power and the people 16 marker Flashcards
what are the factors for X being the main factor in causing protest
- economy
- religion
- ideas/ political demands
- role of the government
- role of the individual
- war
what are the main factors for X being a way in which royal authority and government has been challenged
- war and violence
- strikes and demonstrations
- campaigning
- pressure groups
- legal challenges
- individuals
examples for ‘religion’ being a factor in causing protest
- Pilgrimage of Grace 1536
- English Revolution (Civil War) 1642
- Magna Carta 1215
examples for ‘economy’ being a factor in causing protest
- Peasants’ Revolt 1381
- American Revolution 1776
- Trade Unions 1800s
- 20th C protests
examples for ‘ideas/ political demands’ being a reason for protest
- extending the franchise 1800s
- Women’s rights 1900s
- English Revolution 1642
examples of ‘role of the government’ being a reason for protest
- Magna Carta 1215
- English Revolution 1642
- extending the franchise 1800s
examples of ‘role of the individual’ being a reason for protest
- Simon de Montfort
- campaigning groups 1800s
- Women’s rights 20th C
examples for ‘war’ being a reason for protest
- American Revolution 1776
- Pilgrimage of Grace 1536
- English Civil War 1642
- medieval revolts (barons in 1214,1230,1242 and 1381 Peasants’ Revolt)
paragraph for religion being a reason in causing protest
Religion was key in causing protest as it provided a moral justification for demanding change. Firstly, it was the main reason for the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536, which was in response to Henry VIII’s religious reforms through the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Rebels, led by Robert Aske, wanted the restoration of the ‘old ways’ and a reversal of the 1535 Prayer Book. Similarly, many Puritans objected to Charles I’s desire for religious conformity and the introduction of the New Prayer Book in 1637. His belief in the Divine Right of Kings upset Parliament as he ruled without them between 1629-1640- a significant cause of the English Civil War in 1642. Even in earlier protests like the Magna Carta in 1215, religion played an important role in encouraging dissent. Pope Innocent III excommunicated John, banned all church services, and said it was no longer a sin to kill the King (with some barons plotting to do just that in 1212).
paragraph for economy being a reason for protest
The economy was key in creating protest as it was often the underlying reason for discontent. A third Poll Tax, which demanded two weeks’ wages for a labourer (much more than the previous taxes) was the main cause for the Peasants Revolt in 1381. Money was also a key reason for the American Revolution in 1776. This is because Americans opposed the Stamp Act 1763 which imposed taxes on them. They also objected to the mercantile system which increased customs duties and costs for the Americans. Similarly, it was important in why trade unions in Britain started. For example, the Tolpuddle Martyrs campaigned for a pay rise in 1834, and their punishment helped to inspire 800,000 people to sign a petition to release them, which was eventually successful. This group also led to the formation of other trade unions and the Labour party, who carried on protesting throughout the 20th Century. Key examples of this include the General Strike of 1926 and the 1984 miners’ strike over coal mine closure, both of which illustrate how economic hardship repeatedly acted as a catalyst for protest movements.
paragraph for ideas/ political demands being a reason for protest
Ideas and political demands was key in causing protest as it gave people a specific reason for an uprising, often shaping the aims of movements. The People’s Charter 1838 demanded vote for all men over 21, a secret ballot, equal electoral districts, no property qualification for MPs, payment for MPs and annual Parliaments. This was in response to a Great Reform Act (1832) that did little to extend the franchise. Similarly, the right to vote (women’s suffrage) was the main of the NUWSS (National Union of Women’s Suffrage) and the WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union). They started off using more peaceful methods like producing leaflets, but eventually used militant tactics to get their demands across. Ideas was also significant during the English Revolution, as Parliament presented Charles I with a list of demands, including the abolition of ship money and custom duties except when agreed with Parliament.
