Britain Essay 1 - Reasons Britain became more democratic Flashcards
Background/Introduction
Between 1851 and 1928, Britain experienced significant social, political and economic change. Industrialisation has led to the creation of a growing middle and working class who both sought to gain greater involvement and representation in the political system. In 1851, Britain was a very limited democracy, but by 1928, it was significantly more democratic.
Factor 1: Industrialisation/urbanisation
Knowledge
Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution (the move to more modern methods of production/machinery) changed where people lived, how they worked and their social status.
By 1851, 25% of the population lived in the cities, and by 1911, this had grown to 1 third. However, poor working and living conditions led to strikes and calls for the right to vote. For example, over 300,000 coal miners went on strike in 1893.
Factor 1: Industrialisation/urbanisation
Analysis
Industrial Revolution
This made Britain more democratic as the poor living and working conditions caused the government to fear discontent among the working-class. This encouraged the government to democratise in order to avoid revolution. This increased the number of men who could vote which made Britain more democratic. Increasing urbanisation prompted redistribution of seats in particular.
Factor 1: Industrialisation/urbanisation
Knowledge
Middle-class
The middle-classes, who generated much of Britain’s wealth, argued that they should have more of a say in the running of the country. They put pressure on the government as they wanted to be involved in the political system.
Factor 1: Industrialisation/urbanisation
Analysis
Middle-class
This made Britain more democratic as it prompted the removal of MPs property qualification in 1858, amongst other reforms. This effectively allowed anyone to stand for election making Britain more democratic.
Factor 1: Industrialisation/urbanisation
Analysis+
Middle-class
However, in reality, although the property qualification was removed, only the wealthy could stand for election as the working class could not afford to given there was no salary for MPs until 1911.
Factor 2:
Political (Party) Advantage
Knowledge
Parties and the Reform Act
There had been a number of attempts to pass political reforms during the 1850s and 1860s by the Liberal Party (the Whigs) but these had been largely unsuccessful due to splits within the party. When the Tories (Conservatives) come to power in 1866, they decided to steal the Liberal Party’s ideas and pass reforms. The 1867 Reform Act was passed partly as an attempt to ‘Dish the Whigs’ (steal their ideas) as Disraeli put it. The Conservatives had been in opposition for many years and were trying to win votes.
Factor 2:
Political Advantage
Knowledge
The Liberals
The Liberals tried to win political advantage by reducing the power of the aristocracy, who tended to support the Conservatives. They wanted a secret ballot and the power to deal with bribery and intimidation.
The Liberals also tended to do better in urban areas and hoped to win more urban votes by extending the franchise in 1884 and redistributing seats more fairly in 1885.
Factor 2:
Political Advantage
Analysis
Overall
By passing reforms (extending the franchise/ introducing a secret ballot etc), political parties hoped to maintain/ gain an advantage over their rivals. These changes made Britain more democratic as the reforms led to more men receiving the vote.
Factor 2:
Political Advantage
Analysis+
Overall
However, there is an argument that other pressures and growing discontent made reform a necessity as it may have been dangerous to ignore the growing demands for change. Political parties may have felt they had no choice but to pass reforms if they wanted to keep Britain stable.
Factor 3:
Political Pressure Groups
Knowledge
Suffragists
The N.U.W.S.S (the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies or Suffragists) was established in 1897 by Millicent Fawcett and campaigned nationally for votes for women. Their peaceful methods included writing letters, producing posters and organising petitions. By 1914, N.U.W.S.S membership stood at 54,000 (mainly middle and upper-class) women.
Factor 3:
Political Pressure Groups
Knowledge
Suffragettes
The W.S.P.U (Women’s Social and Political Union or Suffragettes) was established in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst. The Suffragettes adopted militant tactics such as cutting telegraph wires, destroying/vandalising public buildings, chaining themselves to railings and going on hunger strike in prison. It is estimated that the suffragette campaign caused £1-2 billion worth of damage in the ‘wild years’ of 1913-14.
Factor 3:
Political Pressure Groups
Analysis
Suffragists/Suffragettes
Undoubtedly, the Suffragette’s militant campaign was counterproductive, but it did keep the issue of votes for women on the political agenda before 1914 and the suspension of their campaign did win them some respect during the First World War as did the peaceful methods used by the Suffragists. Public pressure increased particularly as a result of the hunger strikes. This encouraged the government to grant woman the vote which increased the number of people who could vote making Britain more democratic.
Factor 3:
Political Pressure Groups
Analysis+
Suffragists/Suffragettes
Many argue that the violent tactics of the Suffragettes undermined the work of peaceful campaigners and proved men were right - women were not capable of the social and moral responsibility required to vote. This may have actually delayed democracy as the government was unwilling to give in to their demands.
Factor 4:
The First World War
Knowledge
The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA, 1914) brought strict controls, many of which were undemocratic. Alongside this, many men volunteered or were conscripted. These men were from all social classes including those who still did not have the right to vote. Conscription also meant that women took up roles men left behind. The female labour force increased by 25% during the war.
