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HSY2601 ASSIGNMENT 04 SEMESTER 01 (764657)
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HSY2601: Themes in 19th Century History: Power and the Western WorldFull names:
Student number:
Unique Number: 764657
Assessment 4: Research Essay
Due date: 10 May 2023
Length: 800 - 1500 words.
Structure: Essay
NB: CHOOSE BETWEEN OPTION 1 OR OPTION 2
, OPTION 1
Introduction
The question of which country had a more democratic society in the late 19th
century, Britain or Germany, is one that has been widely debated. The statement
that imperial Germany was more democratic than Britain, with its qualified franchise,
is a provocative one. In this essay, I will examine the arguments for and against this
statement, drawing on the works of historians such as Alan Arblaster, Matthew
Bentley, and David Blackbourn (Arblaster, 1984; Bentley, 1999; Blackbourn, 1997). I
will argue that while Germany did have universal manhood suffrage, its political
system was far from being a liberal democracy, and that Britain, despite its limited
franchise, was a more democratic society.
Understanding Democracy in Britain and Germany Before examining the question of
which country was more democratic, it is important to understand what is meant by
democracy. Democracy can be defined as a political system in which power is
exercised by the people, either directly or through representatives. In a liberal
democracy, there are constitutional protections for individual rights, freedom of
speech, and an independent judiciary. Autocracies, on the other hand, are
characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a single person or group,
and the absence of protections for individual rights.
The British political system in the late 19th century was characterized by a
constitutional monarchy, a two-party system, and a limited franchise. The Reform Act
of 1867 had extended the vote to urban working-class males, but many people,
including women and rural workers, were still disenfranchised.1 Despite this, Britain
had a strong tradition of civil liberties, an independent judiciary, and a free press,
which made it a relatively open and liberal society.2
Germany, on the other hand, was a federal monarchy ruled by an emperor, with a
bicameral parliament consisting of the Reichstag (lower house) and the Bundesrat
(upper house). Universal manhood suffrage had been introduced in 1871, giving all
1 The Reform Act of 1867.
2 G. Williams & J. Ramsden, Ruling Britannia: A Political History of Britain.
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