An evaluation of the reasons why Britain became more democratic, 1851-1928

Progressive Reforms

The Second Reform Act (1867) doubled the male electorate and made the voting system more representative of the population, moving towards a more democratic framework.
The Third Reform Act (1884) gave voting rights to agricultural workers, increasing the electorate to about 60% of adult males, taking another step towards true democracy.
The Representation of the People Act (1918) allowed all men over 21 and some women over 30 to vote, marking a significant shift towards universal suffrage.
The Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act (1928) finally achieved equal suffrage, allowing all adult women the right to vote.

The influence of Liberal ideas stressing individual freedoms and rights fuelled the desire for a more democratic Britain.
The rise of the Labour Party in the early 20th century articulated the demands of the working class for political representation, pushing for greater democracy.

The Industrial Revolution created a new urban working class, who demanded representation and reforms.
Widespread poverty and inequality led to social unrest and political agitation, necessitating democratic reforms.
The economic growth and increased prosperity of the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to higher expectations from the middle and working classes for political participation.

The National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) campaigned peacefully for women’s suffrage, raising public awareness and applying pressure on politicians.
The Suffragettes’ militant tactics attracted significant publicity and highlighted the demands for female suffrage.

The significant role played by women in World War I proved their competency and helped to shift public opinion in favour of female suffrage.
The camaraderie established among classes during the war led to a common desire for equal representation.

The spread of democratic principles in other western nations (e.g. America and France) influenced politicians and public opinion in Britain.
The Russian Revolution cast the appeal of radical social change in stark relief, making the extension of the franchise appear as a safer alternative to revolution and disorder.