Democratic Reform and Activism Chapter 10, Section 1

British Reforms Back in 1600, Britain became a constitutional monarchy. Early 1800s only 5% could vote (rich) Suffrage movement began with middle class men. Reform Bill of 1832 made voting available to middle class men-response to French violence & revolutionaries.

The Chartist Movement Based on the People’s Charter. Popular movement among workers who were not given the vote. Suffrage for all men Wanted a secret ballot All British men had the right to vote by 1884.

The Victorian Age Queen Victoria was the one overseeing the various reforms. She became queen at 18 years old in 1837 and reigned for 64 years. While she was queen, the majority of political power now rested with the cabinet and with Parliament under the new constitutional monarchy.

Women’s Suffrage Movement for women to be given right to vote. By 1890 most industrial countries adopted universal male suffrage, but NONE allowed women to vote. When peaceful efforts didn’t work, women tried more militant ways.

Women’s Suffrage (Cont’d) Emmeline Pankhurst formed the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. Emmeline and her followers were arrested many times, and when they were jailed they led hunger strikes. New Zealand (1893) and Australia (1902) were the first countries to allow women to vote. Wyoming allowed women to vote in 1869. Most of the U.S. and Britain did not allow women to vote until after WWI.

French Issues 1871-1914 averaged almost 1 change of government per year. The Third Republic—lasted nearly 60 years, but very unstable & France remained divided. 1880s & 90s: Republic was threatened by monarchists, aristocrats, clergy, & army leaders. Anti-Semitism played role in instability—Dreyfus affair was the battleground for this.

Dreyfus Affair Anti-Semitism- prejudice against Jews (played a role in the scandal) In 1894, a French military officer Alfred Dreyfus was accused of selling military secrets to Germany. After convicted on false evidence and sentenced to a life in prison, evidence surfaces proving he was framed by other army officers. The French army refused to reopen the case because they felt that it would dishonor the military.

Zionist Movement Jewish people facing discrimination (anti-Semitism) in Europe sought safe homes. Many Jews came to America to escape discrimination, while others wanted a Jewish nation. Zionist movement to establish Israel as Jewish homeland in Palestine. Based on historic beliefs of homeland. Led by Theodor Herzl

Primary Source I want to say here and now that the only justification for violence, the only justification for damage to property, the only justification for risk to the comfort of other human beings is the fact that you have tried all other means and have failed to secure justice. Emmeline Pankhurst, Why We Are Militant