Question

Discuss the growth of democracy in its 3 phases:

a) American Revolution till 1965.

b) End of 2nd World War.

c) 1989 to the early 21st century.

Answer 1

Spread of Democracy from the American Revolution till 1919

• Virginia declaration of Rights1776
• United States Bill of Rights 1788
• Polish Constitution formed in 1791.
• France adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens in 1789
• This phase also saw the abolition of Slavery in several European Countries
• Universal Adult suffrage adopted by several countries
• 1853: Black Africans given the vote for the first time in Southern Africa
• 1870-U.S.A. passes law to eliminate all discriminations on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of slavery.
• the end of the First World War also witnessed the birth of Democracy in Finland.

Post World War II

• World War II established democracies in Western Europe, where representative governments were established that reflected the general will of their citizens.

Most Important Period in the Expansion of Democracy

• 1975-2000 is the most important period in the expansion of democracy.
• It experienced various events like the transition to democracy, challenges facing democracy, military coups that destroyed democracies in various countries and re-establishment of democracy through popular revolts and movements
• Many countries of Latin America and erstwhile Soviet Union attained democracy during this period.