During that time there were a seried of reforms that happened in Britain, these would be free trade and the corn laws, campaign against slavery, crime and punishment, improving working conditions, growth labor unions, women were allowed to vote. Hope this could help. Have a nice day.
The French wanted the debt that America owed them back. However, since the previous government (the one that lent them the money) was overthrown, the president said that the debt didn't count anymore. Because of this, French sailors kidnapped and attacked American sailors. This lead to an undeclared, cold war called the Quasi Wars.