Britain Becomes More Democratic

Britain was a constitutional monarchy with a parliament Voting Rights in the early 19 th Century: - Less than 5% of the population had the right to vote - Politics were dominated by wealthy men - Catholics and Non-Anglican Protestants could not vote or serve in Parliament

1820s End of bans of voting rights for certain religious groups

1830s Representation in Parliament had not changed even though the industrial revolution caused urbanization –Rural towns had representatives but few or no voters – “rotten boroughs” –New industrial cities had no seats in Parliament Reform Act of 1832 –Redistributed seats in Commons  gave representation to large towns and cities and eliminated rotten boroughs –Increased the electorate  gave many middle class the right to vote – working class left out

1867 Reform act of 1867 –Working class men given the right to vote – doubled the electorate

Chartists Pushed for working class reforms People’s Charter – 1838 – Demands: –Universal male suffrage –Secret ballot –Annual parliamentary elections –Salaries for members of Parliament –No property qualifications for Parliament –Equal districts Brought petitions to Parliament 3 times and each time were rejected

1880s Most Chartist reforms passed –Almost-universal male suffrage –Secret Ballot –Salaries for Parliament –Equal Districts

1911 Early 1900s, House of Commons tried to pass bills aimed at social reform. However, the House of Lords used their veto power to block them – New limits put on the power of the House of Lords – No longer able to veto tax bills

Social Reform In Great Britain

Crime and Punishment Early 1800s more than 200 crimes punishable by death (shoplifting, sheep stealing, impersonating an army veteran, etc) By 1850, fewer crimes punished by death (murder, piracy, treason, and arson) 1868 – End to public hangings Improved prison conditions

Education Free elementary school education for all children State-aided secondary schools Some public universities created

Rights of Workers 1842 – No women or children in mines 1847 – Women and children – 10 hour workday Later 1800s – improved working conditions, maximum work hours, Minimum wages Accident and unemployment insurance Inspectors enforce laws

Slavery 1807 – Britain became the first leading European power to abolish the slave trade Slavery banned in all British Colonies