paragraph for role of the government being a reason for protest
The role of the government was important in creating protest as people sought to improve their lives and gain more power and rights. It was one of the causes for the Magna Carta in 1215, as John was a weak king who lost wars with France and made unrealistic demands on the barons (for example Robert de Vaux was fined £2000 in 1211). Here, the barons forced John to agree limits on his power. Parliament was also key during the English Revolution in 1642. They resented how Charles refused to listen to their advice, raised Ship Money without their consent, tried to arrest 5 MPs and raised an army against them. The government’s response to protest also shaped its outcomes. A more proactive approach could have alleviated unrest, while repression often made maters worse. For example, the Great Reform Act (1832) did not do enough to extend the franchise, fuelling further Chartist demands. Likewise, the government’s repressive policies such as the Corn Laws (1815) and the treatment of the Tolpuddle Martyrs (1834) provoked greater resistance.
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The role of the individual was important as they helped drive the protests by providing leadership and shaping movements. Firstly, Simon de Montfort was heavily involved in the negotiations that led to the Provisions of Oxford in 1265, which laid the foundations for parliamentary government. However, individual influence was often only effective when supported by wider discontent. Thomas Clarkson, Granville Sharp and William Wilberforce were instrumental in advancing the anti-slavery cause, petitioning Parliament, raising funds, distributing leaflets and organising speeches. Yet, their efforts would not have succeeded without the public pressure generated by campaigns. Social reformers such as Lord Shaftesbury and Titus Salt faced resistance from government and industrialists in the 1800s, mobilising mass support to drive change. Finally, individuals like Emmeline Pankhurst helped to create protest for women to get the vote in the early 20th Century. Her and the suffragettes would disrupt meetings, smash windows and endanger their health through hunger strikes to bring attention to their protest.
paragraph for war being a reason for protest
War was important in causing protest as it caused economic problems and led to demands for political change. This can be seen through the Seven Years’ War with France, which increased British taxation and contributed to the Stamp Act (1763) that led to the American Revolution in 1776. Similarly, war contributed to other revolts. Henry VIII’s need for finances to fund wars with France and Scotland was one reason for the Dissolution of the Monasteries, leading to the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536. Similarly, war with Scotland was a reason why Charles I needed additional taxation, leading to the English Revolution in 1642. Also, wars with France were the reason for increased demands for taxation, which contributed greatly to the discontent of the barons in 1214 (John), 1230 and 1242 (Henry III) and the greater population in 1381 during the Peasants’ Revolt.
link economy being main reason to religion for protest
Yet, all of these events had an economic side to them: the barons were upset with the scutage that John imposed on them, the pilgrims lost the charitable aims of the monasteries (which provided financial support to the poor) and Parliament was upset about Charles I’s demands for money. Therefore, although religion provided legitimacy to uprisings, economic grievances often ran alongside it, making is a secondary rather than primary cause.
link economy being main reason to ideas/ political demands for protest
However, the support for the Chartists changed in relation to social and economic hardships- nicknamed the ‘knife and fork’ movement, and the English Revolution was stemmed from Charles’ weak kingship, unpopular religious reform and need for taxation to fund wars with Scotland. Therefore, while ideas could inspire long-term change, their success often depended on how they interacted with economic or social factors.
link economy being main reason to the role of the government for protest
Yet, the barons were mostly upset over financial matters (scutage), and the main causes for the 1800s protests were social, economic and political factors. It could also be argued that the government failed to deal with these issues, or sometimes made them worse.
link economy being main reason to role of the individual for protest
While individuals could provide leadership and focus, their effectiveness depended on the wider social and economic conditions that made their causes relevant. This is because the main focus of all the reformers were social and economic inequalities- if these hadn’t been present, there wouldn’t have been need for them.
link economy being main reason to war for protest
However, war alone did not always lead to protest- it was often the economic consequences of war that fuelled discontent
conclusion for reason for protest:
Therefore, although many factors have contributed to protest since the Medieval period, it is clear that economic factors have been crucial in most events. Also, religious factors/ war was key in causing protest up until the English Civil War, whereas other factors like ideas/political demands/ role of the individual became more important later on. Thus, economic issues have been the most consistent and influential cause throughout history.
