Issue 1 continued Higher

New Political Ideas/Changing Ideology and attitudes Liberalism = the right of individuals to express their opinions freely Democracy = the right of adults to choose the governments that ruled them Growing support for new ideologies becoming more widespread and accepted In the USA (civil war) and in Europe (French Revolution) struggles were taking place for liberty and a greater political say for ‘the people’ Britain tended to support these moves elsewhere so how could the British government continue to block these ideas in Britain? (A) Gladstone quote: Thus in 1866, Gladstone supported attempts to secure reform and in 1884 his government introduced the Representation of the People Act (Third Reform Act).

Socialism At its simplest, socialism = working class people produced the wealth of the country yet they lived in the worst conditions and were paid low wages Socialists wanted to change how country was run and take wealth away from rich and use it to make life better for the working classes In Britain, if large numbers of working people were denied the vote they might be attracted to revolutionary socialism Socialism was seen as a threat by both businessmen and landowners By allowing more working people the right to vote, it was though they might be less likely to support revolutionary socialist ideas (A)

New politics Whigs: supported moral reforms; they made Lord Grey Prime Minister 1830– 1834, and the Reform Act 1832 became their signature measure. It broadened the franchise and ended the system of "rotten boroughs" and "pocket boroughs" (where elections were controlled by powerful families) Transition to the Liberal Party arose from a coalition of Whigs put together more permanently under the former Tory Lord Palmerston in 1859 Tories: By the 18th century the Tories were politicians who favoured royal authority, the established church and who sought to preserve the traditional political structure and opposed parliamentary reform. After 1834 this political group in the House of Commons preferred to use the term Conservative. Broadened class representation, introduction of new politicians with progressive ideas about reform Lee argued that Lord Palmerston (Liberal PM) allowed younger politicians to hold a high significance

Cont. Formation of Labour Party crucial towards advance in democracy (A) The Labour Party's origins lie in the late 19th century, around time when recognised need for political party to represent the interests and needs of the urban workers, a demographic which had increased in number and had recently been given franchise Meant for first time, working classes had voice in Parliament leading to pressure for more representation and undoubtedly more democratic system (A) National party organisation – Lee “to capture the new electorate mass party organisation was essential”

Fear of violence Earlier in 19 th century there was a feeling that allowing some reform would reduce pressure for greater changes. Although fears of full-scale revolution faded, demonstrations in Glasgow and riots after a large meeting in Hyde Park, London 1866, worried the authorities Members of the Reform League marched to Hyde Park, they found the gates locked Some marchers tore down the railings and trampled the flower beds The middle class had nightmares of revolution. Some reform would calm those fears (A)

Growing respectability of urban artisans No longer fear re the working class revolution French Revolution of 1789 now over 70 years old (Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy–of monarchy, aristocracy, and religious authority– were abruptly overthrown by new Enlightenment principles of equality, citizenship and inalienable rights) By 1860s skilled working men in cities (called artisans) were more educated and respectable They attended night schools, took part in local politics and were concerned with improving their living standards. Felt that working men were respectable and skilled, they deserved the vote (A)

Cont. Education Acts in early 1870s in England and Scotland meant working class was becoming increasingly literate and educated In 1860s when civil war raged in USA some British textile workers even chose to accept wage cuts rather than work with cotton picked by slaves Politicians believed actions of textile workers showed the working classes as thinking people having ‘a moral conscience’ who deserved the right to vote (A)

K e.g essay Many historians believe that the increasing popularity of new political ideologies inspired the disenfranchised to push for political change. Also the changes in attitude of the ruling elite towards the lower classes helped encourage the British government to extend the franchise. Who had political power in the 1850s? What was the attitude of these men towards politics? Explain why MPs and landowners were opposed to the idea of political reform e.g refer to French Revolution What 2 new political ideologies were becoming popular? What rights should people have according to these ideologies? The influence of writers and thinkers crucially important to the spread of new ideas e.g John Stuart Mill wrote about the principles of democracy and liberty which helped persuade many educated people of the need for political reform Why was it difficult for British government to block democratic progress? Why did attitudes of ruling elites change towards artisans after 1860s? Refer to American Civil War, British textile workers’ strike Describe how the ruling classes now viewed the skilled working class as a result of these changes in attitudes

Argument Political reform no longer seen as a threat – struggles for liberty in Europe and USA – Britain usually supportive of this, therefore difficult to argue against democratic progress at home. American Civil War – Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. with "a new birth of freedom," that would bring true equality to all of its citizens, ensuring that democracy would remain a viable form of government. New political parties broadened representation of classes and brought new politicians who wanted to push further reform Labour Party allowed working classes, for first time, to have a voice in parliament hence leading to a more democratic political system Mass party organisation critical to advancement of democracy