Lesson 12 C1700 - C1900 Flashcards
When did the number of prosecutions of witchcraft decline? Why? And how did the GOV deal with witchcraft alternatively?
- After the civil war
- All laws concerning witchcraft were repealed by the witchcraft act of 1736
- People who claimed to use magic were subject to fine or imprisonment
- However most peoples attitudes had changed, some clung to their superstitious beliefs
Why did witchcraft stop being a fine?
- Economic and social changes led to more prosperity and political stability
- Some still believed in witches and the devil but other ( Educated ) became less superstitious
- The Royal society set up by Charles II, led to increased scientific experiments which explained things previously thought to be work of the witches
The events of the Tolpuddle martyrs
1) In 1834 in Tolpuddle a group of farm workers formed a ‘friendly society ‘ to protest about their low wages compared to other farm workers wages
2) Farm owners and GOV feared they were losing control of their workers. The 6 men were arrested for taking secret oaths - the old law intended to stop naval mutinies
3) 6 found guilty at trial , received max sentence of 7 years transportation to Australia to deter others from forming trade unions
4) News spread due to press -> mass protests and petition of 200,000 signatures collected in opposition to harsh punishment
5) Home secretary decided to continue with their sentence and 6 sent to Australia
Protest continued and in 1836 the martyrs were pardoned and sent home
Significance of the events of the Tolpuddle martyrs
incident highlighted how authorities used law to criminalise people they viewed as threats
showed how GOV would protect interest of employers rather at expense of workers
Pardoning showed impact of public opinion
The martyr inspired some to fight for workers rights, some put off by how martyrs were treated
