CHARTISM - key events 1839 Flashcards
NATIONAL CONVENTION feb 1839
Background
*Kersal Moor
Following the success of establishing the People’s Charter in Aug 1838, the Chartists began organising meetings throughout the country to elect delegates to the Chartist Convention (London, Feb 1839).
One example of the larger meetings was held in Kersal Moor (outskirts of Manchester), where 50,000 people met (approximation).
NATIONAL CONVENTION 1839
Differing interpretations of Chartism
Chartism was interpreted differently:
J.R Stephens was a leading northern Chartist and so his opinion reflected many of the Norther Chartists’ opinion - a response to the economic depression.
However, Lovett and LWMA, the Charter was POLITICAL, not ECONOMIC.
NATIONAL CONVENTION 1839
Who came?
NO W.C men - shopkeepers, and tradesmen, and even some delegate doctors.
NATIONAL CONVENTION 1839
The Sacred Month
Everyone agreed that Parliament was going to reject the national petition, but they didnt know how to respond following this.
Whilst some delegates supported peaceful protesting, others argued for a general strike + abstinence from taxable items to disrupt the economy enough to force government negotiations.
NATIONAL CONVENTION 1839
Why was the Sacred Month controversial?
Because this carried the threat of possible violence - whilst some convention members following Lovett, others followed O’Connor’s method of stirring up the crowd with physical violence (but he never planned for violent disturbances)
NATIONAL CONVENTION 1839
Consequences
By May, many M.C delegates resigned in protest to the speeches made by O’Connor and other chartists.
JULY 1839 meeting
What was this for?
Chartists held a meeting in Birmingham to challenge ban on meetings imposed by local magistrates - the govt used a police force from london rather than local forces over Peterloo fears, and so the meeting was dispersed and Lovtt was arrested and imprisoned.
NEWPORT RISING nov 1839
Background
Chartism secured support in industrial areas of South Wales.
A prominent Welsh Chartist was imprisoned in Aug because of unlawful assembly.
NEWPORT RISING nov 1839
What was this?
Local organisers wanted to show their support in Newport, to persuade authorities to release Vincent and other Chartist leaders.
NEWPORT RISING nov 1839
What happened?
John Frost led 3 separate marches, all totalling over 10,000 men, surrounding the hotel where the troops were holding several Chartists under arrest.
After the first round of shots, the troops responded immediately, and dispersed the mob using gun fire.
21 dead, 50+ injured.
NEWPORT RISING nov 1839
Consequences
John Frost and two associates were found guilty of high treason and sentenced to death.
The govt ensured that they were transported to life, and they they didnt die because they didnt want any additional criticism.
Strengthened govt view that Chartism was an organisation committed to violence.
FIRST CHARTIST PETITION 1839 June
Commons’ response
Document had 1.3 million signatures.
Whilst Commons was considering the petition, large public demonstrations were held across the UK to persuade MPs to accept the document.
Less than 50% of MPs turned up to vote. Only 46 MPs supported it.
FIRST CHARTIST PETITION 1839 August
Consequences
BPU withdrew its support from the National Convention.
The proposal for Sacred Month was rejected following the TUs opposition to it.
FIRST CHARTIST PETITION 1839 September
How did arresting leaders impact chartism?
The convention was dissolved because most of its leaders were in prison.
