Chartism Flashcards
What did Lovett found in 1836
the LWMA - London’s Working Mens Association
What emerged from the LWMA
the Chartist movement
Who was William Lovett
- founder of the LWMA
- one of the writers of the 6 points of the Charter
- leading member of the national convention
what were the strengths of William Lovett
- thought it was essential to educate the working classes, to convince people of the working classes’ eligibility to vote
- strongly associated with ‘moral force’
what were the weaknesses of Lovett
- clashed with O’Connor’s rhetoric & strategy
- was criticised by O’Connor in the Northern Star
- explored other areas of interest outside of Chartism - diluting the focus
- cautious - not an effective speaker
who was O’Connor
- originally a lawyer, and went on to become an MP for Cork from 1832-35
- he established the Northern Star Newspaper
what were the strengths of O’Connor
- powerful speaker—-> adopted many of Hunts attributes
- helped to maintain Chartism as a national unified political force via the Northern Star —> innovative tactics
- in his capacity as an MP that he presented the 3rd petition, so was involved in high politics of Chartism
what were the weaknesses of O’Connor
- represents the ‘physical force’ of Chartism; which could result in a crowd so large that violence could emerge
- he constructed the heavily criticised ‘land plan’
- had an attention-seeking personality
- had unrealistic, irresponsible expectations for Chartism
List the other leading individuals in the chartist movement
- Thomas Cooper (produced a string of radical journals)
- Henry Hetherington (London chartist)
- Ernest Jones (one of the youngest national chartist leaders)
- George Julian Harney
- James Bronterre O’Brien (against taxes on newspapers)
- Frost (welsh chartist)
When was the 1st Chartist petition
1839
When was the 2nd Chartist petition
1842
how many signatures did the 1st chartist petition receive
1.25 million
When was the 3rd Chartist petition
1848
how many signatures did the 2nd chartist petition receive
3.3 million
how many signatures did the 3rd chartist petition receive
5 million, however there were loads of forged signatures, so it wasn’t taken seriously
what were the strengths of the Chartist petitions
displayed immense coordination with the postal system only just being established
what were the weaknesses of the Chartist petitions
- Government & MPs don’t see it as a threat & don’t care
- with only half voting on it
- 600 MPs and the vote results were a loss of 250v50
What was the National Convention
- representatives would show up from all over, to discuss ideas, hold debates & vote on Chartist ideologies
What were the strengths of the National Convention
- creating their ‘own parliament’ was innovative, political parties were not doing this yet, they were pioneers
- they successfully agreed on resolutions to chartist disputes
- very well organised & strategised
What was the Sacred Month
- when the HofC rejected the 1st petition
- they came up with the ambitious concept of a general strike
- which was attempted
How did the Sacred Month fail
- the general strike could not be carried out effectively as it had an unclear purpose and could catalyse a trade depression
what was the Northern Star
-the most widely read Chartist newspaper
-featured many famous socialogical thinkers e.g Karl Marx
Petitions of the masses was a new….
