Modern parliamentary government emerged in Britain between the late 18th and early 20th centuries. Yet democracy developed by a different process from that observed elsewhere, being evolutionary rather than revolutionary. What was so distinctive about the British experience and what were the key factors that produced political reform? This text provides a detailed account of the roles played by political philosophies, women, the labour movement, mass education, as well as traditional political parties and important individuals. It also raises the controversial issue of whether Britain can indeed claim to be a truly democratic country.