FRQ 4 Zones/Democracy I. Intro Throughout the late 19th century, democratic mass politics dictated European reform.

m. In Western Europe, the powerful Britain and France enacted successful democratic reforms. Despite democratic political attempts in Central Europes Germany and Austria-Hungary, powerful monarchies remained strong. While Eastern Europe, prominently Russia made no attempt to execute democratic reforms. Regardless of their differing reactions towards political democracy, each European zone saw no disruption in the power of the countries. Body 1 Western Europe In the late 19th century both Britain and France sought out successful politically democratic reforms. Great Britain in 1871 had a functioning two-party parliamentary system and political democracy. The right to vote was further extended with the Reform Act of 1867 which allowed all men who paid regular taxes to vote. This added 2 million male voters to the electorate therefore making the politics of Britain more democratic. With the Redistribution Act of 1884, Britain created equally populated constituencies, each own having its own representative. This gave every constituency its own say in politics, making Britain more politically democratic. This democratization was also seen in France after the downfall of Louis Napoleon. After vicious fighting between the French National Assembly and the republican Paris Commune in 1871, a compromise was made in 1875 to establish a republican government. The Constitution established a bicameral legislature with a Senate and Chamber of Deputies. With this Constitution the Third Republic of France was created which lasted 65 years. The Third Republic brought democracy to France as those whose didnt have a say in the government now were a part of it. While Western Europe accepted democratic reform, other European zones werent as successful. Body 2 Central Europe Germany and Austria Hungary pursued a different, less successful approach to democratic reforms. The new German constitution provided for a federal system with a bicameral legislature, including the Bundesrat, the upper house that represented the 25 states, and the Reichstag which was elected on the basis of universal male sufferage. The Reichstag was a semi-successful attempt to enforce democracy in Germany. Although it was elected by the male suffrage who were able to have a say in government, the Reichstag did not have ministerial responsibility. Political democracy in Germany failed to develop due to the liberal policies of Otto von Bismarck, the chancellor of the new German state, who tried to prevent the growth of democratic institutions.

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Regardless of Bismarcks restraints the Reichstag between 1883 and 1889 passed democratic laws that established sickness, accident, and disability benefits to help all people. After the creation of the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary in 1867, the Austrian part received a constitution that established a parliamentary system with the principle of ministerial responsibility. Though this was a step in the right direction the Emperor Francis Joseph ignored the ministerial responsibility and appointed his own ministers. Problems with minorities in Austria who felt like they didnt have a say, led to difficulties while trying to enforce democracy. Though universal male suffrage was granted in 1907, it only made problems with nationalities worse furthering the restraint on democracy. CONCLUSION Body 3 Eastern Europe In Russia, the government made no concession to democratic reforms. After the assassination of his father, Alexander III was convinced that his fathers reforms had been a mistake. Rather than instituting a democracy he carried on the Russian autocracy. Takes away zemstvos making Russia even less democratic Conclusion