chartist tactic enforcing the people’s power, utilising moral force
What were the strengths of the Northern Star
- crucial in ensuring Chartism emerged & sustained itself as a national movement
- profits financed the Chartist movement
- had a huge circulation, and an even higher readership
- was a serious political paper written by journalists
- the paper paid its taxes, difficult to be criticsed by authorities
What were the weakenesses of the Northern Star
- critics of O’Connor believevd he was using the paper for his own personal advantage
What does the NCA stand for
National Chartist Association
What was the NCA
Like an office to coordinate Chartist activities
what were the strengths of the NCA
- innovative —> political parties hadn’t even started doing this (learning from the unorganised nature of radicalism)
- wide membership of 50,000
what were the weaknesses of the NCA
- links with O’Connor who was imprisoned was controversial
- not powerful enough to coordinate & keep movement consistent e.g the Northern Star wasn’t controlled by the NCA
What does the CSM stand for
the Complete Suffrage Movement
what was the CSM
- an attempt to unite the middle class radical reformers with the chartists
what were the strengths of the CSM
- leaving advocates were willing to work with Lovett
- increases pressure for the universal suffrage movement, particularly within the middle classes
what were the weaknesses of the CSM
- made Chartism more divisive
- evidence of regional divisions, as they stood for the same values of the Chartists, but wanted to be separate from working classes
Who were the Christian Chartists
-An new Chartist culture which emerged, using Chartist organisations to promote things other than the charter
Who were the Tee Total Chartists
-A Chartist organisation which emerged, discouraging the consumption of alcohol
What were the strengths of the Christian & Tee Total Chartists
-broadened the outreach & inclusivity of the movement
What were the weaknesses of the Christian & Tee Total Chartists
-dilutes the Chartists’ movements purpose
When was the land plan set up
1845-46
What was the Land Plan
- a scheme of O’Connors to set up in rural chartist communities in the hopes that:
- Chartists having more ownership of land, would mean they would have more votes
- so they could exert more power over policy
what were the strengths of the Land Plan
- there were 100,000 participants in 1848
- 5 communities had been successfully established
- innovative & resourceful, developing new tactics
what were the weaknesses of the Land Plan
- authorities found it a legal technicality
- flawed through financial mismanagement which discredited the Chartists —> O’Connor accused of embezzlement
Who was General Napier
- an army general
- 1840s, there was lots of chartist protest in the North,
- so govt sent him to manage this
What was General Napier’s approach to handling the Northern Chartist protests
- tried to be considerate in managing protests,
- sympathises that these are decent British people
- was reluctant to use violence
When was the Newport Uprising
4 November 1839
what happened at the Newport Uprising
- 10,000 armed chartists walking in military formation
- 20 protestors were killed (violence worse than Peterloo)
- poor image of the Chartists
how were women involved in Chartism
- they acted in support of their menfolk, rather than with a separate feminist agenda
- critical to fundraising & running Chartist Sunday schools
- working class women participated just as much as the men did
Within the chartist movement, participation was ………….
equitable between men & women
Describe how the role of women changed between 1837-50 in the Chartist movement
-stereotypes
- as society became more prosperous,
- a domestic female stereotype permeated down from the middle class
- for working class women to aspire to
Describe how the role of women changed between 1837-50 in the Chartist movement
-participation
- Following the second petition, meetings were often held at male dominated pubs,
resulting in a decline in participation, - so women turned to their focuses such as the abolition of slavery
Describe the hostility towards the women in Chartism
- opponents of Chartism used the female presence to ridicule the movement as a whole, invalidating it
Overall summative view of women in Chartism
…………………restricted their input on the Chartist movement; however, they were….
stereotypes
integral on a local scale
Who set up the complete suffrage movement (CSM)
Joseph Sturge
When was the CSM set up
1841
Why was the CSM set up
- It was set up amongst ‘moral force’ chartists, predominantly the middle classes,
- who agreed with the Charter,
- but wanted to distance themselves from O’Connor & the ‘physical force’ chartists
Which class did the CSM focus itself on
middle class
What was the CSM’s relations with the ACLL
-There were attempts in the early 1840s to form an alliance with the middle class ACLL, but joint action was never agreed
In what way did Chartists take an ACLL approach
- believing middle class business & factory owners would use the lower bread prices as an excuse to reduce wages
What were the weaknesses of the CSM
- middle class support was further alienated from the Chartists
- contributed to many middle classes not agreeing to sign the Charter by name
How were the aims of the Trade societies different from those of Chartism
- they aimed at economic improvement,
- with workers arguably more concerned with lack of work, low pay and food prices,
- as opposed to securing the Charter
Trade societies would be _______________ in today’s terms
trade unions
Why did many trade societies support Chartism
- It appeared a sensible strategy during times of economic distress
- In most heavily industrialised areas of England, the links between Chartism & trade unions were both close & intended to be mutually supporting,
- at least until the collapse of strikes in late summer 1842
Why did Trade Union’s support for the Charter fluctuate
-economy
- In better economic times,
- it proved difficult to enforce the message
- that the only way to ensure worker’s rights was through the Charter.