introduction for X being main reason for protest
Since the Medieval period in Britain, there have been many protests and risings triggered by different events throughout the years. X, economy and Y have all been significant in causing such uprisings. I think that economy issues in the country were the main cause of protest.
examples for ‘war and violence’ challenging authority
- Peasants’ Revolt 1381
- Pilgrimage of Grace 1536
- Brixton riots 1981
examples for ‘strikes and demonstrations’ for challenging authority
- 19th C trade unions
- General Strike 1926
- Ford Dagenham strike 1968
examples for ‘campaigning’ for challenging authority
- American Revolution (1776)
- Anti Slavery movement (1780s)
- Women’s suffrage
examples for ‘pressure groups’ for challenging authority
- Anti Corn Law League and Anti Slavery movement (1800s)
- Women’s rights (1900s)
- Barons- 1215 and later 1265
examples for ‘legal challenges’ for challenging authority
- Civil War (1649)
- American Revolution (1776)
- Granville Sharp (1772)
examples for ‘individuals’ for challenging authority
- Simon de Montfort
- Oliver Cromwell
- 19th C reformers (Thomas Clarkson, Granville Sharp and William Wilberforce)
paragraph for ‘war and violence’ being a factor in challenging authority
War and violence was significant in causing challenges as it is often the main way to pressurise and be noticed by authority. This is evident in the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and the English Civil War in the 1640s. The Kentish rebels in 1381, for example, violently protested against the Poll Tax by killing royal officials, burning buildings and beheading the Treasurer (Robert Hales) and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Similarly, during the English Civil War, the New Model Army directly challenged Charles I’s rule, ultimately leading to his execution in 1649- demonstrating how violence can permanently alter political structures. Even in more recent history, violent resistance has played a crucial role, such as the Brixton Riots (1981), which erupted due to tensions over police brutality. Over 100 vehicles were destroyed, 150 buildings burned, damaged or looted, and nearly 300 police were hurt , forcing the government to act. This led to the Scarman and MacPherson Reports which exposed institutional racism within the police. These examples prove that violence has been a direct and decisive method of challenging authority throughout the time periods.
paragraph for ‘strikes and demonstrations’ being a factor in challenging authority
Strikes and demonstrations were important as they helped to bring attention to the issues that affected a large number of people, especially when democratic institutions were weak. In the 19th Century, Trade Unions used strikes to demand better pay and working conditions. Examples include the London builders (1859), Bryant and May match girls (1888), and the London Gas Workers Union (1889). Similarly, strikes were key in industrial disputes, like the 1926 General Strike, where 800,000 coal miners went on strike in response to government plans to close ‘unproductive’ mines. Additionally, in the 20th century, strikes were key for social change, as seen in the Ford Dagenham strike of 1968, when 187 women demanded equal pay. Their use of picket lines and persuasion showed how strikes could disrupt major industries and force the government to take notice.
paragraph for ‘campaigning’ being a factor in challenging authority
Campaigning was important in causing challenges as it allowed people to spread ideas and influence public opinion against the government. This was evident during the American Revolution (1776), when pamphleteers like Thomas Paine published ‘Common Sense’, selling 500,000 copies and inspiring a rebellion against British rule. Similarly, the Anti Slavery Movement (1780s) used petitions, essays, speeches and memorabilia to rally public support. This inspired later movements like the Anti Corn Law League (1839-46). Additionally, during the women’s suffrage movement, NUWSS speakers used peaceful campaigning methods like publishing newspapers and questioning political speakers about their stance on votes for women.
