Britain 1850-1979

1
Britain 1850-1979

• Reasons For the Growth of Democracy

2
Introduction

• Outline why Britain could not be described as a
  democracy before 1832.
• Point out that during a period of a hundred years
  significant political changes took place which
  made the British political system democratic.
• Then lead into your question and main factors.

3
Industrial Revolution

• Created a new wealthy middle class who resented
  the political domination of the upper class.
• Rural to urban shift in the population
  highlighted the need for a redistribution of
  seats as industrial cities lacked MPs.
• Town-dwellers wanted improvements in living and
  working conditions but had no political power.

4
French Revolution

• French Revolution 1789 led to the violent
  overthrow of the French King and upper class.
  There was concern that this could happen in
  Britain.
• Led to the formation of Reform Societies e.g.
  Chartists, National Reform Union as people
  discussed the idea of political reform.
• Upper class were determined to hold onto power
  and control any changes that took place.

5
Pressure Groups

• After the 1832 Reform Act, pressure groups such
  as the Chartists campaigned for further change.
• They called for radical changes e.g. universal
  male suffrage and attracted huge support but
  their Peoples Charter was rejected by MPs and
  the movement died out by 1850.
• By the turn of the century new groups arose, such
  as the Suffragists and Suffragettes who
  campaigned for women to get the vote.
• The success of different groups can be debated
  but it could be argued they kept the issue of
  political reform on the political agenda.

6
Trade Unions

• As democracy grew in Britain more of the working
  class had joined trade unions.
• As the working class got the vote many who were
  in trade unions were encouraged to vote Liberal.
  But the Liberals were reluctant to appoint
  working class candidates.
• Trade unions realised working class needed a
  political voice.
• Along with other groups they helped to form the
  LRC in 1900.
• LRC had its first major election breakthrough in
  1906 after which it became known as the Labour
  Party

7
Collectivism

• During 19th century there was a definite shift
  away from laissez faire towards collectivist
  ideas.
• This was partly influenced by the fact that the
  working classes now had the vote and politicians
  had to consider the issues that affected them.
• 1906-1914 Liberal Government introduced a range
  of social reforms. Introduction of National
  Insurance led to a political clash with the House
  of Lords and the passing of the 1911 Parliament
  Act.

8
Impact of the First World War

• It could be argued that the war removed the issue
  of votes for women from the political agenda.
• On the other hand the 1918 Act gave the rest of
  the male population the vote and women over 30.
  A reward for men who had served in the trenches
  and women who had served in the workplace.
• It could be argued that the war speeded up
  political change in Britain.

9
Conclusion

• Sum up the main factors which all played a part
  in the growth of democracy.
• Address the question which factor was the most
  important and justify with evidence.
• Industrial Revolution was the most important
  factor created first major demands for
  political change and once the first Reform Act
  was introduced, others would inevitably follow.