Similarity and Difference (1780-1885)

Continuity in Parliamentary Structure (1780-1885)

Throughout the period, the bicameral nature of Parliament, consisting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, remained unchanged despite significant reforms.
The monarch’s role also continued in the form of the royal assent required for all legislation.
The established Church remained intertwined with the state, with Anglican Bishops continuing to sit in the House of Lords.

Persistence of Inequality (1780-1885)

Despite attempts at reform, voting in parliamentary elections remained a privilege of the wealthy and propertied classes for much of this period.
Certain areas, namely Wales and parts of northern England, continued to be underrepresented in Parliament, a continuity in regional disparity.
Gender inequality persisted as women remained excluded from voting or holding public office.

Change in Representation (1780-1885)

The most dramatic change occurred in the way constituencies were represented with the elimination of ‘rotten boroughs’ and redistribution of seats to burgeoning industrial cities.
A greater emphasis on meritocracy in parliamentary representation, as opposed to inherited status or wealth, marked a significant difference over the century.
The franchise was widened progressively, though it remained far from universal by 1885.

Transition from Violent to Peaceful Protest (1780-1885)

In the earlier years, the struggle for reform was marked by violent protest like the Peterloo Massacre, but by the mid-19th century, peaceful methods such as strikes, demonstrations, and lobbying became more prominent.
The shift from violent to peaceful protest coincided with the rise of organised working-class movements like Chartism and the Trade Union movement.
The transformation in protest methods signifies a broader societal and intellectual shift, with a greater emphasis on constitutional, lawful methods to achieve political change.

Continuity and Change in Welsh Context (1780-1885)

The experiences of Wales saw both continuity and change. Welsh language and identity continued to be marginalised within British politics.
However, industrialisation, particularly the growth of the coal mining industry in South Wales, led to increased urbanisation and subsequent calls for better representation.
By 1885, there were visible changes in the political landscape of Wales, with an increasing number of MPs elected on a platform of Welsh nationalism and disestablishmentarianism, marking a new political consciousness.