Why did Trade Union’s support for the Charter fluctuate
-wages
- Skilled workers increasingly thought that getting higher wages from an employer,
- desperate to increase productivity,
- during a trade boom
- was easier than pressing on them what many considered a revolutionary programme of democratic reform
Suggest evidence that Chartism was a unified movement
- all collectively working for the Charter
- variations in support for the Chartists from different groups
- wide appeal of Charter
- middle & working classes are colaborating together
- petitions display increasing support & organisation
Suggest evidence that Chartism was not a unified movement
- moral vs physical
- new directions, types of Chartism, display too much variation in tactics & ideas
- class divisions
- loyalty & strength of support (dependent on the economy)
Suggest evidence that Chartism was a national movement
- There are delegates sent from everywhere to the convention, despite it being uneven
- Spread & appeal is national, both urban & rural
- Northern Star newspaper had a nationwide audience
- NCA is a national organisation
- Charter is nationally supported evident in petitions making it to parliament
Suggest evidence that Chartism was not a national movement
- uneven distribution of support:
dominant in the North West, industrial areas, urban areas
BUT… weak support in rural areas inc the South West - lack of support in certain areas (Liverpool & Ireland)
- physical vs moral chartism divide regionally & evident in tactics
Describe strengths of the Chartist movement’s regional support
North
Increasingly the center of Chartist-support, particularly in Industrial areas
Which Midlands industry formed the backbone of Chartist support
Handloom weavers threatened by reducing their productivity, overusing machines to produce cloth
Describe strengths of the Chartist movement’s regional support
The Midlands
- Support was most militant in small villages and towns specialized on specific industries,
- due to their good organization, especially the textile districts of Manchester
- BPU were also supportive
Describe weaknesses of the Chartist movement’s regional support
Wales
ministers in Wales turned away from Chartism following the Newport Uprising 1939
Describe weaknesses of the Chartist movement’s regional support
Ireland
- more interested in campaigning against the union
- there was Catholic opposition to the Chartists
Describe weaknesses of the Chartist movement’s regional support
Liverpool
- more interested in the ACLL
- & the fact that harsh poor laws had been in force since 1821
- 20% of their work force were Irish - less harmony amongst working classes
Describe strengths of the Chartist movement’s regional support
Liverpool
Liverpool’s chartist committee was dominated by skilled workers ‘radical trade’
Describe weaknesses of the Chartist movement’s regional support
South East England
- Limited support:
- Essex & Suffolk >1% of Chartists
- As agricultural workers did not face the same issues as urban industrial workers e.g some benefitted from the Poor Laws amendment act
Describe weaknesses of the Chartist movement’s regional support
London 1830
- London radicals were divided among themselves, lacking the community of industrial towns
- London workers received higher wages than the rest of the country and were protected from unemployment rises in late 1830s.
In London, ………… attended the first Chartist meeting in 1838 compared to …………… in Manchester
15,000
300,000
Describe weaknesses of the Chartist movement’s regional support
London 1840
- Support declined after 1842 as economy revived, following the economic depression
- proved difficult to overcome the sectionalism of the different trades as there were no dominant industries allowing a communal approach from workers
Describe strengths of the Chartist movement’s regional support
London 1840
- Chartism really took root in the early 1840s coinciding with an economic depression in London in 1841-2.
- In 1843-4 it was the HQ for the Northern Star, and the large demonstrations held after rejection of the 1848 petition.
