Social developments: the middle class; industrial workforce; landowners; agricultural labourers; Combination Acts
Industrialisation created sharply divided social groups in Britain. Factory owners grew wealthy, workers faced harsh conditions, and the government banned workers from organising collectively through the Combination Acts.
Real World
The Combination Acts of 1799–1800 made it illegal for workers like the weavers of Spitalfields to meet and collectively demand higher wages, effectively criminalising early trade union activity.
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions on social divisions, always link each class to a specific economic consequence, not just a description of their lifestyle.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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