paragraph for ‘pressure groups’ being a factor for challenging authority
Pressure groups were key in causing challenges because they allowed organised movements to challenge authority. This can be seen in the Anti Corn Law League and the Anti-Slavery movement in the 1800s, where publicity and arguments could be communicated to a wider audience to put pressure on the government. Women’s rights in the 1900s also relied heavily on pressure groups, such as the NUWSS, which used peaceful methods like touring the country, distributing leaflets and publishing newspapers to demand female suffrage. However, even in these cases, pressure groups often had to resort to more extreme methods when peaceful means were ignored. For example, the actions of the WSPU, who escalated their protests by throwing stones, setting fire to letterboxes and chaining themselves to railings. Similarly, medieval barons acted as a form of pressure group when they forced King John to sign the Magna Carta in 1215 at Runnymede, and later challenged Henry III in 1265.
paragraph for ‘legal challenges’ being a factor for challenging authority
Legal challenges were key in challenging royal authority as they used the legal system to limit royal power. However, they often relied on other methods- especially war and violence- to be truly effective. A key example is when Parliament passed a Bill in 1649 to convict the King of treason, resulting in his execution. Similarly, during the American Revolution (1776), legal arguments about ‘no taxation without representation’ formed the foundation of colonial resistance, but war was ultimately required to achieve independence. Furthermore, in 1772, Granville Sharp successfully argued that slavery was unlawful in Britain in the Somerset Case. Although this set a legal precedent, it did not immediately end slavery, which required years of campaigning and public pressure to force Parliament to act.
paragraph for ‘individuals’ being a factor for challenging authority
Individuals were important in leading and shaping challenges to authority. For example, Simon de Montfort was heavily involved in the negotiations that led to the Provisions of Oxford in 1265, which laid the foundations for parliamentary government, while Oliver Cromwell was instrumental in establishing the New Model Army, which helped defeat the royalist forces, and in deciding the fate of the King. He focused on restoring stable government after Charles I’s uprising, and took over the country as ‘Lord Protector’ in December 1653. In the 19th century, social reformers like Thomas Clarkson, Granville Sharp and William Wilberforce were crucial l in advancing the anti-slavery cause, petitioning Parliament, raising funds, distributing leaflets and organising speeches. Yet, their efforts would not have succeeded without the public pressure generated by campaigns. Social reformers such as Lord Shaftesbury and Titus Salt faced resistance from government and industrialists in the 1800s, mobilising mass support to drive change.
link war and violence being main reason to strikes and demonstrations in challenging authority
However, in many cases, peaceful strikes were met with violent repression, such as the Peterloo Massacre (1819), where cavalry attacked 60,000 pro-reform demonstrators. This shows that while strikes could apply pressure, they often depended on further action- sometimes even violent escalation- to achieve their goals and lasting change.
link war and violence being main reason to campaigning in challenging authority
Yet, the lack of progress from this campaign led to more militant methods being adopted by the WSPU, who escalated to arson, window smashing and hunger strikes. This demonstrates that while campaigning raised awareness, it often relied on external pressures like economic disruption or public unrest.
link war and violence being main reason to pressure groups in challenging authority
Yet, their demands only succeeded because they were backed by military force.
link war and violence being main reason to legal challenges in challenging authority
Therefore, although important in raising awareness, many of these legal challenges failed without public protest or violence forcing the government to act (for example, the American Revolution required war, and Charles I’s trial followed a civil war).
link war and violence being main reason to individuals in challenging authority
Yet, while these individuals could lead movements, their success often depended on mass mobilisation, which sometimes required violent resistance.
conclusion for challenging authority
Therefore, war and violence have been the most decisive method of challenging royal authority and government throughout history. Many movements that started out peacefully ultimately escalated into violence when other methods failed (like strikes/ demonstrations/ campaigning), proving that war and violence have been the most consistent and effective way of forcing change.
introduction for X being main way authority was challenged
Since the Medieval period in Britain, there have been many ways that royal authority and the government have been challenged. War and violence, along with X and Y, have all been significant in shaping these challenges. However, I believe that war and violence have been the main way in which authority has been effectively challenged throughout history, as many other methods either relied on or escalated into violence to achieve their goals.
