
19th-century British politics
19th-century British politics saw significant change, characterized by the expansion of suffrage, the rise of political parties, and the struggle between aristocratic privilege and the growing demands of the working and middle classes. Key events included the Reform Acts, which gradually extended voting rights, and the emergence of the Liberal and Conservative parties. The period also witnessed social reforms, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, and debates over issues like empire, class, and gender. Figures like Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone shaped policies, reflecting the tension between tradition and progressive values in a rapidly evolving society.