The role of the British government was greatly expanded during the industrial revolution moving through the three stages of laissez faire to liberalism then progressing towards socialism. Overall, these political shifts were fuelled by a growing sense of morality within the middle class and their interest in politics, new ideologies - including the concept of equality, a clear need for government order within a rapidly changing and populous society, fear of revolution created by circumstances in France and public pressure from an increasingly expanded franchise. The combination of these factors led to the recognition of the necessity for increased government involvement and political reform in all areas of society, in particular those of suffrage, welfare and parliamentary structure.…
