Socialist Britain

Introduction.
In 1831 the British people had had enough. There was no representation for the working classes in Parliament, the Government had not responded to their demands. Enough was enough it was time for revolution.

1827-1829
February 1827- Prime Minister Lord Liverpool has a stroke and resigns his office.

April 1827- A new Prime Minister is appointed by the King, George Canning, he is not trusted by many MPs.

August 1827- Canning dies, he is replaced by Viscount Goderich.

January 1828- The King sacks Goderich after a gaffe.

1830-1832
January 1830- Thomas Attwood founds the Birmingham political union (BPU)

November 1830- The Catholic emancipation act is passed through Parliament. As a result the Tory government collapses, so the King appoints Early Grey as Prime Minister. Grey and his party (Whigs) promise reform to the system.

March 1831- The first reform bill is passed through the House of Commons, this bill suggests a reform to the Parliamentary system to represent the Middle and Working Classes.

April 1831- National Union of the Working Classes (NUWS) is founded by William Lovett and Henry Hetherington.

May 1831- The reform bill is vetoed by the House of Lords, this is met by much resistance among the working classes particularly among in the BPU and NUWS. William Lovett says at a meeting that "The British people have been betrayed... it is time for action!".

October 1831- The Bristol riots occur because of the vetoed reform bill. Here members of the Dragoon Guards are sent in by the government to stop the riots. The riot goes out of control and the rioters hold the city for a month before regular forces can re-establish control.