1. Radical reformers, c1790–1819 Flashcards
What was the impact of the American revolution on Britain?
The American Revolution proved that political reform (universal suffrage, removal of the hereditary passage of titles, removal of property qualification for office) was obtainable.
It also led many to question the ‘injustice’ of paying taxes, yet not having a vote. The need for a monarch also came into question.
What was the initial impact of the French Revolution on Britain?
The French Revolution further cemented the idea that political reform was possible, and could be achieved through mounting popular support.
What was the reaction of MPs to the Fall of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)?
It was received enthusiastically by politicians such as Charles Fox.
How did views of the French Revolution change after 1793?
- The Reign of Terror (beginning 1793) allowed those opposed to reform to portray change as dangerous.
- The start of the French Revolutionary Wars in 1793 meant that Britain was now at war with France. This meant radical activity was seen as unpatriotic.
Who was Edmund Burke?
Burke was a conservative political theorist and MP of Wendover. He was sympathetic of the American colonies and not in support of the French revolution.
What were the views Edmund Burke expressed in ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’ (1790)?
- Revolutionary change was always accompanied by violence.
- Government sovereignty/authority derived from custom and tradition, not from consent.
- Liberty needs to be restrained.
- Britain’s government is ‘stable and wise’ - the perfect combination of monarchy, aristocracy and democracy.
Who was Thomas Paine?
Paine was a notable early radical. From 1774 he spent 13 years in America, during which he published ‘Common Sense’, a publication urging the colonies to seek independence. He was a founding father of the USA. By 1789 Paine had travelled to France to support the opposition against monarchic rule.
What were Thomas Paine’s main ideas?
- Strong belief in equality and liberty
- Society should be based on individual freedoms
- Land should be shared
What were the ideas expressed by Thomas Paine in ‘The Rights of Man’ (1791)?
- Tradition is not always positive.
- Government should protect all citizens equally.
- Aristocrats and those with inherited wealth should not rule the country.
- Rights should be introduced to improve the lives of ordinary citizens — universal male suffrage, free education, welfare payments.
What was the impact of ‘The Rights of Man’?
It was a bestseller and became the principle text inspiring radicals. Due to being sold cheaply, it meant that the lower classes could engage in political debate.
What was the London Corresponding Society (LCS)?
An organisation set up to campaign for political reform.
When was the London Corresponding Society (LCS) founded?
1792.
What did the London Corresponding Society (LCS) believe?
The LCS believed that the British people were not adequately represented — “oppressive taxes, unjust laws, restrictions of liberty, and wasting the public money”.
How successful were corresponding societies, the LCS included, in calling for reform?
- Total LCS membership hit 3000 in 1795
- Societies became a feature of unrepresented towns (Manchester, Leeds)
- In 1793, 6000 members of the public signed a a petition giving support to the LCS’ resolutions.
How did the aristocracy and government initially respond to the LCS and other corresponding societies?
The propertied classes, with government backing, formed loyalist associations. They distributed anti-radical propaganda in an attempt to create fear of radical change.
Why did the government’s fear of the LCS and other corresponding societies increase?
- Growth in support for radical societies.
- Perceived growth in unrest.
- Increased violence in France (e.g. execution of King Louis XVI in January 1793).
What did the government do to counter the threat posed by the LCS and other corresponding societies?
- The Royal Proclamation Against Seditious Writings and Publications (1792).
- Habeas Corpus Suspension Act (suspended from 1794-1795).
- The Treason Trials (1794).
- ‘The Two Acts’:
- The Treasonable Practices Act (1795).
- The Seditious Meetings Act (1795).
-The Combination Act (1799).
What did the Royal Proclamation Against Seditious Writings and Publications (1792) allow the government to do?
It authorised the government to use spies to infiltrate radical groups. It also granted them the power to open private letters.
What did the suspension of Habeas Corpus (1794-1795) allow?
It allowed the government to detain anyone without trial.
Summarise the Treason Trials (1794) and their impact.
41 radicals (13 from the LCS) were charged with high treason. Although, only 3 trials took place (Hardy’s, Tooke’s and Thelwalls) and all 3 were acquitted, it slowed the spread of radical ideals.
What did the Treasonable Practices Act (1795) - the first of the ‘Two Acts’ - do?
It made words, both spoken and written, treasonable.
What did the Seditious Meetings Act (1795) - the second of the ‘Two Acts’ - do?
It prohibited meetings of greater than 50 people without the presence of a magistrate.
This was the same in the Seditious Meetings Acts of 1817 and 1819.
What did the Combination Act (1799) do?
It prohibited trade unions and collective bargaining.
What effect did the legislation created by the government to counter the threat of the LCS, and other corresponding societies, have?
By the end of 1795 the radicals had been silenced. Although fewer than 200 people were convicted using the governments new powers, they were effective in intimidating radicals.
What were the main issues in 1815?
- Unemployment (due to the Napoleonic Wars ending and new machines in factories replacing skilled workers).
- Taxes introduced to pay for the war leading to increased poverty.
- The Corns Laws (1815-1843): placed tariffs on imported wheat to favour domestic producers. Kept food prices high.
What was Luddism?
A series of attacks on labour-saving machinery by skilled craftsmen in the North (Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire etc), who feared the loss of their livelihoods.
