1. AP Comparative GOPO Spring 2015
Political History of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
AP Comparative GOPO
Spring 2015

2. Historical Development of the State
Before the British Invasion the Isle of Great Britain was repeatedly invaded by the Celts, Romans, Angles, Saxons, Danes and Normans
What was the affect of these invasions?
Language
Political Culture of common law
Centralized rule
Feudal System

3. How does the Feudal System Evolve to Democracy?

4. Impact of the Feudal System in the Evolution of Democracy in the UK
Feudalism – system of exchange between lords, vassals, and peasants.
Lords provided military protection and land
Vassals provided labor and military service
What did the serfs provide?
This system is suggested to have created a mutual system of obligation between peasants and lords, and between monarchs and lords
The English feudal system eventually led to a limited absolute reign of the monarchy that was NOT present in other European countries

5. Other Historical Factors in the development of Democracy
Henry VIII split with the Roman Catholic Church
Henry’s use of the Parliament to make laws expanded the power of Parliament
Civil War: James I, Charles I, and Charles II. All wanted to return to the absolute control of the monarch, leading to civil war with Parliament
Apprehension about return to Catholic Rule made Parliament put a weak monarch (William and Mary) who agreed to their limited status.
George I (1714) could not speak English and had to depend upon cabinet and Prime Minister to run the country. This only increased the power of the Parliament

6. The British Empire MAP of the British Empire
Begin to decline in the 18th century with the Independence of the U.S.
UK had about 25% control of the world’s trade and one of the wealthiest economies
Directly ruled over 50 countries
How did their imperial reign impact them politically, economically and socially?

7. Impact of the Industrial Revolution
First country to experience the shift to a industrial economy
leaders in textiles, machinery, and iron production
This helped them gain great wealth and little competition existed with other states
The industrialization of the UK made it a world leader in WWI and WWII. But the economy was drained after these wars.
The UK faced great economic decline after the wars and economic policy that has developed since 1979 has tried to rectify the blow to the British economy.

8. So When do People Finally Get the Right to Vote?
Even though the Parliament had increased power over the monarch, the Parliament represented the interests of the British Elite.
House of Lords represented the aristocracy
House of Commons represented the lower aristocracy and merchant class
Reform Act of 1832 doubled size of the electorate but still 90% of the population was not allowed to vote. More reforms in 1867 and when more working class citizens were added to the electorate
Women who were 21 were given the right to vote in 1928