WI No 1832 Great Reform Act

Let's say the 1832 Reform Act in Britain is never passed. What would be the sociopolitical ramifications for both Britain and it's empire?
 
Let's say the 1832 Reform Act in Britain is never passed. What would be the sociopolitical ramifications for both Britain and it's empire?

The establishment fails to split the middle and working classes, revolution becomes a genuine possibility.
 
An alt-1848 would shake up Britain; the Reform Act ensured that it got away with nothing during the time.

The monarchy is also likely to be more discredited in such a scenario, though obviously the British wouldn't be rushing to get a republic.
 
An alt-1848 would shake up Britain; the Reform Act ensured that it got away with nothing during the time.

Relatively nothing perhaps, compared to Europe.

The monarchy is also likely to be more discredited in such a scenario, though obviously the British wouldn't be rushing to get a republic.

The Monarchy might get caught up in a wave of resentment against the old institutions. At the same time they could tried to copy Frederick to save their own skins in exchange for reform.
 
If it gets killed in 1832 it would have a better chance in 1837 after Victoria came to the throne, tho the intervening years would not be peaceful ones and William IV's reputation would not be as a silly old codger, but as a tyrant in some circles

If it NEVER gets passed then obviously you have derailed all British political history, including the repeal of the Corn Laws. You'd have repressive Prime Ministers, and quite possibly by 1848 you'd see Wellington playing a Metternich role, and Britain ripe for revolution

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
If it gets killed in 1832 it would have a better chance in 1837 after Victoria came to the throne, tho the intervening years would not be peaceful ones and William IV's reputation would not be as a silly old codger, but as a tyrant in some circles

If it NEVER gets passed then obviously you have derailed all British political history, including the repeal of the Corn Laws. You'd have repressive Prime Ministers, and quite possibly by 1848 you'd see Wellington playing a Metternich role, and Britain ripe for revolution

Best Regards
Grey Wolf

And William IV is now several rungs below my current view of him TTL.
 
Basic problem: You'll need to change William IV's personality entirely. He saw which way the wind was blowing, and sought compromise, effectively forcing the Tories into voting the bill through. The only way to get the reform act to fail is for William IV to be focussed on principles rather than pragmatism.
 
I'm guessing Britain would see a nasty revolt a decade earlier than continental Europe as the Chartists will now have a major issue to rally support for. Combining anger at the failure of the 1832 Reform with the Chartist political movement will make Britain ripe for revolt. Combine this with the Revolts in Canada, the Caroline Affair / Aroostook War and the Belgium Crisis and Britian could easily be in a world of hurt.

Benjamin
 
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