Universal Suffrage 19th Century

In recent years, discussions about the creation of a “modern” Britain have emerged over which century proved most significant in its development. While the 18th and 20th centuries do offer some important developments into this creation, the 19th century offers the most in creating a “modern” Britain. The industrial, agricultural, political, technological, social, economic, cultural, religious, military, judicial, educational, and imperial changes made to Britain during this period prove that the nineteenth century is the most significant in creating a “modern” Britain. During the 19th century, agricultural and industrial changes are made to England. The events of the Industrial and Agricultural Revolutions brought about a significant overhaul
“True universal suffrage took so long to attain in Britain because gendered notions of citizenship as head of household hindered the extension of the franchise both to working men and to women in general. But these masculine notions of citizenship changed significantly over this period” (Clark 253). During this period, the beginnings towards women achieving universal suffrage begins to take place. The introduction of alcohol in department stores changed perceptions of women. “Public drinking signified a form of amusement not enjoyed by a ‘respectable’ woman, for it would mark her as a prostitute looking for clients. This assumption was underscored by a disquieting geographical correlation between the West End clothing and sexual markets” (Rappaport 68). The treatment of women viewed them as an almost “fragile” being that couldn’t handle the normal things in life without being treated as evil. During this time, the reform efforts of Gladstone (1868-1874) bring great change to England. His government passes reforms to better the conditions of the military, judiciary, society, education, and
Such reforms would progress Britain vastly, making the 19th century a key century towards a “modernized” Britain.
During this century, Britain improves significantly due to economic and social change. Britain experiences exuberant economic growth from 1843 to 1873. Despite widespread revolts throughout Europe in the nineteenth century, Britain remains socially stable and avoids revolution due to increase in propensity and war. Through the outbreak of war, Britain takes another leap towards a “modern” Britain. The Crimean War (1854-1856) introduces trench warfare, diseases, and massive casualties. This marks the first war covered by media, features women nurses, and includes (staged) photography. As a result of the war, Britain bears witness to social and technological