Free speechFree speech

A key part of a democracy is that people can freely spread ideas.

In practise there were no laws against this, however there were certain obstacles to it happening.

1855, Newspaper Stamp 1855, Newspaper Stamp Duty abolishedDuty abolished

The abolition of tax on newspapers made them cheaper, thus allowing more people to buy and read them.

In 1856, 795 newspapers in the UK; by 1886 this had increased to 2093.

The Scotsman newspaper was founded in Edinburgh

in 1817

1855, Newspaper Stamp 1855, Newspaper Stamp Duty abolishedDuty abolished

Although more newspapers could be bought and read, not all of them were focused on political and social issues.

Like today, many newspapers had a gossip focus and so were of limited political value.

1872, Education Act1872, Education Act

Although more people could buy newspapers, literacy was still a huge problem in Britain.

After 1872 in Scotland (1870 in rest of UK) everyone received a primary-level education, allowing the spread of more written ideas.

1872, Education Act1872, Education Act

Although more people gained a basic education it was only to primary level. This meant that its effects were limited.

Also, many children continued to work whilst at school (half-timers), again limiting the effect of the education gained.

Growth of railwaysGrowth of railways

During the 1800s the growth of the rail network was crucial to the spread of democracy.

It not only allowed newspapers to be sold across the country but it also let political speakers travel to different places.