1. 14.3-Reforms and Scandals in Europe

2. Review- Glorious Revolution
When James II tried to restore England to an Absolute Monarchy, nobles asked his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange to return to England
Before they could take the throne, William and Mary were forced to sign the English Bill of Rights, which granted rights to the people and legislative power to the Parliament

3. England’s Two Nations
Although England had been lucky to use reform instead of revolution to change its government, pressure for further reforms continued to build
The gap between the rich and the poor was increasing, and the poor did not have any way to push reforms through government
The House of Lords could veto the House of Commons, and only 5% of men could vote.

4. Industry Pushes Reform
The Industrial Revolution further emphasized the uneven nature of Parliament
Huge industrial cities that had never existed before had thousands of people but no representation in Parliament
To prevent major revolts, Parliament passed the Great Reform Act, which redistributed seats in the House of Commons and expanded male suffrage (though there was still a property requirement)

5. Chartist Movement
The Chartists stood for working class interests. They demanded:
Universal male suffrage
End of property requirements for voting
Annual elections and salary for parliament officials
Secret ballot voting
Though the Chartists themselves were unsuccessful in getting their reforms passed, most of their demands were eventually passed by Parliament

6. Abolition Movement
The changes in government also led to reforms throughout society including a push to abolish slavery.
The movement to outlaw slavery was led by William Wilberforce, a strong religious leader
In 1807 Britain officially became the first European power to outlaw slavery.

7. Labor Reforms
Gradually, Parliament began to pass laws to improve working conditions
Maximum hour laws
Minimum wage laws
Legalizing labor unions

8. The Victorian Age
Queen Victoria was a symbol of hope for the British people during a tumultuous time- her reign from is known as the Victorian Age
She represented duty, thrift, honesty, hard work, and respectability
Though she had little political power, she respected the reforms that were occurring
“the lower classes earn their bread and riches so deservedly that they cannot and ought not to be kept back”

9. Suffrage
By 1880, Britain had achieved universal male suffrage. But suffrage for women, like in most countries, took more work.
Women themselves were torn over the issue- some didn’t think women should vote, while those who supported the vote couldn’t decide on how to best achieve it
The women who supported and marched for suffrage were often imprisoned

10. Famous Suffragists Lady Constance Lytton Emmaline Pankhurst
Emily Davidson
-imprisoned for working with the suffragist movement to organize marches.
-attempted a hunger strike in prison to draw attention to the cause—her imprisoners force fed her using a tube.
-became convinced only aggressive tactics would bring victory.
-attacked property, smashed windows and burned buildings
-extremely passionate about earning the right to vote
-attended the King’s Derby, an annual horse race, ran onto the track and was trampled to death
-brought much attention to the cause

11. The Irish Question
In the 1100s the British began taking over Ireland. Absentee landlords controlled large swaths of land and charged high fees of the Irish farmers.
Rebellion against the British was common.
Nearly ¾ of Ireland’s crops were exported to England, including wheat and oats.
Meanwhile, the Irish lived on potatoes.

12. Blight- a disease impacting plants
The Great Hunger
1845- Irish potato crops were struck by a blight, ruining the harvest
Only potatoes were affected, but the British still demanded the wheat and oats, leaving the Irish to starve.
Over 4 years, one MILLION Irish died from famine. Millions more emigrate to Canada and the US.
Blight- a disease impacting plants

13. Review- Prussia vs. France
Otto Von Bismarck used his Blood and Iron campaigns to unite Germany under a Prussian king. In his war efforts, he also attacked France and humiliated the French army.
The French lost Alsace Lorraine and the German’s became a united, militarily strong nation.

14. Scapegoat- Someone who takes the blame, often unfairly
France’s Scapegoat
After being defeated by Bismarck’s Prussian/German forces France had many different governments, all riddled with corruption and scandal. The French were looking for a scapegoat to blame for their downfall.
The Alfred Dreyfus Affair was most disturbing.
Scapegoat- Someone who takes the blame, often unfairly

15. Anti-Semitism- Hatred and dislike of the Jews
Alfred Dreyfus
Alfred Dreyfus was accused of being a spy for Germany
The military claimed to have evidence but refused to show it due to security concerns
Dreyfus was convicted and sent to an island off South American in exile
Anti-Semitism was the real reason Dreyfus was convicted. He made a convenient scapegoat
Anti-Semitism- Hatred and dislike of the Jews

16. J’Accuse
Evidence suggested that the true traitor was another man— Ferdinand Esterhazy, a known drinker and gambler.
Writer Emile Zola wrote an article accusing the government of knowingly condemning an innocent man- Dreyfus.
In 1899 Esterhazy confessed and Dreyfus received a new trial. He was still found guilty but pardoned by the president.

17. Zionism
Zionism- a nationalist movement devoted to rebuilding a Jewish state in the Jews’ ancient homeland
The Dreyfus Affair and pogroms in Russia stirred Theodore Herzl, who called for Jews to set up their own nation-state.
Herzl spurred the Zionist movement, a movement for a Jewish homeland in the Middle East (Israel)
The Jewish state of Israel is finally achieved after 50 years.