census was enlarged and members of the urban middle classes could vote and be voted. In 1833 laws began to prohibit working days over 8 hours for minors and slavery was abolished. Victoria's reign (1837-1901) is the zenith of British power. The permanent criticism of the living conditions of the workers will be the source of the Chartist movement (People's Charter), asking for the secret universal suffrage, parliamentary immunity, annual elections, equal electoral districts. Although in 1838 these demands were rejected in Parliament, it will emerge a strong labor policy group within the British Parliament. In 1842 it was the first general strike in the United Kingdom. Governments responded by abolishing the protectionist agricultural laws and imposing free trade. They implanted a 10-hour workday. The House of Commons won control on the state budget. The most progressive liberal politicians created the Labour Representation League, germ of the future Labour Party and the Fabian Society (socialist ideology). Subsequently voting will be extended to the middle class, farmers and skilled workers.