Concetti Chiave
- Edward VII modernized the British monarchy and revitalized the royal court, moving away from its previous gloomy state.
- The 1904 Entente Cordiale, signed under Edward's reign, strengthened Britain's diplomatic ties with France and allowed both nations to pursue their interests in different regions.
- The early 20th century saw social and political reforms, including the rise of New Liberalism and the passage of laws like the Children's Charter, marking the beginning of the welfare state.
- Significant social movements emerged, such as the Women's Social and Political Union, which advocated for women's suffrage, eventually leading to women gaining the right to vote in 1918.
- The media landscape changed with the advent of popular newspapers like the Daily Mail, while advancements in transport included the electrification and extension of the London Underground in 1905.
What was the rise of Edward VII?
1901- Edward VII replaced Queen Victoria.
He embodied the new culture as he modernized the monarchy and the royal court that had become gloomy.
1904- Entente Cordiale was signed. It established that Britain could pursue its interest in Egypt and France in Morocco--> Edward proved to be a skilled diplomat.
New alignment: Britain+ France+Russia vs Austria, Italy, Germany
He preserved the strict class distinctions.
Social and Political Reforms
1906- elections won by the Liberals-->divided into 2 groups: the traditional one and the New Liberalism (among them, Lloyd George and Winston Churchill)
1906-08- Children’s Charter: series of laws helping the children
Social problems: old people started going to the workhouses
Unemployment.
reforms were passed-->beginning of the welfare state, principle that the government had responsibility towards the poor.
Storm in the Parliament-->1911 Parliament Act established that the Lords couldn’t reject a bill about money. This system still operates.
Social Movements and Media
Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) founded by Mrs. Pankhurst and her daughter. They were called the “suffragettes” and they wanted to gain the right to vote for women. They gain the vote only in 1918.
Appearance of popular newspapers. 1896- the Daily Mail was launched, it was really cheap, the articles were simple and short.
Transport- in 1905 the London underground was electrified and extended which helped in particular the commuters.
Domande da interrogazione
- How did Edward VII contribute to modernizing the British monarchy?
Edward VII modernized the monarchy by embodying a new culture and revitalizing the royal court, which had become gloomy under Queen Victoria. He also demonstrated diplomatic skill by signing the Entente Cordiale in 1904, aligning Britain with France and Russia.
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