Chapter 10 An Age of Democracy and Progress Modern World History

Section 10-1 Democratic Reform Problems with industrialization and urbanization and the success of the Industrial Revolution for various industries inspired people in to demand reforms that would fix society.

The Victorian Age Queen Victoria – Queen of England during the time when England reached its height of wealth and power. She was a important figure because she all many reforms to be passed She had to share power with the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament in order for Great Britain to be successful. Most of the power was with Parliament especially the House of Commons

Britain Enacts Reforms Early 1800’s only about 5% of Brit men could vote to elect members of the House of Commons (House of Lords + House of Commons = Parliament) this was extremely unfair for the majority of the population. Wealthy middle class men wanted to vote so they protested and got the Reform Bill of 1832 passed which extended the right to vote or suffrage to men with money Chartist movement – movement that called for voting reforms such as suffrage for all men, not just wealthy middle class, annual Parliamentary elections, and secret ballots to put a stop to voting pressures By 1884 most Brit. Men could vote

Women’s Rights and Equality Women wanted the right to vote like men as well as other rights. They wanted to be treated as equals. Emmeline Pankhurst – formed the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) a militant group that focused on gaining women’s suffrage (right to vote) They wanted to bring their cause into the public eye so they used extreme tactics to get people’s attention on the issues.

Problems in France France went through a period of drastic change b/t 1871 and 1914. (it had a new government almost every year) The Third Republic was set up in 1875 and lasted until Hitler destroyed it before WWII. However France remained divided because of the numerous political parties. The Dreyfus Affair – a controversy over the false accusation of a French Jewish army officer, for selling secrets to Germany. Alfred Dreyfus was convicted on false evidence because of anti – Semitic views by many in France He was later release after much scandal but still served time in prison.

The Rise of Zionism The Dreyfus Affair brought to light the mistreatment and persecution of Jews in Western Europe. However, it was worse in E. Europe. Pogroms - Russian officials allowed organized acts of violence against Jews that caused many of them to flee to the US. Because of the long history of persecution and violence committed against them Jewish people began to call for a homeland to call their own (Zionism)