Britain (1851-1951)

Democracy grew in Britain due to the impact of the industrial revolution and the Great War. New political ideas and pressure groups came to the forefront as politicians sought to secure votes.

The right to vote was extended to men from different areas and classes, and then to women. Representation was made fairer and changes were made to electoral and parliamentary processes.

Changing social and political attitudes, suffrage campaigns and World War One all contributed to women winning greater political equality.

There was growing awareness of the problems of poverty in the early 20th century. Social, industrial, political and military factors all led the Liberals to introduce social reform.

Between 1906 and 1914, the Liberals introduced social reforms to assist the young, old, unemployed, sick and workers generally. They had a limited impact on improving people's lives.

The post-war Labour government introduced the Welfare State to address the 'Five Giants' of disease, squalor, want, ignorance and idleness. The measures introduced had varied levels of success.