But it was the Reform Act of 1832 which showed that the
fortress could be stormed, and which marked out the line of
assault. Though it in fact only enfranchised part of a single
class, it established a precedent of permanent force for enfran-
chising all classes when they should reach the stage of political
consciousness and social power. It determined that those who
have power outside Parliament must have power inside it, and
sanctioned a readjustment of the Constitution for this purpose,
even at the price of ancient forms and individual interests. It
decided against government by a ruling class irresponsible to
the people, however efficient by descent and training. On the
other hand the existence in Parliament of a party, whose leaders
had long prepared the minds of the aristocracy for Reform,
made it possible for the change to take place without a breach
of continuity in the national life. It was fortunate for the
country that many of the Whigs did not see the consequences
of their courage. For it can hardly be believed that, had they
not acted as they did, England could have survived the years
between 1830 and 1848 without some violent rebellion of the
classes outside the pale. The events of May 1832 showed how
intense a resolution could be displayed by men of little organisa-
tion and experience. That memory of the people in act to
strike, yet quietly dispersing when victory was assured, had
a great and sobering influence on the generations following.
Much remained undone, as the working classes knew to their
cost; but for many years the guiding opinion of the country
found expression in Parliament; it was felt that should further
change be needed the Constitution was equal to provide it;
and the stage was cleared of political encumbrance for the
working out of the destinies of Victorian England.

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