Power and the People

Question 1

Explain two ways in which the Magna Carta and The Great Reform Act
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 1

Similarity 1: The cause
Both the magna carta and the great reform act were created due to similar circumstances.

The magna carta came about as the barons were frustrated with the system of power that they felt King John was abusing. For example, they hated the scutage tax which the barons had to pay if they did not fight when John asked.

Similarly, the great reform act as the working and middle class frustrated with the electoral system. They wanted more say in how the country was run, just as the barons did in the 1200s. For example they wanted to end property qualifications, votes for all men and getting rid of rotten boroughs.

Question 2

Explain two ways in which the Magna Carta and The Great Reform Act
Similarity 2: The outcome

Answer 2

Similarity 2: The outcome
Both the magna carta and great reform act led to change.

The barons demanded change which they drew up in the magna carta. One of the 6 main clauses was a change to how scutage could be imposed on the barons. However, kings after this still wielded a lot of power, so the change at the time was limited.
King John also had no choice but to sign the magna carta because the barons put together an army to occupy London in order to threaten him.

Similarly, the great reform act led to change. Voters increased from 435,000 to 652,000. London and other cities were given more MPs and rotten boroughs lost their MPs. However, despite this, the change at the time was also limited - no women had the vote and neither did working class men (men over 21 could still not vote).
Also the House of Lords had no choice but to pass the act because Earl Grey and the king threatened to create more lords who were Whigs which could mean the existing Tory Lords would lose power.

Question 3

Explain two ways the First Baron’s War and the Second Baron’s War were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 3

Similarity 1: The cause

The First Baron’s War was between 1215 and 1217. This civil was was between barons and King John. The key cause was that King John had signed the magna carta in 1215 but in reality was not abiding by it. The magna carta contained 63 promises that changed the power of the king and gave the barons more authority.
The issues the barons had with the king were also related to foreign policy e.g John was nicknamed ‘soft sword’ due to his poor record in battle, especially with France.

The Second Baron’s war was between 1264 and 1267. Similarly, this civil war was between the barons (led by SMD) and King Henry III. The key cause was again due to issues about royal control. SMD wanted to introduce reforms to give barons more authority. He therefore suggested the Provisions of Oxford, which similarly to Magna Carta, gave the barons more power. For example, it banished foreign members of the royal household and stated a council of 15 barons would lead the Great Council.
Similarly, there was issues with foreign policy e.g the barons also resented Henry as he needed money to fund his battles in France and Sicily.

Question 4

Explain two ways the First Baron’s War and the Second Baron’s War were similar
Similarity 2: The consequences/reaction

Answer 4

Similarity 1: The consequences/reaction
Another similarity, is the consequences of these wars in the long term especially.

For example, with the First World War the magna carta introduced many ideas that are significant today. The idea that no freeman can be arrested or imprisoned without a proper trial is clearly an idea that exists across judicial systems around the world today.
Many ideas within the magna carta can be seen in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Similarly, with the Second Baron’s War came the Provisions of Oxford and the changes to who attended the Great Council. SMD was the first person to invite ‘commoners’ like knights and burgesses. This influence is clear in the 1295 Model Parliament, where King Edward had learned he could simply make demands of parliament. This became known as the Commons which has clearly evolved today into the House of Commons which is made up of elected MPs who each represent a constituency in the UK. SDM’s ideas about parliament have huge significant in the UK today.

Question 5

Explain two ways the Peasants Revolt and the Pilgrimage of Grace were similar
Similarity 1: Causes

Answer 5

Similarity 1: Causes
In both situations the aim was wanting changes made by the King.

For example, the Peasant’s Revolt wanted a change to the Poll Tax which disproportionally affected the poor as people from every class had to pay the same amount.
The Statue of Labourers was a law that meant peasants could not demand higher wages. The Sumptuary Laws regulated the clothes and food that was allowed by different classes. The peasants also disliked specific advisors to the King like John of Gaunt who was blamed for the introducing the poll tax.

Similarly, the Pilgrimage of Grace came about because they wanted to reverse the Reformation and return to England being a catholic country by recognising the Pope and the Head of the Church.
They also had economic grievances as prices were rising. Similarly, to the peasants they also disliked some of the king’s advisors, specifically Thomas Cromwell who was seen as influencing these religious changes.

