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Cartoon, The Handwriting on the Wall
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Cartoon, The Handwriting on the Wall
Cartoon, The Handwriting on the Wall. King William IV wonders if the Reform Bill has anything to do with him. The Reform Act, extending the franchise by just over 50 per cent, and ensuring that large industrial cities were properly represented, eventually became law in June 1832.
1831
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Media ID 23274922
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1830s 1831 Bill Comment Franchise Handwriting Legal Legislation Parliament Reform Satire Satirical Vote Votes
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The Handwriting on the Wall: King William IV Ponders the Implications of the Reform Bill (1831) This satirical cartoon, titled "The Handwriting on the Wall," depicts King William IV of England in deep contemplation as he gazes at a mysterious message written on the wall behind him. The year is 1831, and the Reform Bill, which would extend the franchise and ensure proper representation for large industrial cities, is the subject of intense debate in Parliament. The cartoon's satirical commentary is evident in the various symbols and figures surrounding the king. A top hat, a symbol of the aristocracy, lies on the floor, while a man holding a large mallet labeled "Reform" stands nearby, suggesting the force required to bring about change. The king's advisors, depicted as a group of disheveled, bickering men, represent the political turmoil and infighting that characterized the time. The handwriting on the wall itself reads, "The Reform Bill," emphasizing the significance of the legislation and its potential impact on the monarchy and the political landscape of early 19th-century Britain. The Reform Act, which eventually became law in June 1832, extended the franchise by over 50 percent and marked a turning point in the history of British democracy. This cartoon, a poignant reminder of the political upheaval and satire of the era, offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to the passage of the Reform Bill and the changing political landscape of 19th-century Britain.
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