The Essay: Reasons for the Growth of British democracy.
There is a good chance this particular question will come up in the 2013 Higher exam. However, it may also feature in the 2014 exam…the SQA can be very unpredictable.
We have already completed an essay on the Extent of British democracy; this guide I have prepared will help you write an essay on the reasons for the Growth in British democracy. Aspects of this essay will be alien to you, don’t worry. The beauty of the British Section is that every mini unit relates to another and by the end of the entire unit…it will all make sense. For example, you will have to mention the Suffragettes and the impact of WW1 in this essay – you will study this in more detail at a later date.
Some examples of questions from previous years.
2011 - How important was the role of pressure groups in Britain becoming more democratic
between 1851 and 1928?
2008 - To what extent was the growth of democracy in Britain after 1860 due to social and
economic change?
Here you have to analyse what is called the isolated factor listed in the question. In terms of structure you have to analyse the importance of this factor. If it wasn’t important it wouldn’t be alluded to in the question! It is wise to analyse the isolated factor in the first paragraph of your main section. This is important for structure.
A key point to remember is that there will be at least 3 or 4 other important factors for you to discuss and analyse.
Introduction
In any introduction you need to set the question in context. You also need to allude-link to the question posed by the SQA. A good way to do this is by posing or repeating the question again. You should also refer to the isolated factor, but concede other important factors. By doing this, you will make it clear to the reader how your essay will flow. I.e if you mention pressure groups, political advantage and foreign influences I would expect a paragraph on each. Below is an example of an introduction I would use for the 2008 question. *NB – I have not chosen to define democracy in this introduction – I would for the other question. However, you can do this if you like.
Between 1850 and 1928 British democracy witnessed a dramatic transformation and a series of political reform was passed by successive governments. Many argue that Britain became a model of modern democracy by 1928 but why did it take so long to arrive? What were the main factors influencing political reform? There is no doubt social and economic change heavily influenced society and to many, political change seemed inevitable. However, one cannot ignore other impo rtant factors like the changing attitudes to democracy and the role of Pressure Groups. Foreign influences, political advantage and the impact of the Great War are also crucial factors which must be analysed in order to reach a conclusion. This essay will explore the reasons behind the growth of British Democracy.
v Essay Guide
v This guide will hopefully assist you in writing an essay on The Reasons behind the Growth in British democracy. I originally listed The Great War as a stand alone factor, however I would incorporate the impact of war in to the section on Pressure Groups. (You will understand why when you read that particular section.)
v There is 5 factors you should consider for this essay and 5 paragraphs in the main body of any Higher essay is perfectly adequate. Particularly when you consider you can gain at least 2 marks for analysis in every paragraph – if you use the correct technique and construct an argument.
v There is no right or wrong answer in this essay. Every factor is important in some way, although the evidence suggests that some factors are more important than others. For example, there is overwhelming evidence that political advantage was a key factor in the reform of 1867 and 1885. However, your essay must be balanced and you must discuss the other factors – even if it is to argue against one of the other factors i.e – Pressure Groups.
· Social and Economic change
· Changing attitudes/political ideology
· Political Advantage
· Pressure Groups
· Foreign Influences
FACTOR 1 – SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE
Social and Economic change – this includes industrialisation/urbanisation/ demographic/population changes and the development of railways.
The industrial revolution changed where people lived, how they worked and how they felt about their position in society. It was a major contributor to greater urbanisation – demographic change and the emergence of class structures. These social and economic changes created pressures which politicians in the later 19th century had to respond to.
One of the biggest pressures was demographic change, particularly population distribution. Up until 1750 80% of the population worked in the countryside. However, industrialisation meant towns/cities grew and by 1850 50% of people lived in cities – 75% by 1900.The population of Great Britain increased from 16 million in 1801 to 41 million in 1901. In 1832 Rotten Boroughs were abolished but there was no significant changes made with regards to seat distribution. The migration of people from the countryside to the urban areas meant that growing cities like Manchester and Glasgow had little representation. The political system was outdated and the 1867 Reform Act gave extra seats to industrial cities like Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool. 1885 and 1918 also witnessed the reorganisation of constituencies – this was all down to urbanisation. This is clear evidence that demographic changes influenced political reform and you should remember this for your essay.
The 1832 Act enfranchised members of the urban middle class (in towns and cities) and they began to challenge the old ruling class for power. The middle classes believed that as wealth creators (managers, factory/small business owners) they should have more say in the running of the country. Members of the urban middle class also argued that the skilled working class were vital to the economic success of the Britain and the success of the Empire. During the 19th Century Britain was the world leader in imports and exports. Urbanisation also led to the emergence of a working class identity – even before the 2nd Reform Act of 1867 skilled working class men (known as artisans) were more educated and respectable – they attended night schools, took part in local politics and were concerned with tacking social problems and living standards.
The introduction of a compulsory education basic education for children in England and Wales (1870s) and Scotland (1880s) also helped raise political awareness of politics – many people were now ready to take the fight to the government with many joining Reform organisations or Trade Unions. The growth of public libraries also ensured people were better informed about politics.
