Key question 4 Flashcards
Why did industrialization result in popular protest and political change?
Industrialization led to economic dislocation, unemployment, and poor working conditions, causing dissatisfaction and popular protests. Workers faced exploitation, while the new machinery threatened jobs, leading to demands for political reforms.
What caused huge tension in society during industrialization?
Tensions were caused by rapid urbanization, poor working conditions, wage cuts, unemployment, and the introduction of labor-saving machinery, which displaced workers.
What caused unemployment during industrialization?
The introduction of machinery, especially in the textile industry, replaced manual labor, leading to widespread unemployment among skilled workers.
What did workers realize during industrialization?
Workers realized that without political power, their economic grievances would not be addressed, leading them to demand political reforms.
What led to action being taken by the people?
Widespread poverty, high unemployment, and harsh working conditions, coupled with the government’s failure to address workers’ concerns, spurred mass protests and calls for change.
What did the introduction of machinery cause?
It caused job displacement, especially among textile workers, as machines replaced manual labor, leading to riots and protests.
Who were the Luddites?
The Luddites were skilled workers who protested against industrial machinery, which they believed was taking their jobs. They destroyed machines in protest.
What was the Luddites’ most serious outbreak?
The most serious outbreak occurred in 1812 in the Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Lancashire regions, where machine-breaking became rampant.
What happened in the unrest from 1815-1820?
After the Napoleonic Wars, there were severe economic downturns, unemployment, and rising food prices, leading to widespread protests, riots, and demands for political reforms.
What happened in 1817 after the Luddites were inspired by the activities of John Johnson?
Inspired by Johnson’s leadership, workers engaged in protests and demands for social and political reforms, though many of these movements were harshly suppressed.
What were the Swing Riots?
The Swing Riots (1830-1831) were protests by agricultural workers in southern England against low wages, poor working conditions, and the introduction of threshing machines.
What happened during the Swing Riots?
Workers attacked and destroyed threshing machines and burned hayricks as symbols of their discontent. There were also demands for higher wages.
How many Luddites were captured, and what happened to them?
Several hundred Luddites were captured, with some hanged and many others transported to penal colonies in Australia.
What political reforms were people looking for?
Reforms included the extension of the franchise, better representation in Parliament, and the repeal of laws restricting workers’ rights, such as the Combination Acts.
Who founded the Hampden Club?
Radical politician Major John Cartwright founded the Hampden Club in 1812 to agitate for parliamentary reform.
What were the Spa Fields Riots?
The Spa Fields Riots (1816) were protests in London led by radical reformers calling for political change and better representation for working-class citizens.
What happened during the calls for reforms?
Widespread demonstrations and riots occurred, with demands for more democratic representation, repeal of oppressive laws, and economic relief for the poor.
In which areas were there riots?
Riots took place in various industrial towns and rural areas across England, including Nottingham, Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the southern counties during the Swing Riots.
What is the Great Reform Act of 1832?
The Great Reform Act expanded the British electorate by reducing the property qualifications for voting, giving representation to industrial towns, and eliminating many “rotten boroughs.”
What did the Chartists demand?
The Chartists demanded universal male suffrage, secret ballots, payment for Members of Parliament, and equal electoral districts.
What were trade unions in the 18th century?
Trade unions were early labor organizations formed by workers to protect their interests, primarily focused on wages and working conditions.
What were their objectives?
Their objectives included securing higher wages, better working conditions, and reducing working hours through collective bargaining.
What was the state of early trade unions?
Early unions were small, informal, and often secret due to legal restrictions and government crackdowns on worker organization.
What was Pitt’s Combination Act of 1799?
The Combination Act made it illegal for workers to form unions or organize strikes, effectively banning collective bargaining.
