Question

What was the significance of the 1832 Reform Act in British social history?

Answer 1

It recognised the industrial cities and their growing populations and allowed for parliamentary representation in the house of commons. At the same time representation from the smaller shire communities 'the rotton boroughs' was withdrawn or added to other boroughs. Importantly the male voting population was increased to about 1 in 6 in the population as a whole.

Answer 2

http://www.famoushistoricalevents.net/reform-bill-1832/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reform_Bills