Britain protest (depth) Flashcards
When was the London corresponding society around?
1792-1793
What were the Aims of the London Corresponding society?
Advocated for universal suffrage for men
What tactics did the London Correspond society utilize?
Pamphlets, meetings, correspondence with similar groups
What impact did he London Corresponding Society have upon reform in Britain?
Raised awareness of inequality but ultimately the leaders were prosecuted
When was the Spa fields meeting?
1816
What were the aims of the spa fields meetings?
to highlight the economic distress caused by the Napoleonic Wars and advocate for political reform.
What tactics were used in the Spa Fields Meeting?
Mass meeting, one faction turned to rioting and looting
What was the impact of the Spa fields meeting?
Demonstrated public discontent, gave gov justification to crack down on radical groups
When was the Pentridge rising?
1817
What were the aims of the Pentridge Rising
Overthrow the government and establish a revolutionary regime
What were the tactics used is the Pentridge Rising (1817)
Armed uprising, infiltrated by spies undermined the effort
Impact of the Pentridge Rising?
Failed rebellion, the leaders were executed or transported & it showed the vulnerability of radical groups
When was the Peterloo Massacre
1819
What were the aims of the Peterloo massacre
Advocated for parliamentary reform
relief of economic hardship
What were the tactics used in the Peterloo Massacre
Peaceful demonstration
What year was the Treason Act instated
1795
What did the Treason Act of 1795 do?
made it illegal to criticize the king or government
What did the Seditious Meetings Act of 1795 entail?
restricted meetings to prevent radical gatherings
What were the Gagging Acts of 1817
set of laws to suppress radical literature and meetings
What were the Six Acts of 1819?
Laws aimed at reducing radical influence, including restrictions on public meetings and press
Who was Tom Paine?
Author of ‘The Rights of Man’ advocated for republicanism and social equality
Who was John Cartwright?
A reformer who founded the Hampden Clubs with promoted parliamentary reform among the working class
What role did William Cobbett play in radical reform?
Published ‘the political register’ advocating for reform and exposed government corruption
Who was Henry Hunt and why was he significant?
radical orator known for advocating peaceful reform and his role in Peterloo
What were the aims of Chartism?
-universal male suffrage
-secret ballots
-equal electoral districts
-annual parliament
What was the National Convention of 1839
A chartist assembly to present their demands to parliament
What happened at the Newport Rising 1839
A failed armed insurrection by Welsh Chartists, leading to arrests and executions
What were the Chartist Petitions?
Documents presented to parliament in 1839, 1842 and 1848 demanding reform
What was the significance of the Kennington Common rally in 1848?
a large demonstration of Chartist demands that ended peacefully
Why did Chartism fail by 1850?
Government opposition
-economic improvement
-internal division
Who was William Lovett?
A moderate Chartist leader advocating for moral force and education
Who is Fergus Oconnor?
More militant chartist leader promoting direct action and the land plan
What caused fluctuation in chartist support?
Economic conditions, government repression and class divisions
How did different social groups react to Chartism?
-strong support in the working class
-middle class was unsupportive
What was the government response to Chartism?
-Suppression through arrests
-military presence
-refusal to consider petitions
Who was Major General Napier and what was his role?
A military leader who took a measured approach to handling Chartism.
How did the development of the rail network impact chartism?
-allowed for faster communication and mobilization
-enabled quicker gov response
What was the significance of the peoples charter of 1838?
outlined key demands of the Chartist movement
how did the 1839 Petition impact the movement
-rejected
-lead to increased radicalization
Why did the 1842 petition fail?
-rejected
-economic conditions lead to widespread strikes
What happened after the 1848 Petition was rejected?
movement decline
-leaders were arrested
-public support waned
What was Fergus O’Connor’s land plan?
a scheme to resettle workers on small plots of land
-ultimately failed
What role did trade unions play in Chartism
-some supported the issue
-many remained focused on workplace issue
How did the press influence Chartism?
Radical newspapers like The Northern Star spread chartist ideas
Why did the middle class not support chartism?
they feared radicalism and social upheaval
What were the long-term effects of Chartism?
Many demands eventually implemented in later 19th century
What were the Contagious Diseases Acts?
Laws passed in the 1860s to control venereal disease in the British armed forces by subjecting suspected prostitutes to medical examinations.
When were the Contagious Diseases Acts introduced?
The first Act was introduced in 1864, with further extensions in 1866 and 1869.
What was the main aim of the Contagious Diseases Acts?
To reduce venereal disease among soldiers and sailors by regulating and examining prostitutes.
How did the government justify the Contagious Diseases Acts?
The government claimed the Acts would protect the health of military personnel and reduce disease rates.
What led to the introduction of these Acts?
A government committee in 1862 investigated high rates of venereal disease in the armed forces, leading to the introduction of the Acts.
