Changing Political Attitudes & Democracy

Introduction

By the mid-1800s, the prevailing political stances were in flux. Formerly entrenched beliefs held by the political elite, which contended that the poorer populace was unfit to vote, began to waver.

Shift in Perspectives

• Emergence of New Political Ideologies: Concepts like Socialism, which advocated for workers' control over their nation, and Liberalism, championing freedom of expression, gained traction. Intellectuals such as John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx penned influential works propounding these ideas.

Rise of the Artisans

• Skill and Education: Artisans, or skilled workers, emerged as a force to reckon with. Their professions demanded expertise, and many pursued education at night schools. This group also demonstrated increased political awareness and engagement.

Growing Political Participation

• Workplace and Political Pressure Groups: The inception of workplace pressure groups and political groups significantly influenced the democratic trajectory. The working class initiated trade unions to advocate for their rights. Simultaneously, many aligned with movements like the Chartists, pushing for voting rights.

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Changing Political Attitudes

Evolving Attitudes in Politics

• Recognition of the Artisans: Prominent politicians, such as William Gladstone, recognized the artisans' merit and believed they deserved voting rights. Denying them could potentially ignite revolutionary sentiments.

• Artisans and Politics: The artisans' active participation in politics swayed many politicians towards believing in their deservingness of voting rights. Many working-class individuals supported crucial movements like the anti-slavery campaign in the USA, including boycotts against slave-produced cotton.

Limitations in Changing Attitudes

• Partial Enfranchisement: Despite changing views, enfranchisement was incomplete. By 1867, only one-third of men had voting rights, which increased to two-thirds by 1884. A significant portion remained disenfranchised.

• Questioning the Working Class: While artisans showcased their respectability through their skills and involvement in pressure groups, their image was occasionally tainted. Instances of violence during protest marches buttressed the notion that the working class might not be responsible enough to vote.

Conclusion

The evolution of political attitudes in the 19th century greatly influenced the trajectory of democracy in Britain. Although strides were made in recognizing the political rights of different classes, the journey was punctuated with hesitations and setbacks, revealing the complexities of societal transformation.