Power and the People: c1170 to the Present Day

Overview:
The study of Power and the People explores how power has been distributed, contested, and wielded in Britain from the medieval period to modern-day. It focuses on the relationships between rulers, the state, and ordinary people, and the struggles for political, social, and economic rights. Key events such as the Magna Carta, the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the fight for voting rights all form important milestones in this process.

This page will provide essential resources to help you understand how power structures have evolved, and the key people and movements that have shaped Britain’s political and social landscape.

1. Medieval Struggles for Power (c1170–1500)

Key Themes:

• The Role of the Monarchs: How kings and queens asserted their power and dealt with challenges from the nobility, church, and people.

• The Magna Carta (1215): The document that limited the power of the king and laid the foundations for constitutional law in Britain.

• Feudalism and the Barons: The hierarchical structure of medieval Britain, where power was held by the monarch but shared with the barons and the Church.

Key Figures:

• King John (1166–1216): His disputes with the barons led to the signing of the Magna Carta.

• Simon de Montfort: Leader of the barons during the mid-13th century, involved in the First Barons' War.

Key Events:

• The Signing of the Magna Carta (1215): Forced upon King John, this is seen as the beginning of the shift towards a more constitutional monarchy.

• The Peasants’ Revolt (1381): A rebellion led by ordinary people against the oppressive policies of King Richard II and the ruling elite.

2. The Tudor Period and the Struggle for Power (1500–1600)

Key Themes:

• The Power of the Monarch: The Tudor monarchs, especially Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, exercised absolute control, but faced challenges from Parliament, religious groups, and foreign powers.

• Religious Reformation: The break from the Catholic Church under Henry VIII, which altered the balance of power between the monarchy, the church, and the people.

• The Rise of Parliament: The gradual increase in the role of Parliament as a counterbalance to the monarchy.

Key Figures:

• Henry VIII: His split from Rome and establishment of the Church of England marked a pivotal moment in the power dynamics of the period.

• Elizabeth I: Her reign saw the consolidation of royal power, but also the beginnings of greater parliamentary influence.

• The Puritans: A religious group that challenged the monarchy’s religious reforms, leading to conflict in the next century.

Key Events:

• The English Reformation (1534): Henry VIII's creation of the Church of England.

• The Spanish Armada (1588): The victory over Spain helped solidify Elizabeth I’s power.

• The Rise of Parliament: The development of Parliament as a political institution during Elizabeth's reign, setting the stage for future conflicts.

3. The English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution (1600–1700)

Key Themes:

• Monarchy vs. Parliament: Tensions between the monarchy’s belief in divine right and Parliament’s growing desire for more political power.

• Civil War and Revolution: The English Civil War (1642–1651) and the eventual execution of King Charles I. The rise of Oliver Cromwell and the establishment of the Commonwealth.

• The Glorious Revolution (1688): The peaceful overthrow of James II and the ascension of William and Mary, which further limited the powers of the monarchy.

Key Figures:

• Charles I: His refusal to work with Parliament led to the Civil War and his eventual execution.

• Oliver Cromwell: Led the parliamentary forces during the Civil War and became Lord Protector during the Commonwealth period.

• James II: His attempts to restore Catholicism and his authoritarian rule led to his overthrow in the Glorious Revolution.

Key Events:

• The English Civil War (1642–1651): A conflict between supporters of the monarchy (Royalists) and those of Parliament (Roundheads).

• The Execution of Charles I (1649): Marked the end of the monarchy for a period, as England became a republic under Cromwell.

• The Glorious Revolution (1688): The peaceful overthrow of James II, which established constitutional monarchy and limited royal power.

4. The Rise of Political Movements and Social Reform (1700–1900)

Key Themes:

• The Industrial Revolution: The massive social and economic changes brought about by industrialization, which created new challenges for political power and the rights of workers.

• The Development of Political Parties: The emergence of political parties, including the Whigs and Tories, which later evolved into the Liberal and Conservative parties.

• Social Reform Movements: The fight for workers’ rights, education, and the abolition of slavery.

Key Figures:

• William Wilberforce: A leading figure in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

• Chartists: A political movement that campaigned for universal male suffrage and other democratic reforms in the 1830s and 40s.

• Gladstone and Disraeli: Two prime ministers whose rivalry helped shape 19th-century politics in Britain.

Key Events:

• The Industrial Revolution: A period of rapid technological change that shifted economic power and brought significant social challenges.

• The Great Reform Act (1832): Expanded voting rights and reformed the electoral system, giving more power to the people.

• The Chartist Movement (1838–1857): A working-class movement that demanded political reforms, including universal suffrage.

5. The Expansion of Voting Rights and Social Change (1900–Present)

Key Themes:

• The Struggle for Women’s Suffrage: The fight for women’s right to vote, culminating in the Representation of the People Act (1918).

• The Welfare State: The development of policies to provide social security, education, and healthcare to citizens, starting with the Beveridge Report (1942) and the creation of the NHS (1948).

• The Decline of Empire and the Rise of Global Power: The post-WWII decolonization and the shift in Britain’s role on the global stage.

Key Figures:

• Emmeline Pankhurst: A leader of the suffragette movement, campaigning for women’s right to vote.

• Clement Attlee: The Prime Minister who oversaw the creation of the NHS and the expansion of the welfare state.

• Winston Churchill: A key figure in Britain’s response to WWII, and a symbol of British power and resilience.

Key Events:

• World War I and II: These wars reshaped the political and social landscape of Britain, with the aftermath leading to reforms in government and society.

• The Women’s Suffrage Movement (1918): Women over 30 gained the right to vote in 1918, with equal voting rights achieved in 1928.

• The Creation of the Welfare State (1940s): Social reforms after WWII led to the establishment of the NHS and a comprehensive welfare system.

6. Key Movements and Events in Modern Politics

• The Civil Rights Movement: The fight for civil rights, especially for Black people in the UK, and the extension of rights to various marginalized groups.

• The Devolution of Power: The granting of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, leading to the establishment of their parliaments and the decentralization of power.

• Brexit: The political movement leading to Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, affecting power dynamics within Europe and the UK.

7. Revision Resources

• Revision Notes: Key points on each period, summarizing events, figures, and themes for quick revision.

• Timelines: Interactive timeline covering key moments in the history of political power in Britain.

• Key Figures: Brief profiles of significant figures such as Simon de Montfort, Clement Attlee, Winston Churchill, and others.

• Practice Questions: Example exam questions with tips on answering them.

8. Exam Tips

• Essays: How to approach essay questions like:

  • “To what extent did the Magna Carta limit the power of the monarchy?”

  • “How did the Industrial Revolution affect the power of the working class?”

• Source Analysis: Techniques for analyzing historical sources on events like the Glorious Revolution, Women’s Suffrage, and The Chartist Movement.

• Exam Strategy: Time management and tips for answering multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions effectively.