Why could it be argued the Chartist movement was national
- The Charter itself, the NCAs in 1840 provided coordination
- The Northern star was a national newspaper selling 36,000 copies per issue
- O’Connor’s inspirational leadership sustained the movement’s widespread reach
- delegates were sent to the convention from every region
Why could it be argued the Chartist movement was not national
The patchy nature of the Chartist movement
How were the aims of the Trade societies different from those of Chartism
- they aimed at economic improvement,
- with workers arguably more concerned with lack of work, low pay and food prices,
- as opposed to securing the Charter
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Leadership - Lovett
- unclear leadership - diluted purpose of movement e.g national education system
- changed tactics too soon after 1st petition, increasing criticism from O’Connor
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Leadership - O’Connor
- many felt he was a part of the movement to progress his own personal power
- accused of being indecisive & backing-down too easily
- criticsed by other leaders
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Supporters - lack of middle class support
- partly the result of the 1832 Reform Act & the deterence of O’Connor’s physical force
- Also, the ACLL had later significance at that point
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Supporters - regional inconsistencies
- only prominent in industrial areas, even amongst urban regions there were inconsistencies
- ACLL was the focus in Liverpool
- O’Connor’s physical force was never national, just Northern
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Supporters - socially disadvantaged
- many chartists were poorly eductated & struggled with economic distress
- hence, there was a heavy reliance on leaders to organise & inspire
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist Movement
Aims & Tactics - umbrella movement
- varied goals amongst supporters
- varied social & economic priorities, amongst diluted new directions
- rival organisations further weakened this
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Aims & Tactics - moral vs physical
- weakened the effectiveness of movement, as it caused conflicts within the movement
- divisions meant there wasn’t a hymogynous aim, splitting support
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Aims & Tactics - parliament not really concerned
- almost no sympathy for further reform
- voter turnouts low for petitions, dispaying low influence of movement
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a weakness of the Chartist movement
Dependence on economic conditions
- Chartism’s strengths correlate closely with economic recession e.g 1835-39
- improved economic conditions after 1846 hindered success
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a strength of the government
Parliament - middle class support
- the reform act increased m.c support
- they felt confident repressing the working classes from this new secure m.c alliance, through giving them the vote
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a strength of the government
Parliament - military support
*
- 1848 - 150,000 special constables were enrolled, with loyaly to the state
- govt could aquire far more men that the Chartists ever could, inc soldiers
- only they could seriously escelate a situation
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a strength of the government
Experience, Organisation & Tactics - increasing govt experience
*
- 1830s & 40s they were effective at dealing with protest
- they learnt not to creat martyrs by imprisoning Chartists more short periods e.g 1842 & 48
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a strength of the government
Experience, Organisation & Tactics - General Napier
*
- controlled 4,000 troops in Northern Districts
- sensitive & sensible approach
- can discern between the rhetoric & reality fo Physical force chartists
- whilst sympathising with their economic distress
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a strength of the government
resources & infrastructure - electric telegram
- network of spies & informers sped up communication
- was vital for the 3rd petition
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a strength of the government
resources & infrastructure - mobilisation due to railways
- 1830s & 40s periods of great railway cosntruction, linking most of Britains major towns
- govt made use of this dealing with outbreaks of violence e.g Newport
Why did Chartism fail
Explain a strength of the government
police force development
- legislation for the creation of new professional police force, meant recruitment was steady & there was security in controlling demonstrations
Why did Chartism fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
working class solidarity & focus - charist activities
- trade unions, handbills & posters displayed collectiveness
- Northern star - shared language of protest to w/c; gave them a collective voice
- chartist protests had large attendances
Why did Chartism fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
working class solidarity & focus - unity
- met up with other like-minded people, giving them purpose & potential strength
- shared undertsanding of aims, union in purpose
Why did Chartism fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
organisation - National Organisation
- The National Convention showed the ability to maintain a political forum.
- The NCA established a sophisticated political organisation.
- The Northern Star ran successfully throughout providing political education for thousands.
- versatility of the leaders
- Charter itself was progressive - promoting social and welfare policy, education and greater gender equality.
The variety of successes in Chartist Organisation demonstrated…
- the potential for a growing working-class political movement
- that would focus on more than simple political enfranchisement
Why did Chartim fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
political change
- Policies of Peel’s Conservative government (1841-46)
- e.g The Mines Act and the repeal of the Corn Laws
- This undermined that only by getting working-class people into parliament would legislation be enacted in their favour
- Govt moved in interests of the whole nation and not just the propertied classes
Why did Chartim fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
political change - reforms
- Shared hostility towards state secured significant social reforms
- Years after 3rd petition - 5 of the 6 points of the Charter have now been enacted
- Key staging point in the dvelopment of the labour movement
Why did Chartim fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
- Land Plan
- More than £100,000 was collected from 70,000 subscribers
- company succeeded in creating 250 settlements
- evidence of the creativity, adaptability and resilience of the movement, sustaining & propelling the movement forward
Why did Chartim fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
other tangible benefits - Church
- Church attendance was heighest in times of economic difficulties, like 1839, and word of mouth was an integral tactic of the movement
- contributed to community united feeling
Why did Chartim fail
Explain some achievements of the Chartist movement
other tangible benefist - education
- Lovett set up schools in different towns which taught children to read
- fed into moral force chartism, & displayed to the govt the future working classes elgibility to vote