Which areas were affected by the Contagious Diseases Acts?
Military towns and ports such as Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham.
How were women identified for examination under the Acts?
Any woman suspected of being a prostitute could be forcibly examined by a doctor.
What happened to women found to have venereal disease?
They were detained in a lock hospital for up to nine months for treatment.
Were men subject to the same medical examinations?
No, the Acts only targeted women, reinforcing gender inequality.
Why were the Acts controversial?
They violated women’s rights, subjected them to humiliating examinations, and unfairly targeted working-class women.
How did the Acts affect prostitutes?
Many prostitutes were detained and subjected to degrading medical procedures, losing their livelihoods in the process.
How did the Acts affect ordinary working-class women?
Many innocent women were wrongly accused, leading to social stigma and loss of employment.
Did the Acts succeed in reducing venereal disease?
There is little evidence they were effective; instead, they increased public outrage and resistance.
What was the public reaction to the Acts?
Many people, especially middle-class women and reformers, strongly opposed the Acts and campaigned for their repeal.
How did the Acts reinforce gender inequality?
They held women responsible for the spread of venereal disease while ignoring the role of men.
What was the Ladies’ National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts?
A women-led organization that campaigned against the Acts, arguing they were unjust and immoral.
Who was Josephine Butler?
A leading social reformer and feminist who became the face of the repeal campaign.
What motivated Josephine Butler to campaign against the Acts?
She believed the Acts dehumanized women and violated their rights.
What role did Elizabeth Wolstenholme play in the repeal movement?
She was a key organizer, helping to establish the Ladies’ National Association and raise awareness.
What methods did campaigners use to oppose the Acts?
Public speeches, petitions, pamphlets, and debates in Parliament.
What opposition did the repeal movement face?
Many men in Parliament and the medical community supported the Acts, arguing they were necessary for public health.
How did Butler and other activists counter opposition?
They exposed the injustices of the Acts and highlighted cases of women who suffered under them.
What risks did repeal campaigners face?
Many were ridiculed, threatened, and accused of promoting immorality.
How did the media portray the repeal movement?
Some newspapers supported it, while others dismissed the campaigners as overly emotional or radical.
Did all women support the repeal of the Acts?
No, some women believed the Acts protected public health and opposed repeal efforts.
When was the Ladies’ National Association formed?
1869.
How did campaigners use petitions?
They collected thousands of signatures to pressure Parliament to repeal the Acts.
What role did public speeches play in the repeal movement?
They helped spread awareness and mobilize support against the Acts.
What happened in Parliament in 1883 regarding the Acts?
The government suspended the Acts due to increasing pressure from campaigners.
When were the Contagious Diseases Acts finally repealed?
1886.
Why was the repeal of the Acts significant?
It was a major victory for women’s rights and showed that organized activism could influence legislation.
How did the repeal impact future feminist movements?
It encouraged more women to fight for legal and social equality.
Did venereal disease rates increase after repeal?
There was no significant evidence that repeal worsened public health.
What was the long-term impact of the repeal movement?
It helped shift attitudes towards gender and public health policies.
How did Josephine Butler’s work influence later social reforms?
She continued campaigning for women’s rights, including efforts against human trafficking.
How did the repeal campaign influence attitudes toward prostitution?
It helped frame prostitution as a social issue rather than just a criminal one.
What was the role of male supporters in the repeal campaign?
Some male MPs and activists supported repeal, arguing the Acts were unjust.
How did the repeal movement affect future public health laws?
It encouraged a shift towards voluntary medical treatment instead of forced examinations.
What alternative methods were suggested to control venereal disease?
Education, improved healthcare, and voluntary treatment for both men and women.
How did the repeal movement impact the suffrage movement?
It demonstrated that women could successfully campaign for legal change, inspiring suffragists.
How did the repeal movement compare to the abolitionist movement?
Both focused on human rights and used similar activism tactics.
How did the campaign relate to the broader feminist movement?
It was an early example of feminist activism challenging male-dominated laws.
Were similar laws enforced in other countries?
Yes, some European countries had similar regulations targeting prostitutes.
How did the campaign against the Acts compare to later women’s rights campaigns?
It laid the foundation for later movements like suffrage and labor rights.
Did the Acts influence later public morality laws?
Yes, debates over morality and public health continued into the 20th century.
What lessons can be learned from the repeal campaign?
Grassroots activism can successfully challenge unjust laws.
How is Josephine Butler remembered today?
As a pioneer of women’s rights and social justice.
How did the repeal campaign affect legal attitudes towards women?
It helped challenge the notion that women were solely responsible for sexual morality.
What was the most significant factor in the repeal of the Acts?
Persistent activism and growing public awareness of the injustices.
Why is it important to study the Contagious Diseases Acts today?
It highlights the intersection of gender, law, and public health in history.
