19th to 20th Century British Democracy

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Questions and Answers

Which of these countries were part of the Triple Entente?

Austria-Hungary

Italy

France (correct)

Germany

What was the primary reason for Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908?

To gain access to the Mediterranean Sea

To prevent Russia from gaining influence in the region

To create a buffer zone against the Ottoman Empire

To strengthen their control over the Balkans (correct)

What was the main consequence of Serbia's declaration of war on Austria-Hungary in 1914?

The unification of the Balkan states

The outbreak of World War I (correct)

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire

The rise of Russia as a major power

Why did Austria-Hungary feel threatened by Serbia?

Serbia harbored nationalist aspirations that threatened the Austro-Hungarian empire. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors was NOT a significant result of the Modernism period (1850-1960)?

The spread of democracy and human rights (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bismarck, the German Prime Minister, actively seek to prevent democracy from taking root in Germany?

He believed that democratic reforms would undermine the power of the ruling elites and weaken the monarchy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the Russian government respond to the emergence of new social parties in the late 19th century?

They suppressed these movements, forcing them to operate underground and limiting their activities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the expansion of industries and cities in Germany impact the development of democratic movements?

It made it more difficult to suppress democratic demands as the working class grew in size and influence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the American Federation of Labor (AFL) play in the American labor movement during the late 19th century?

It was a relatively small organization that represented only a fraction of the labor force. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason behind the conservative forces in Germany's support for foreign policy expansion?

They hoped to divert public attention from domestic issues like democratic reforms. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the American government respond to the growing labor movement in the late 19th century?

They generally opposed unionization and sometimes used force to suppress strikes and protests. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the establishment of the Duma in Russia?

It was a symbolic gesture with little real power, as the Tsar retained ultimate authority. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the United States becoming one of the wealthiest countries by the late 19th century?

The expansion of the U.S. industrial economy and its rapid urbanization. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the increase in voter participation in Britain between 1867 and 1918?

The passage of various Reform Acts leading to male suffrage expansion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a significant characteristic of the Third Republic in France established in 1875?

A system that ensured the prime minister was solely accountable to the ministry, not to the legislature (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main challenge to national unity in Italy after its unification in 1870?

The economic disparity between the industrialized north and the poverty-stricken south (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributed to the establishment of the Labor Party in Britain in 1900?

The increasing demand from workers for better representation and political voice (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Liberals in Britain gain the support of workers in the early 20th century?

By implementing social reforms such as unemployment benefits (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is ministerial responsibility and why was it significant in the 19th century?

A system where government ministers were accountable to Parliament, allowing for removal if they fail to perform properly (C) Signup and view all the answers

Comparing the rise of democracy in Western Europe to Eastern/Central Europe, what significant difference emerged?

Western Europe embraced more radical reforms that challenged the existing social order, while Eastern/Central Europe remained more conservative (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to the political instability in Italy following its unification?

The failure to establish a strong, centralized government with a powerful monarch (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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.

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Description

Explore the evolution of political democracy in Western Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This quiz covers key developments such as the rise of political parties, the expansion of male suffrage, and the formation of the Labor Party. Test your knowledge on significant reforms and their impact on voter participation.