Chapter Five Flashcards
Why did those appealing for reform fail to make any headway?
Events in France upset most people and made them fear reform, the feelings of the majority outweighed the influence of radical societies, and those against reform were able to convince the publiv that radical activities were against the interests of the country. Pitt, who previously advocated reform passed repressive measures due to the huge support he received by Parliament.
What was the reaction of the opposition Whigs, led by Fox, to the Revolution?
Viewed the revolution as a victory for democracy and freedom. Saw it as the French version of the British revolution in 1688, which curbed the power of the monarch and held the Catholic Church to account. As time went on though, more became against the Revolution and moved their support to Pitt.
What were the beliefs of Edmund Burke?
1790, Reflections on the Revolution in France. Warned it would end in bloodshed. Some agreed with him, however they were in the minority and he was mocked for an extreme overreaction.
What were the beliefs of Tom Paine?
1791, The Rights of Man. Hailed the revolution as a victory for democracy and freedom. He inspired many to join Corresponding Societies in most large towns and cities.
What was the most influential Corresponding Society?
The London Corresponding Society, set up in 1792 by Thomas Hardy. They wanted political reform and lower taxes and exchanged ideas with other societies through meetings and pamphlets.
What happened July 1791?
Attack on a group called The Friends of France, celebrating the Fall of the Bastille anniversary. Possible that government agents were involved, suggesting the government moved towards repression before events of 1792 (September Massacres)
What happened in France 1793?
King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed, leading Pitt to declare War, fearing a threat to British interests, and many n Britain turned against the War.
What was the Edict of Fraternity?
November 1792. Promised assistance to any nations rising against their sovereign.
Seditious Writings Act. Aliens Act Habeas Corpus Suspended Treasonable Practices Act Seditious Meetings Act Combinations Act
1792- curb radical influence.
1793- prevented French agents coming to Britain
1794- enabled authorities to arrest and detain without trial
1795- offence to speak against King
1795- Seditious Meetings Act
1799- prevented workers combining.
Why was 1797 particularly bad?
Bad harvest, navy mutinied to which Pitt resorted to severe measures to control, and a financial crisis leading the government to suspend cash payments and introduce a paper currency.
What other repressive measures did Pitt take?
Agent Provocateurs went amongst the population to stir up trouble and flush out radicals, the press was censored and forbidden to report on riots and unrest and in 1792 magistrates powers were extended and reformers were arrested, prosecuted and given severe sentences.
Even after the Irish Parliament was granted legislative independence in 1782, what were the issues?
Parliament still dominated by English Protestants, Catholics were excluded and denied civil rights, same with small Irish Presbyterian groups.
What was the Society of United Irishmen?
Formed October 1791. Their aim was to establish a democracy in Ireland. Founded by Wolfe Tone, who was Presbyterian and proposed they work with the Catholics. His ultimate desire was separation from England.
What did Wolfe Tone plot 1797-1798?
French landings in Ireland to overthrow the government. The attacks failed but were the finals straw for Pitt to instigate the Act of Union.
What actions did Pitt take in 1793 and 1795 regarding Ireland?
In 1793 he passed the Catholic Relief Act, allowing them to vote but not become Mps. In 1795 he attempted to introduce full Catholic Emancipation which was met with opposition from George III and was dropped, stoking up old tensions between Catholics and Protestants.
