19th to 20th Century British Democracy

19th Century Western European Democracy

• Western Europe saw expanding political democracy in the 19th century.
• Key characteristics included the rise of political parties and the passing of male suffrage laws.
• Prime ministers' responsibilities were limited. This "ministerial responsibility" meant accountability to the ministry and Parliament. Failure to perform duties could result in criticism, questioning, or resignation.
• Britain had two major parties: the Liberals and the Conservatives.
• Reform Acts (1867-1884) expanded voting rights, leading to increased voter participation by 1918.

20th Century Britain's Political Evolution

• Political democracy in Britain continued evolving in the early 20th century.
• Social reforms for the working class emerged. Notably, the Labor Party was formed in 1900 to represent workers.
• Liberals introduced social reforms such as unemployment benefits to gain worker support.

France's Path to Democracy

• France transitioned towards democracy after the Second Empire.
• Uncertainty and confusion existed among the people, but a Third Republic and republican constitution were established by 1875.
• The new government included a president and a two-house legislature: Senate (elected by high-ranking officials) and Chamber of Deputies (elected by adult males).
• The President or Premier (Prime Minister) was accountable to the Chamber of Deputies.

Challenges in Italy

• Though Italy unified in 1870, national unity remained weak.
• A major division existed between the industrialized north and the poverty-stricken south.

Democracy vs Conservatism in Eastern and Central Europe

• Governments in Eastern and Central Europe tended to be more conservative compared to Western European counterparts.
• Traditional ruling groups continued to dominate politics in these regions, including Russia, Germany, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Germany's Resistance to Democracy

• Germany's 1871 constitution established a two-house legislature: Reichstag (Lower House, elected by male suffrage) and Upper House (controlled by ruling elites).
• However, the emperor maintained ultimate power—responsible for the armed forces, bureaucracy, and foreign policy.

German Prime Minister Bismarck's Role

• German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck actively worked to prevent democratic growth in Germany.
• Bismarck's strategy, despite increasing industrialization and population growth/urbanization in Germany, included distracting the public and opposing democratic reforms by pushing for foreign policy expansion.

Hungary's Political Landscape

• Hungary had a strong parliamentary system, but landowners controlled it.
• Peasants and ethnic minorities were under the control of landowners.

The Rise of New Social Parties

• New social parties (e.g., those representing workers) emerged in response to the growing industrial working class throughout Europe.
• The Russian government suppressed these movements underground to maintain stability.

Russia's Political Reform

• Russia, experiencing social and industrial change, was eventually forced to establish a legislative assembly, the Duma.