London corresponding society

Question 1

What was the complaints of the LCS?

Answer 1

• People were not equally represented in Parliament
• Oppressive taxes, unfair laws and liberty is wasted
• Privileges of the aristocracy was unfair.

Question 2

What solutions did the LCS come up with?

Answer 2

abolition of privileges in politics

• Equal representation
• Citizens have the duty to keep account and an eye on what the Government is doing.

Question 3

How did the LCS Provoke fear from those in power?

Answer 3

• Total membership peaked at 3000 in 1795 whit 1500 active in branches.
• In 1793 6000 members of the public signed a petition to say they supported the ideas of the LCS
• The society held visits with the National Assembly in France

Question 4

How did the Government try to silence radical societys such as the LCS?

Answer 4

• May 1792 ‘The royal proclamation against seditious writings and publications’. allowed the gov to make use of spies and to infiltrate radical groups.
• May 1794 The suspension of Habeas Corpus. which had allowed the authorities to round up suspects and to detain them indefinable without a trial.
• November 1974 The treason Trials. 41 radicals (13 from LCS) were charged with high treason. (leaders were removed).
• November 1975 ‘The Two Acts’ made words spoken/written treasonable.

Question 5

How many people were convicted under the new laws of Pitts government?

Answer 5

• Only 200 people were convicted

Question 6

What was a factor in why radicalism was silenced after 1795?

Answer 6

• In 1973 war broke out with the french which had restored patriotism in Britain as radicals were seen as enemies and traitors.