Government Repressions In The 1790s

Question 1

Factor: French Revolution 1789

Reasons for repression

Answer 1

 There was great concern amongst the political elites about the effect the French Revolution would have on Britain. Include date of the French Revolution.
 Political elites feared similar problems in Britain. This feeling became stronger in 1792.
 It was thought the Revolution would become inspiration to radicals and revolutionary activity in Britain.
 Include examples of repression from the Reign of Terror (Use of Magistrates)

Question 2

Factor: reach revolution in 1789

Limitations

Answer 2

 It is accepted today that the French Revolution 1789 did not create radicalism in Britain, but simply gave momentum to existing radical groups / ideas/ campaigns.
 Many groups in Britain inspired by the French Revolution were not necessarily revolutionary themselves. Many simply wanted reform

Question 3

Factor: Increasing radical activity

Reasons for repression

Answer 3

• Some within the radical movement were influenced by the French Revolution, e.g.
  Thomas Paine.
   The French Revolution gave momentum to
  radicalism in Britain.
   The press was used to attack authority and
  promote radicals’ causes. It was shown that pamphleteering and petitioning could be very effective.
   Example: John Wilkes and his newspaper, the North Briton etc.
   Example of repression – ‘Treason Trials’, Habeas Corpus suspended

Question 4

Factor - increasing radical activity

Limitation

Answer 4

-many radical societies simply wanted reform rather than revolution

 Many groups had existed in the 1770s and 1780s or the ideas radical groups supported were campaigns from the 1770s and 1780s so they were not necessarily a new threat e.g. John
Wilkes

Question 5

Factor - Challenge to the governments authority

Reason for repression:

Answer 5

 There was a general fear of the ‘mob’ i.e. the lower classes at this time.
 As well as connotations with the French Revolution, the rise of the ‘mob’ reflected a dislike of the increasing numbers of urban poor and the growth of towns and cities around industry.
 Examples: supporters of John Wilkes shouting ‘Damn the King’. Introduction of ‘Two Acts’ after King’s Coach was attacked.

 Remember – there was no standing police force at the time and the prospect of widespread civil unrest and revolutionary activity was frightening to politicians, lords and leaders of the day

 The Govt used its authority to prevent any
serious radical or revolutionary activity
 Examples: Suppression of radical activity (removing licences) replaced by spies and informers. Alien Section and Secret Service Section was set up, ‘Treason Trials’ (1793-4),
Combination Laws, Government Propaganda.

Question 6

Factor: Challenge to the governments authority

Limitations?

Answer 6

 The majority of the population were in favour of the status quo.
 There were many groups who were loyal to the Government e.g. John Reeves’ Loyalists Association and Church and King Clubs
 Geographically radical groups were spread out and did not operate in all parts of the country e.g. towns such as Hull, Bristol etc. failed to sustain radical societie

Question 7

Factor: Mounting pressure on the government

Reasons:

Answer 7

 After February 1793 Britain was at war with France. Thus the policies seen in paragraph 3 must be seen in this context. Many – e.g. The Combination Laws were considered temporary.
 By the mid-1790s the Government was under pressure e.g. War with France, bad harvests, King’s Coach Attacked (1795), Naval Mutinies (1797), a French invasion of Pembroke and trouble in Ireland. Also Black Lamp Conspiracy 1800-02 and the Despard Conspiracy.
 Include an Example of Govt repression e.g. conservative propaganda to stoke up popular patriotism.
 Remember – These policies were popular with many, e.g. John Reeves’ loyalist organizations set up in 1792 and the Church and King Clubs were examples of this.

Question 8

Factor: mounting pressure on their government

Limitations?

Answer 8

 Pitt faced extraordinary circumstances in the 1790s – French Revolution, Radicalism at home and War against France – as such his policies and actions should be seen in this context.

 The Revolutionary Underground was not necessarily ‘revolutionary’ many protests were focused on specific issues e.g. wages and conditions during the Naval Mutiny (1797); bad harvests leading to corn and food riots.