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Cartoon, The End of the Rotten Borough
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Cartoon, The End of the Rotten Borough
Cartoon, The End of the Rotten Borough -- the Reform Bill of 1832 did away with these so-called rotten boroughs, which were constituencies with a very small electorate. The cartoon shows reformers trying to chop the Rotten Borough tree down, while the anti-reformers are trying to hold it up and preserve it. Date: circa 1831
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Media ID 23266076
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1830s 1832 Anti Bill Borough Boroughs Change Chop Comment Constituencies Hold Reform Reformers Rotten Satire
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The End of the Rotten Borough
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful and satirical cartoon from the early 1830s, depicting the heated political debates surrounding the Reform Bill of 1832 in England. The image shows a large, gnarled tree labeled as a "Rotten Borough" with reformers attempting to chop it down, while anti-reformers desperately cling to it, trying to preserve the corrupt political system. During this period, "rotten boroughs" referred to constituencies with extremely small electorates, often populated by a few wealthy individuals or families who held significant influence over the election outcomes. These boroughs were a blatant misrepresentation of the democratic process, as they allowed for a minority to control the representation of a much larger population. The Reform Bill of 1832 aimed to address this issue by expanding the electorate and redistributing parliamentary seats based on population size. The cartoon captures the intensity of the political struggle surrounding this proposed change, with reformers wielding axes and anti-reformers holding on for dear life. This satirical print serves as a poignant commentary on the political climate of the time, highlighting the need for reform and the resistance to it from those who benefited from the corrupt system. The image is a testament to the power of satire as a tool for social commentary and political change. The Reform Bill of 1832 ultimately passed, leading to the abolition of many rotten boroughs and the establishment of a more equitable electoral system. This cartoon stands as a reminder of the significant political shifts that occurred during the 19th century, shaping the democratic landscape of England and paving the way for future reforms.
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