Parliament or democracy

andrew
Thu, 06 May 2010 21:25:51 +0000
Direct democracy, Elections, Miscellaneous, International, PDF, Pamphlet, Analysis, Kevin Doyle

From the 1850s onwards, against a background of great new wealth in society and a working class that was more independent and resourceful, the 'problem of democracy' became urgent for the rich and powerful. In general wealth was rising throughout society, but so was the greed of those who owned the new factories, mines and plantations. The key question was: what was to be done about the general demand for democracy, and about the incessant clamour for political rights which, during the revolutions of 1848, had almost got completely out of hand?