Conditions that Encouraged the Demand for Democratic Reform
- Many people demanded democratic reform because they wanted a greater voice in how their country was governed instead of being ruled by kings or dictators.
- The growth of the middle class and industrial workers increased pressure for fair representation in government.
- The spread of liberal ideas, which supported freedom, equality, and rights, encouraged people to challenge authoritarian rule.
- Rising levels of education and literacy made people more politically aware and willing to demand change.
- Long-term economic inequality created anger toward elites and increased support for democratic movements.
Definition
Liberalism
Belief in freedom, rights, and limited government
Definition
Middle class
Social group between the rich and the working class
Case study
Creation and Nature of the South African Constitution
- South Africa adopted a new written constitution in 1996 after the end of apartheid, marking the transition to full democracy.
- The constitution was created through long negotiations between former apartheid leaders and anti-apartheid groups such as the African National Congress (ANC).
- South Africa’s constitution established the country as a unitary state, meaning that most political power is held by the central government.
- Although provinces exist, their powers are limited compared to those in federal systems such as the United States.
- The constitution declared South Africa to be a non-racial, democratic state, rejecting the racial division of the apartheid era.
How the Constitution Protects Democracy in South Africa
- The South African Constitution includes a Bill of Rights that protects freedoms such as speech, religion, movement, and equality before the law.
- The constitution guarantees universal suffrage, and in 1994, Black South Africans voted in free elections for the first time.
- The Constitutional Court has the power of judicial review, allowing it to strike down laws that violate democratic principles.
- The constitution strengthens the separation of powers by clearly defining the roles of parliament, the president, and the courts.
- These constitutional protections helped South Africa move from an authoritarian racial state into a functioning constitutional democracy.
Aftermath of War and/or Political Upheaval
- War often destroyed old political systems, creating opportunities for new democratic governments to emerge.
- Military defeat weakened traditional rulers, such as emperors and kings, and reduced their authority.
- Revolutions and uprisings created political upheaval, forcing rapid changes in leadership.
- After war, people often demanded political accountability, blaming old rulers for defeat and suffering.
- New governments used democracy to gain legitimacy, meaning public acceptance of their right to rule.
Case study
Germany after World War I
War Defeat and Political Upheaval
- By 1918, Germany was facing military defeat, food shortages, and mass civilian suffering due to the First World War.
- The failure of the war destroyed confidence in the Kaiser’s autocratic government and the military leadership.
- In November 1918, a naval mutiny at Kiel triggered a nationwide revolution.
- Workers’ and soldiers’ councils took control of many cities, showing a total collapse of imperial authority.
- Under this pressure, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, ending the monarchy.
Establishment of Democracy after Upheaval
- After the Kaiser fled, Germany was declared a republic on 9 November 1918.
- The Social Democratic Party (SPD) took leadership and aimed to prevent a communist takeover.
- Elections were held in January 1919 to create a National Assembly to write a democratic constitution.
- The Weimar Constitution introduced universal suffrage, civil liberties, and an elected parliament.
- Germany’s first true parliamentary democracy was created directly as a result of war defeat and revolution.
Social and Economic Factors
- Economic hardship, such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty, increased dissatisfaction with non-democratic governments.
- Industrialization created large urban populations that demanded workers’ rights and political representation.
- The expansion of trade unions strengthened organized demands for political reform.
- Social mobility, where people could move between social classes, increased expectations for political equality.
- Governments often introduced democratic reforms to prevent social unrest and revolution.
External influences
- The success of democratic states such as Britain, France, and the USA inspired other nations to copy democratic systems.
- Victorious powers after war often encouraged or forced democratic governments onto defeated states.
- International organizations promoted peace, cooperation, and democracy between nations.
- Economic aid from democratic countries sometimes required political reform in return.
- During the Cold War, the spread of democracy became part of the global struggle against communism.
The Role & Significance of Leaders
- Strong political leaders played a key role in guiding countries toward democracy during times of crisis.
- Some leaders introduced democratic reforms to prevent revolution and violence.
- Others used democracy to restore stability and national confidence after war.
- Democratic leaders helped create new constitutions and electoral systems.
- However, weak leadership often caused democracy to collapse or fail.
Case study
Nelson Mandela & Democracy
Mandela’s Leadership in Ending Apartheid
- Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after 27 years, becoming the key leader of the anti-apartheid movement.
- He worked with President F. W. de Klerk to begin peaceful negotiations to end apartheid, South Africa’s system of racial segregation.
- Mandela encouraged reconciliation instead of revenge, which helped prevent a civil war.
- He persuaded radical groups within the African National Congress (ANC) to support negotiation rather than violence.
- His leadership helped create trust between Black South Africans and the white minority government.
Mandela’s Significance in Building a Democratic State
- In 1994, South Africa held its first fully democratic election, with people of all races allowed to vote.
- Mandela became South Africa’s first Black democratic president, symbolizing the success of the democratic transition.
- His government introduced a democratic constitution that guaranteed equality and civil liberties.
- He supported the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to deal with past crimes without widespread punishment.
- Mandela’s leadership helped establish long-term political stability and democratic legitimacy in South Africa.
Development of Political Parties
- The growth of political parties allowed citizens to organize their views and compete for power through elections.
- Mass political parties increased political participation by representing workers, farmers, and the middle class.
- Rival parties forced governments to become more accountable to the people.
- Multi-party systems encouraged debate, compromise, and cooperation.
- However, too many parties could create instability and weak governments.
Constitutions & Electoral Systems
- Democratic states required a constitution to define rights, government powers, and limits on authority.
- Constitutions protected civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and voting rights.
- Electoral systems allowed citizens to choose their leaders through elections.
- Proportional Representation encouraged fairness but often created coalition governments.
- First-Past-the-Post produced strong governments but weaker representation for smaller parties.
Common Mistake
- Students describe events but fail to explain why democracy emerged.
- Students ignore the economic and social factors and focus only on political change.
- Students forget to use specific historical examples to support their arguments.
Exam technique
- Always group your answer into political, economic, social, and leadership factors.
- Use evaluation language such as “to a large extent,” “however,” and “this suggests.”
- Support every argument with a real historical example.
Self review
- To what extent did war encourage the emergence of democratic states?
- Evaluate the role of leaders in the creation of democratic states.
- Assess the importance of social and economic factors in the emergence of democracy.
