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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Reform Act
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(1832) The beginning of democracy in its modern form in Britain, following a tide of public indignation during the 1820s at the previous system (characterized at its worst by pocket and rotten *boroughs). The act was passed by the Whig administration of Earl *Grey, against prolonged and bitter opposition from many Tories but with the reluctant assistance of *William IV. It was the first of the extensions to the *franchise which led eventually to universal suffrage.
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