19th Century Britain: Social Reform, Chartism, and the Great Famine

19th Century Britain: Social and Political Transformations

The Genesis of Modern Policing: Robert Peel and the "Bobbies"

Sir Robert Peel, serving as Prime Minister, was instrumental in the creation of the modern police force. The officers who worked for him became affectionately known as "bobbies," a direct reference to his name. This marked a significant step in establishing organized law enforcement in England.

Evolving Labor Laws and Working Conditions

Significant changes in working conditions gradually emerged, particularly impacting child and youth labor:

• Children under 9 years of age were prohibited from employment.
• Boys under 14 years could work a maximum of 48 hours per week or 9 hours per day.
• Young men (under 18 years) were restricted to a maximum of 69 hours per week or 12 hours per day.
• Children under 10 years, and women, were forbidden from working underground in mines.

Rise of Trade Unions and the Chartist Movement

These societal changes spurred important reactions and movements, including the formation of the first Trade Unions. A notable example was the London Working Men's Association (LWMA), which played a crucial role in the development of Chartism (1838). Chartism was a significant social movement advocating for specific principles outlined in a charter.

Key Principles of Chartism

The People's Charter championed several democratic reforms:

• Universal Male Suffrage: Advocating for "one man, one vote," removing the need for property qualifications.
• Secret Ballot: To combat corruption and ensure fair elections.
• Payment of Members of Parliament (MPs): Ensuring that parliamentary service was accessible to all, not just the wealthy, by providing a salary. Previously, Parliament was an exclusive club for the unpaid elite.

The Great Irish Famine (1845-1850)

The Great Famine had a catastrophic impact on Ireland, reducing its population from 6 million to 3 million. Approximately 1 million people died from starvation, and another 2 million were forced to migrate to Britain and the United States.

Causes of the Famine

The primary cause was the widespread failure of the potato crop, which was affected by a devastating fungus. Potatoes constituted the basic diet for millions of Irish people. This crisis was exacerbated by the existing Penal Laws, which stipulated that Catholic families could not bequeath their entire landholdings to their eldest son; instead, the land had to be divided. This resulted in tiny, often rented, plots of land that were insufficient for sustenance when the crop failed.

Devastating Consequences and Related Policies

Families heavily reliant on potatoes were left without food due to the disease, leading to terrible effects:

• Eviction: Families unable to pay rent were forcibly evicted from their homes, leading to widespread homelessness. This fueled mass emigration under dire conditions, with many leaving Ireland on overcrowded and unsanitary "coffin boats." The human cost was catastrophic.
• Abolition of Speenhamland System: The Speenhamland system, a practice of economic relief for the poor, was abolished. This removal of a crucial safety net occurred during a period of immense hardship for the poor.