Facts about the reasons that Britain underwent democratic reform

2. Other countries’ influenceOther countries’ influence
Political revolutions took place
around the world.
These included Italian
Revolutions (1848), the Russian
Revolution (1917) and the
American Civil War (1865). The
American and French
Revolutions of the 1700s had
an influence too.

3. Other countries’Other countries’
influenceinfluence
Revolution in other countries
lead to fears it might happen in
Britain too. Many Britons were
inspired by those overseas.
Ruling class believed it was
better to give up some control
rather than lose it all. This led
to slow political change.

4. Women and the voteWomen and the vote
Countries which were
members of the British Empire
gave the vote to women,
increasing pressure in Britain.
• New Zealand, 1893
• Australia, 1902
• Canada (some areas), 1916

5. Other countries’ influenceOther countries’ influence
No evidence of any real demand
for revolution. The rise of the
democratic Labour Party
suggests little or no working class
demands for violent revolution.
In addition, many other countries
did not give women the vote until
after Britain e.g. France, USA.

6. Other countries’ influenceOther countries’ influence
No evidence of any real demand
for revolution. The rise of the
democratic Labour Party
suggests little or no working class
demands for violent revolution.
In addition, many other countries
did not give women the vote until
after Britain e.g. France, USA.