With regards to the economy, economic growth caused social problems. Poverty was a major problem in towns and cities and many believed the only way to alleviate poverty was through increased working class involvement in politics. Solutions required political changes. The government granted the vote to the ‘skilled working class’ in towns and the countryside in 1867 and 1884 respectively.
The industrial revolution also demanded a more efficient transport system and the development of railways led to a national network of rapid and reliable communications. The historian Sydney Wood – Britain and Scotland 1850-1979 – strongly argues that this was instrumental to the development of democracy in Britain. A great example is PM William Gladstone taking advantage of the railway system to canvass Liberal support in Scotland as he toured Midlothian – known as the ‘Midlothian Campaign’. Thousands flocked to see him deliver speeches and this is considered the first modern political campaign. Gladstone became MP for Midlothian in the General Election of 1880, wrestling the seat back from the Conservatives and this proves the railways were an important feature of modern democracy. Furthermore, newspapers could be printed and transported all over the country also helped develop a national political consciousness that simply did not exist prior to industrialisation.
Activity: I would like you to attempt the 2008 question (on page 1) and begin by writing an introduction. You can use mine as a guide but I don’t want it copied word for word.
I also want you attempt the first paragraph in the main section. Don’t go overboard with KU – remember you are only awarded a maximum of 6 marks here. What you need to do is introduce the importance of this factor at the beginning of your paragraph. Then you should make some attempt to address the question and begin constructing an argument – was it or was it not an important factor and why? Keep your KU clear and concise and you can gain argument marks by providing the reform passed in the 19th and 20th century as evidence the socio-economic development of Britain WAS an important factor. Remember a sub conclusion and choose your words carefully – I want quality not quantity. Follow this instruction for every important factor.
FACTOR 2: Changing attitudes/political ideology.
The changing attitudes of politicians, parties and leaders can also be attributed to the growth of British democracy. From 1850-1928 technology improved, industry grew, cities grew bigger and education improved. It is clear that with all this happening, people would also change and this section will enlighten you about the changing attitudes of politicians. Why is such an important factor? Well, politicians are the policy makers who represent the people and who introduce national reform. If there is to be an extension of democracy then ultimately, the politicians will play a pivotal role. This section will focus on 4 key politicians – William Gladstone, Benjamin Disraeli, David Lloyd George and Herbert Henry Asquith.
The changing social and economic landscape during the 19th century brought about a new working class identity and in urban (and rural) areas…it would be unwise of politicians not to recognise the increasing political awareness demonstrated by the working classes. Back in 1832 both the Liberals and Conservatives had been cautious about extending the vote and as such the franchise was only extended to the Middle class. However, the emergence of political figures like William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli gave hope to an increasingly vociferous working class movement.
Indeed, prior to the 2nd Reform Act being passed in 1867 (skilled working class in towns to be included in the franchise, albeit with property qualifications) both men had persuaded their parties to widen the electorate and improve British democracy.
Although both men championed reform, one would argue they did so for different reasons. Gladstone believed that “every man was morally entitled to vote” and that the skilled working classes deserved the vote, in recognition of their contribution to the economy and the British Empire. (I.e. Engineers in shipyards). Gladstone also saw the attraction for his own party (with him at the helm) as giving the vote to skilled working men would result in more votes for the Liberals.
Leading Conservatives like Disraeli and Lord Derby (PM in 1867) split opinion in their own party when they also suggested members of the skilled working class also merited the vote. A cynic would perhaps view the Conservative stance as one motivated more by self-interest rather than genuine warmth for the working classes – it is well known Disraeli in particular feared that opposing an extension of the franchise could lead to his party being out of power for years. Nonetheless, it was a changing political ideology from previous politicians and in summary, both Gladstone and Disraeli supported an extension of the franchise in 1867. The Reform Act passed by parliament in 1867 created over 1 million new voters and further parliamentary representation for areas like Manchester and Liverpool. Unfortunately for Disraeli and the Conservatives, their party lost power in the 1868 General Election and Gladstone became PM for the first time. It appears the working classes were more inclined to vote Liberal and the Liberals remained the party of the working class until the emergence of Labour in the 20th century.
David Lloyd George is another character to consider. The Gladstone Era had come to an end by 1900 and the ‘Gladstonian’ age of Liberalism was over. From 1900 ‘New Liberalism’ was emerging as the vibrant new force in British politics and this new brand of Liberalism was spearheaded by Lloyd George and a young Winston Churchill. The ‘New Liberals’ believed that state intervention and social reform was needed to alleviate the problems caused by extreme poverty – Gladstone believed in the ‘laissez faire’ approach – the government should not interfere in people’s lives and they should be left alone to deal with their own personal affairs.
In any democracy power must rest with the elected house. Prior to 1909 the unelected House of Lords could reject reform passed by the elected MPs in the House of Commons. In 1908 the Liberals were in power. H.H. Asquith was PM and Lloyd George was Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is the job of the Chancellor to raise money to implement party policy and in 1909 he presented a ‘War Budget’ to the Lords. The War was on Poverty and this declaration of war would be funded by taxing the rich. The budget would help the government a system of National Insurance. However, many Conservative supporters (traditionally wealthy) would be affected by this so the Lords prevented the Bill going through. Lloyd George and Asquith were furious and called two general elections on the issue in 1910 – the Liberals won both.