the group of people who can vote in a country's elections

the need to own property in order to do something, such as voting

to take away power or opportunities, especially the right to vote, from a person or group

word used to describe a group of people imagined as an underclass

Widening the franchise in 19th century Britain

History

In this unit, pupils investigate the expansion of voting rights and who benefited from these changes. This will be extended in the next unit, ‘Women's suffrage: why did it take so long for women to get the vote in Britain?’, where pupils will examine the struggle for women’s political rights and the reasons for the delay in achieving suffrage.

In ‘The Industrial Revolution: did industrialisation revolutionise people's lives?’, pupils explored the major social and economic transformations brought about by industrialisation. This unit builds on this by examining how these changes contributed to the widening of the franchise in Britain, granting more people the right to vote.

Widening the franchise: who gained the right to vote?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Write the missing word. If somebody is denied the right to vote then they have been ...

Write the missing word. Lord John Russell gained the nickname '{{ }} Jack' after the Great Reform Act was passed.

enfranchised some working class men in urban areas

enfranchised some working class men in rural areas

How did the Third Reform Act affect the size of the franchise?

Women and 40% of men remained disenfranchised.

The government maintained power by relying on military force.

Why do most historians argue that Britain was still a partial democracy even after 1884?

Chartist petitions sent to Parliament but are ignored

Liberals attempt to introduce franchise reform but fail

Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into chronological order.

In Britain, which group of politicians is responsible for making laws?

Write the missing word. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain experienced an {{ }} Revolution.

What was temporarily abolished in England after the English Civil War?

Elections were not held so no adults could vote.

Which statement is most accurate about early 19th century in Britain?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Widening the franchise in 19th century Britain

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.