Britain's changing situation by 1815

Question 1

What were the chief of complaints to have emerged by 1815?

Answer 1

• New machines in factories replaced skilled workers
• Taxes introduced to pay for costs of war which increased poverty levels
• The corn laws kept the price of wheat high

Question 2

What was Luddism?

Answer 2

It was from 1810-11, a series of attackers in the industrial areas of Notts and Yorks where recently installed machines were destroyed by skilled craftsmen

Question 3

How did the authorities respond?

Answer 3

Thousands of troops stationed in the North to counter the Luddites. Breaking machines were a capital offence so several executions took place

Question 4

What problems did GB face after defeat of Napoleon in 1815?

Answer 4

• Wars started in 1793
• National debt vastly increased
• Unemployment was increasing as 300,000 returned home

Question 5

How did government attempt to reduce national debt?

Answer 5

National debt grew to £861 million, they introduced indirect taxation on everyday items e.g. sugar/tea