Fluctuations in support for Chartism

Question 1

What was a limitation of Chartist support?

Answer 1

It was patchy and inconsistent - whilst it is true there was national awareness of the movement, different groups supported the movement to different degrees and times

Question 2

Differences between north and London and the south?

Answer 2

. As the Chartists came to be involved with more instances of
physical protest, southern support waned
. Chartist movement became dominated by industrial workers - southerners were more economically independent

Question 3

Why did the north of England support the movement consistently?

Answer 3

Worst economic conditions as well as the most obvious politically under-represented areas - Manchester

Question 4

Why was there initial support from middle-class supporters?

Answer 4

It started with economic problems in industrial areas

Question 5

Why did the majority of middle class support evaporate

Answer 5

.Following the Birmingham riots and Newport uprising
of 1839, the majority of middle class support
evaporated - due to working class taking over
. After Factory Act and GRA - extended vote and aided the Middle Class

Question 6

Why were working class people the most affected?

Answer 6

. Skilled workers whose livelihood was being affected by economic fluctuations - living in unrepresented urban centres

Question 7

Were rural workers affected?

Answer 7

. Rural farm workers were largely unaffected as they were economically independent
. Poor Law Amendment act benefited them - were not underrepresented - north south divide

Question 8

Were women important in the support of Chartism?

Answer 8

Yes!
. 20% of signatures on the three petitions were by women
. Fundraising and running Chartist Sunday schools