Question

In the 18th century, which segment of the British population saw a distinct reduction in their power and influence, relative to other segments of the population?

Answer 1

If it's the 18th century, a possibility is the working/lower classes, because the Industrial Revolution was right around the time. Many people, desperate for work, flocked to urban areas and experienced hardship in tight, unsanitary apartments from where they went to their low-paying factory jobs. A lot of people died from conditions and the effects of living in such places; no sewage systems so diseases killed many, because they could easily spread.