Britain avoided political revolutions that occurred in other countries in the late 18th century. However, there was growing political and social unrest in Britain in the early 20th century, including violent protests over issues like voting rights and workers' strikes demanding better conditions. Facing unrest and the threat of revolution, Britain's ruling classes began sharing some power and wealth through political reforms to avoid a forced transfer of power to the working classes. Germany had also introduced social reforms under Bismarck to improve workers' lives and maintain a strong workforce, increasing pressure on Britain to follow suit.

2. Revolution in Britain
Unlike many other countries,
Britain has never had a genuine
political revolution. However since
the 1790s, many countries close to
Britain (politically and
geographically) had done so.
Many people believe this was a
reason for political reform. Social
reforms could help stop revolution
too.

3. Protests in Britain
In 1905 there was a failed
revolution in Russia. Meanwhile in
Britain there was growing political
unrest – including violence – over
issues such as the right to vote.
There was also social unrest
through strikes involving workers
and trade unions that wanted
better rights. Some unions were
formed by Russian immigrants.

4. Sharing (some) power
and wealth
Revolutions had also occurred in
the USA, France, Italy and other
countries since the 1790s. Britain
had avoided these events.
The argument was simple.
Britain’s ruling classes realised
that if they did not give away some
power and wealth, the working
class could take it all by force.

5. Lack of support
Although some people feared
revolution, there was no real
national revolution movement.
Rise of democratic Labour Party
showed working class did not
support violent changes.
Many of the protests, strikes and
riots from that time were located in
specific areas, rather than being
part of a wider national revolt.

6. German social policies
Germany was increasingly
Britain’s main rival in the world.
This was both in an economic and
military sense.
Germany – under Chancellor
Bismarck’s leadership – had
introduced various social reforms
including Old Age Pensions and
Sickness Benefits too.

7. German social policies
Many of the reforms aimed to improve
the lives of working class people:
• School medical checks
• Free school meals
• Unemployment and sickness
insurance
If successful, these policies would
help ensure Britain had a fit workforce.