Early Radicalism - 1790's Flashcards
Organised Radicalism (LCS)
Who influenced radicalism?
- Major John Cartwright
- John Wilkes
- John Horne Tooke
Why had radicalism died down during the onset of the French war?
Due to patriotism, if they wanted reform they were seen against Britain
What year was the London Corresponding Society opened?
1792
What were some complaints of the LCS?
- People not represented in parliament
- Corruption dominates the political system
- Unfair taxes and laws restrict freedom
What were the solutions provided by the LCS?
- Increased franchise in Britain
- Fairer elections
- emphasise the opposition of violence
What did the LCS membership peak to in 1795?
3000
How many active branches of the LCS in 1795?
1500
What members were included in the LCS?
- ex-wilkesites, craftsmen
- Thomas Hardy (shoemaker)
- Thelwall
- Tooke
Where did the societies become the most prominant?
- unrepresented towns
- Manchester, Leeds, Norwich, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Dublin
How was the LCS funded?
members contributed one penny a week
What did the LCS members do?
- weekly meetings
- exchanged visits with the national assembly in France
- called each other ‘citizens’
What happened in 1973?
- 6000 members signed petitions that stated they supported the LCS
- could call several thousands people out for a demonstration
- plans were underway to organise a demonstration in Edinburgh
How might the LCS provoke fear for those who feared a revolution?
- 6000 agreed with them
- Organised with a lot people
- Located in London (the heart of political power)
- Educated and literate
- Corresponded with France
- In cities that aren’t represented (spreading)
To what extent could the LCS be seen as revolutionary?
Revolution (in France) often start peaceful but then rapidly escalate. Authorities not assured about the peaceful nature of LCS. Also they are corresponding with France.
What were the loyalist associations?
Propertied classes who were keen to defend the existing system
Why did fears grow as the 1790’s progressed?
1) apparent growth in support for radical societies and their organised capacities, include Whig MP’s
2) perception of increased popular unrest based from local magistrates
3) increased violence from France (terror) (King Louis XVI beheaded)
Name some laws passed by Pitt’s government
- 1792 Royal Proclamation against seditious writing and Publications
- May 1794 Suspension of Habeas Corpus
- Nov 1794 Treason Trials
- Nov 1795 Two/Gag Acts
- July 1799 Combination Act
What was the law of seditious writings and proclamations used for?
Authorised the govt to use spies, infiltrate radical groups and open private letters.
What was Habeas Corpus?
Allowed authorities to round up and detain them indefinitely without trial
How many were persecuted with the treason trials?
41 radicals, 13 LCS
What were the two acts?
Treasonable practises and seditious meetings. Prohibited meetings of more than 50 people without a magistrate
Were radicals prosecuted under the two acts?
no
Why were the two acts introduced?
failed harvests and food shortages, high prices heightened tensions and increased unrest
What happened to radicalism by the end of 1795?
largely silenced
Were Pitt’s legislations successful?
To some extent. It decreased radical activity but they were rarely used and fewer than 200 people were convicted under them
Why were the legislations successful?
It allowed authorities to harass and intimidate radicals - arresting leaders, silencing propaganda, frightening others from involvement
How did the war stop radicalism?
Restored patriotism in Britain, radicals were seen as the enemy
Why did Whig MP Charles Fox call it Pitt’s reign of terror?
- Govt took away freedom of speech/press
- Laws were extreme given that threat was modest
- implying that Pitt is exercising too much power
Summarise the Copenhagen Field 1975 event
- Hardy, Tooke and Horne attempted to organise a convention
- Arrested (Habeas Corpus)
- No evidence, only a spy called ‘Groves’ who heard them insult the king
- Found not guilty
