Democracy and Reform

Ch. 8 sec. 2/Ch. 10 Sec. 1

Spread of Democracy

In the 19th century, democratic reforms swept through EnglandGov’t positions based on abilityAdjusted voting districtsSocial Reforms for workersSuffragettes fight for women’s

suffrage

French Political Instability

Congress of Vienna reinstated Louis XVIII (1815)

Charles X overthrown in 1830 after trying to restore absolutism

Revolution of 1848 saw the abdication of Louis Philippe and rise of Louis Napoleon

Periods of WarCrimean War pitted Russia against

Great Britain and France over territory in Ottoman Empire (1854)

In 1870 France declared war on Prussia, but was defeated in 6 weeks

Prussia severely punished the French and embarrassed them

Confusion again in France

Workers revolted and formed Commune of Paris (1871)

20,000 workers were killed by National Assembly armed forces

Third Republic was established Survived failed coup d’etat and Panama

Canal disaster

Dreyfus Affair

Alfred Dreyfus, a Jew, was set up as a traitor

This trial deeply divided France between anti-Semitic groups and those who supported Dreyfus

Proved the 3rd Republic could survive