Chartist Movement + Political Reform 1838 (1800s) Flashcards
Problem during 1800s
Barely any people could vote, no secret ballot, MPs weren’t paid, elections every 7 years, new industrial towns had no MPs. There were rotten boroughs ( boroughs which had barely anyone in them, but still had MPs
Reform bill 1809
Demanded equal electoral districts, annual parliaments and vote for all tax payers. Defeated by 80 to 15
Peter loo masacre - Manchester 1819
100,000 people peacefully protested for universal suffrage ad equal electoral districts. Militia was sent by local magistrate to disperse the crowd, but however killed 15 people and injured 600. Leaders of the protest were charged with treason. The six acts were passed, saying if more than 50 people met for radical reform, it was treason.
What were the six acts 1819
1819.
The six acts were passed, saying if more than 50 people met for radical reform, it was treason. Made people oppose the government more
Suppressed the people’s rights and liberties
What was the great reform act of 1832
Created new constituencies, removed rotten boroughs, new towns could elect MPs, provided vote. Only landowners could vote, women weren’t allowed
What did the people’s chartist want 1838
1838, charsists wanted Votes for all men over 21, equal sized constituencies, voting in secret, wages for MPs, election every year, no property qualification needed to vote.
How did they demand
They held protests
They created petitions (1839), (1842), (1848)
Published newspapers.
Posters
What was the Newport rising 1839
One of their leaders were imprisoned, and they planned to attack the prison and free him. 5000 chartsists marched, and Authorities were ready with soldiers. Soldiers killed 22 chartists
When were secret ballots introduced
1872
When were more men given the right to vote
1867
Why did the chartists fail
Heavy repression by the government,
there were other movements
Trade unions
There were divided leadership
Were demands met during long term
5/6 of demands were met, secret ballots were a big move towards democracy. Happened by the second half of the 1800s
What was the demand which wasnt met
Men over 21 get vote. Later on passed during people’s representation law in 1918
