Facts about the role that changing political attitudes played in influencing democratic change in Britain in the 1800s

2. Changing attitudesChanging attitudes
By the mid-1800s, political
attitudes were beginning to
change.
The previous opinions of
the political classes – that
poorer people could not be
trusted to vote – were
beginning to shift, for
different reasons.

3. LiberalismLiberalism
New political ideas began to
spread, including Socialism
(workers should control their
country) and Liberalism (the
idea that people should be free to
express opinions).
Political thinkers like John Stuart
Mill and Karl Marx published
important books supporting this.

4. ArtisansArtisans
The rise of artisans (skilled
workers) also played a role.
They had trades which
required great talent, and
many also attended night
schools to improve education.
Some artisans took a political
interest too.

5. Political involvementPolitical involvement
The growth of political and
workplace pressure groups
also had an impact.
The working classes began
to organise trade unions to
secure workplace rights, or
join with groups such as the
Chartists to get the right to
vote.

6. Changing politicalChanging political
attitudesattitudes
Changing attitudes had a major
impact in on democracy.
Politicians such as William
Gladstone believed that
artisans were deserving of the
right to vote, especially as to
deny them this might lead to
revolution.

7. Changing politicalChanging political
attitudesattitudes
The artisans’ interest in
politics persuaded many
politicians that they deserved
the vote.
Many working class people
supported the anti-slavery
campaign in the USA,
including not working with
slave cotton.

8. Changing politicalChanging political
attitudesattitudes
However even though attitudes
were changing, they had not
done so fully.
Only one-third of men got the
vote in 1867, and by 1884 this
was increased to two-thirds,
meaning large numbers were
still excluded.

9. Changing politicalChanging political
attitudesattitudes
Although artisans showed
respectability through skills and
roles in pressure groups, this
was often undermined.
Violence sometimes occurred
at protests marches, supporting
the view that the working class
could not be trusted to vote.

10. Changing politicalChanging political
attitudesattitudes
Although artisans showed
respectability through skills and
roles in pressure groups, this
was often undermined.
Violence sometimes occurred
at protests marches, supporting
the view that the working class
could not be trusted to vote.