Luddites v Swing Riots Flashcards
What are the 3 areas for this plan?
- Causes
- Methods
- Responses
Luddism
1811-1817
Swing Riots
1830-31
Causes
What were the long-term causes of Luddism?
The increased use of unskilled labor and the introduction of frame rents. The increased mechanisation of looms also damaged employment prospects.
Causes
What were the short-term causes of Luddism?
The closure of the American Market in 1811 (American non-intercourse act) resulted in a significant drop in exports from £11 million in 1810 to £2 million by 1811.
Napoleon’s blockade from 1808 also contributed to the economic downturn. Additionally, the failure of the harvest led to a rise in bread prices in 1812.
Causes
What were the long-term causes of the Swing Riots?
The introduction of threshing machines, which reduced winter employment as they could do the work of 15 men
Causes
What were the short-term causes of the Swing Riots?
The occurrence of two consecutive poor harvests in 1830, leading to “hunger politics” and increased social unrest.
Methods
How long did the Luddism movement last and what was its initial method of protest?
The Luddism movement lasted for 6 years. It began with the sending of threatening letters to employers.
Methods
Which regions were primarily affected by the Luddism movement?
The movement started in Nottinghamshire but spread to Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire, which were industrial areas.
Methods
How many stocking frames were destroyed in the first 3 weeks of the Luddism movement, and what was the total number destroyed by February 1812?
In the first 3 weeks, 200 stocking frames were destroyed. By February 1812, a total of 1000 frames had been destroyed, resulting in a cost of £6000 - £10,000.
Methods
What event led to a decline in public support for the Luddism movement?
The killing of anti-Luddite mill owner William Hartsfield resulted in a diminished level of public support for the movement.
Methods
How long did the Swing Riots last, and who were the targets of their threatening letters?
The Swing Riots lasted for 2 years. Instead of sending threatening letters to employers, they were sent to landowners.
Methods
Which areas were primarily affected by the Swing Riots, and how many counties did the riots spread to?
The Swing Riots started in southern, rural areas and spread from Kent to Yorkshire, affecting a total of 20 counties.
Methods
What was the estimated cost of riot damage and arson damage caused by the Swing Riots?
The riot damage was estimated at £600, while the arson damage was estimated at £100,000.
What are some similarities between the Causes of Luddism and the Swing Riots?
Both groups were upset about industrialisation reducing their jobs, as well as economic hardship from poor harvests.
What are some differences between the Causes of Luddism and the Swing Riots?
Economic problems that upset Luddites exacerbated by foreign policy, this was not the case for the Swing Riots.
What are some similarities between the methods of Luddism and the Swing Riots?
Both used threats and violence.
What are some differences between the methods of Luddism and the Swing Riots?
They were geographically different. The Swing Riots were more widespread and caused more damage despite only lasting 1/3 of the time compared to Luddism.
What are some similarities between the responses to Luddism and the Swing Riots?
Harsh legal responses involved.
What are some differences between the responses to Luddism and the Swing Riots?
The Luddites resulted in government suppression, perhaps due to the Napoleonic Wars (1803-15) whereas the Swing Riots had impact on reform (fear of French revolution after 1830)
Responses
How many troops were sent to Luddite areas during the Luddism movement?
12,000 troops were sent to Luddite areas.
Responses
In what year were 18 men executed and 13 transported as a result of the Luddism movement?
In 1812, 18 men were executed and 13 were transported due to their involvement in the Luddism movement.
Responses
What law was enacted in 1812 that made purposeful frame breaking punishable by death?
The Frame Breaking Act of 1812 made purposeful frame breaking punishable by death.
Responses
How did the Luddism movement contribute to the suspension of Habeas Corpus in 1816?
The Luddism movement contributed to the suspension of Habeas Corpus in 1816, which allowed for unlawful detention.
However, this suspension was repealed in 1818 after the end of the Luddism movement.
