Opposition to the Poor Law Flashcards
What was the Act a product of?
Ideological prejudice
What did the Act ignore?
Realistic criticisms regarding the financial implications of building large-scale infrastructure
Who were the criticisms felt by?
People both within and outside of Parliament
What did the Tories object and why?
- The centralised nature of the new system, felt it undermined the existing independence of the local magistrates
- New system ignored the ‘poor unfortunates’ who didn’t have the same advantages of some in society
What did the political views suggest?
- Views went beyond party politics and addressed a growing perception that those in power had little regard for the poorest in society
Where did initial opposition come from?
Southern counties
What happened in the southern counties?
Riots in 1835
What happened in Bedfordshire?
Violent riot involving 300-500 people, demanded ‘money and blood’ and attacked officials in the area
What happened in Suffolk?
Workhouse attacked by a mob of 200
What were riots prompted by?
Removal of outdoor support
Why did the riots fail?
Not well organised, nor united in their efforts
Was there a problem with the Poor Law in the North
Not as much as more people were employed in industrial areas
Which MPs were against the PLAA?
Michael Sadler and Richard Oastler
