Britain and the path to democracy, 1785-1928

The long and circuitous process whereby Britain’s Parliament modernised itself makes for a rich and eventful story, encompassing the evolution of party politics and the emergence of social movements; the rise of class and gender as important political issues; the revision of liberalism and conservatism, the rise of socialism, and the development of a debate concerning the nature of modern democracy; and the changing relationship between the Monarchy, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It is a story that not only illuminates the past, but also (as the recent constitutional debates concerning the ‘Brexit’ referendum result underlined) informs the present.

This course will examine the events and arguments at the centre of this process, and explain the ways in which its political legacy can still be felt. The classes will cover the period in a series of chronological studies, including the early debates for change that accompanied William Pitt’s unsuccessful Parliamentary Reform Bill in 1875; the Great Reform Act of 1832 and the Chartist response; the practical and ideological consequences of the 1867 Reform Act; the impact of the women’s suffrage movement; and the further Parliamentary and electoral changes of the early 20th century.

What our students say

"It opened my eyes to a fascinating new subject for me which may lead to further studies in the future."