Drive for political reform in 1832 in Britain succeeded through an orchestrated run on banks.

John T. Hull of the Manitoba Wheat Pool

wrote in 1929 of the drive for reform in 1832 in Britain:

...Despite the persecution, tho severity of the courts and the numerous imprisonments and transportation [to Australia penal colony], the people joined enthusiastically in the demand for franchise reform and even prepared to resort to arms for it. 

How the Reform Bill of 1832 was ultimately secured in the face of tremendous class opposition, is perhaps worth repeating. 

Francls. Place, the radical tailor of Charing Cross, did not believe in violence, but it looked, as the fight for the Bill went on, that nothing short of resort to arms would bring success. "The prime minister, the Duke of Wellington, was obdurate.” 

Then one morning London woke to find the walls plastered with huge posters which said "To Stop the Duke, go for gold” 

The result was a run on the banks, and in a week the Bank of England paid out $25,000,000. That was enough; the government capitulated.

“The writing on the wall,” says Francis in his History of the Bank of England, "spoke to those having authority with a power far exceeding the most brilliant oratory.” 

I have often Wondered why the people have never repeated that kind of pressure on governments adamant to the appeals of right and justice...."

from John T Hull Reform Movements and Ideas (1929)

available on Internet Archives online)

Tom

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