The Reform Act of 1832 and the right to vote

Study note

As the middle classes in the industrial towns grew in influence, they demanded more political power. The Reform Act of 1832 greatly increased the number of people who could vote and abolished the old pocket and rotten boroughs, giving more parliamentary seats to the towns and cities. However, voting was still based on owning property, so working-class men could not vote.

Memory tip: 1832 Reform Act: scraps pocket and rotten boroughs, more seats for towns, more (male) voters.