Democracy and Modern Thought PDF

In the 19th century, Western Europe saw many signs of expanding political democracy, such as: - The rise of political parties - The passing of male suffrage laws - The limitations placed on the prime minister\'s responsibilities. This system, known as ministerial responsibility, ensured th...

In the 19th century, Western Europe saw many signs of expanding political democracy, such as: - The rise of political parties - The passing of male suffrage laws - The limitations placed on the prime minister\'s responsibilities. This system, known as ministerial responsibility, ensured that government ministers were accountable to the ministry and, ultimately, to Parliament. If they fail to perform their duties properly, they could face criticism, questioning, or even be forced to resign. Britain\'s parliamentary system was well established, with two major political parties at the time: - The Liberals - The Conservatives Both parties sought to pass laws expanding voting rights between 1867 and 1884 through various Reform Acts. Statistics showed an increasing number of men over 21 and women over 30 gained the right to vote, leading to higher voter participation by 1918. In the early 20th century, political democracy in Britain continued to evolve. Social reforms for the working class soon followed. In 1900, the Labor Party was formed to represent workers\' interests. To gain the support of workers, the Liberals introduced social reforms, including unemployment benefits. France\'s Path to Democracy France also moved toward democracy after the fall of Louis-Napoléon\'s Second Empire. Confusion and uncertainty spread among the people, but by 1875, the Third Republic was established with a republican constitution. The new government consisted of: - A President - A Two-House Legislature: - The Upper House (Senate) -- Elected by high-ranking officials. - The Lower House (Chamber of Deputies) -- Elected by all adult males. The President or Premier (Prime Minister) led the government and was accountable to the Chamber of Deputies. Challenges in Italy Although Italy became a unified state in 1870, national unity remained weak. One of the most significant divisions was between: - The industrialized north - The poverty-stricken south The tension between labor and industry further weakened the nation\'s social fabric, causing political instability. Democracy vs. Conservatism in Eastern & Central Europe Those in Eastern and Central Europe were more conservative than Western European governments. Traditional ruling groups continued to dominate politics in several countries, including: - Russia - Germany - The Austro-Hungarian Empire Germany\'s Resistance to Democracy Germany\'s 1871 constitution established a two-house legislature: - The Reichstag (Lower House) -- Elected by male suffrage. - The Upper House -- Controlled by ruling elites. However, the emperor held ultimate power and was responsible for: - The armed forces - The bureaucracy - Foreign policy Bismarck, the German Prime Minister, did everything possible to prevent democracy from taking root in Germany. However, as industries expanded and cities grew, democratic demands became harder to suppress. During the reign of William, the second, Germany became Europe\'s most powerful military and industrial power. Conservative forces opposed any democratic reforms, so they supported foreign policy expansion to distract the public and prevent democracy from gaining ground. Hungary had a strong parliamentary system that was controlled by landowners. The peasants and ethnic groups were under control of these landowners. Governmental leaders in Russia believed that the power of czars should be reserved. With the growth of - Industries - Factories - Industrial working class New social parties began to emerge. In response, the Russian government repressed these movements, forcing them underground**.** Eventually, Russia was forced to establish a legislative assembly known as the Duma. Around 1865 the Americans abolished slavery and gave citizenship to the African American males that had the right to vote. Throughout the industrial revolution America became one of the richest countries. Urbanization increased drastically and the production of steel and iron was the best worldwide. with all its wealth of 9 % of the population owned wealth while the rest had to worked in conditions considered insecure Unions began to form, but the American Federation of Labor only represented 8.4% of the labor force at the time. Meanwhile, America expanded its influence overseas, setting up a colony in the Samoan Islands. The U.S. also controlled the sugar industry in Hawaii and annexed the islands in 1898. After the U.S. won the Spanish**-**American War, it gained control over former Spanish territories. Such as: - Philippines - Puerto Rico - Guam In 1871 Germany was considered one of the most powerful countries which affected the balance of power. The Germans allied with Austria Hungary and Italy they were called the triple alliance they were Against France, Great Britain, and Russia which were named the triple Entente. Balkans became the battle ground for the European balance of power when the ottoman empire was defeated by a series of wars Russia and Austria Hungary were interested in taking control over the Balkans. In 1878 Austria Hungary was given the permission to oversee Balkan territories of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 2 Slavic speaking territories. Serbia was completely outraged when Austria Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908. the Serbs that always dreamt of forming their Serbian Kingdom lost hope. Austria Hungary believed the Serbians were a threat to their empire and Russia supported the Serbs opposing the annexation. The serbs wanted to declare war on Austria-Hungary but Russia lost the Russo-Japan war at the time being too weak to support Serbia so they declared war in 1914 against Austria-Hungary and its allies. Modernism is a period of time between 1850 and 1960 during this period the western eorld experienced a change that transformed us and Europe from traditional societies to moderns ones they went from urbanization and capitalism to - literature - arts - music - technology