(no subject)

[tinyjo]

Alex and I were discussing something only tangentially related recently when I realised that the UK is the only country I can think of which has kind of evolved a democracy in a fairly undramatic and very gradual fashion. All the other countries about who's governmental history I know have either started as more or less democracies (e.g. America), had revolutions (e.g. France) or been pushed into it by other powers (e.g. India). I'm sure there must be others though - some of the Nordic states perhaps? Enlighten me, friends list.

Comments

[dyddgu.livejournal.com]

We also had what was essentially an anti-Catholic revolution in 1688, which was neither as glorious or as bloodless as people make out. It was all very precarious for a good hundred years after that.

The position of the British "constitution" has always been contested, if I recall. It tends to suit people to appeal to something which has "always been there" even if it hasn't, and there's been a lot more fighting and stuff involved than it's suited people to admit to, because they want to be able to appeal to an ancient constitution, guardian of liberty, &c.

I really ought to be able to write better about that, oughtn't I? :$

[tinyjo.livejournal.com]

I'm never sure if it's a misonmer to call that a revolution becuase it's more a coup really. We changed one branch of the ruling family for another but the method of government was largely un-affected.

[dyddgu.livejournal.com]

It probably is - I don't deny that at all. Just saying it wasn't as bloodless as people have historically made out, is all :-)