Question 6

Explain two ways the Peasants Revolt and the Pilgrimage of Grace were similar
Similarity 2: Consequences

Answer 6

Similarity 2: Consequences
The leaders were killed and there was no immediate change.

Failure?
After Watt Tyler presented the demands, the King gave a royal pardon to all those involved and promised all villain’s were to be made freeman. When the revolt was over, King Richard did not keep his promises. Watt Tyler’s head was put on a spike on Tower Bridge. Real change to the lives of peasants was not immediate.

Similarly, Henry VIII, ‘gave in’ to some of the demands and promised to pardon the rebels. This was in fact a ruse to buy time; Henry had 216 people executed. Leaders like Robert Aske and Lord Hussey were executed and publicly displayed. The dissolution of monasteries continued and Catholicism was not restored in England.

Question 7

Explain two ways Peterloo Massacre and the Newport Rising were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 7

Similarity 1: The cause
Both wanted to extend democracy! Both involved violence.

The people at Peterloo gathered to hear Henry Hunt speak at St Peter’s Field in Manchester, They wanted democracy in the form of the vote / reforms in Parliament and 60,000 people attended. The government responded with violence and 600 people were wounded and 15 people were killed.

The people involved in the Newport Rising were motivated by democracy. They were frustrated by the high unemployment and the rejection by Parliament of the 1839 petition. They wanted the government to accept their 6 demands which included votes for all men. They marches to Newport prison and attempted to free some of their leaders. However, when they arrived the authorities are ready with soldiers and responded violently. They opened fire and 22 men were killed including Feargus O’connor.

Question 8

Explain two ways Peterloo Massacre and the Newport Rising were similar
Similarity 2: Outcome

Answer 8

Similarity 2: Outcome
Neither had immediate government support.

The government introduced harsh measures in the aftermath. The 6 acts were introduced which stated that any meeting regarding reform of more than 50 people was an act of treason. The government also did not act on the demands of the protestors in the short term; the 1832 Reform Act did not give working class people the vote.

Similarly, after the Newport Rising, 102 chartists were sent to Australia including 6 who were involved in the Newport Rising. Many others were sent to prisons as the government responded through introducing repressive measures. Similarly, the government did not act on their demands in the short term.

Question 9

Explain two ways in which the Anti-Corn law league and Chartists were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 9

Similarity 1: The cause
Both wanted to change the law

The Anti-corn league wanted the government to repeal the corn laws. These laws kept the price of wheat high which meant workers could not afford to buy bread. It also meant manufacturers had to pay more for wheat to be produced in factories. One of the key leaders of the league was John Bright, who was radical and supported causes to improve the lives of the working class.

Similarly, the chartists wanted the government to pass their 6 demands, which would improve working class people’s live as it extended their political freedom and electoral power. For example, they wanted to get rid off property qualifications, they wanted votes for all men as well as wages for MPs. One of the key leaders was Feargus O’Connor who was radical and wanted land reform to benefit the working class.

Question 10

Explain two ways in which the Anti-Corn law league and Chartists were similar
Similarity 2: Methods/outcome

Answer 10

Similarity 2: Methods/outcome
Both groups produced pamphlets and speeches to get support.

For example, the league toured the country giving speeches. They produced pamphlets and had membership cards. They took advantage of new technology and used the Penny Post to send leaflets cheaper to voters. They also tried to pressure the government through by-elections to win seats in parliament, like in 141, they won seats in Manchester and Stockport. In 1846, the corn laws were repealed by Robert Peel.

Similarly, the chartists used peaceful methods like mass meetings and gatherings. Their 1848 petition contained over 5 million names (although many were forged). They had their own newspapers to spread their message (The Chartist and Northern Star). All but one of their demands were achieved, for example all men earned the vote in 1918.

Question 10

Explain two ways in which the Magna carta and the English Civil War were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 10

Similarity 1: The cause
Both events arose from issues relating to power; with Kings specifically.

The magna carta was a dispute of who should run the country as well as the power the king was abusing through taxes like scutage. This was a tax that charged barons who refused to help fight battles with France. This was worsened, when John lost battles with France, as they lost their land and money too. King John refused to listen to the barons, hence they drew up the magna carta.

Similarly, the civil war started because parliament were frustrated wit the way King Charles was abusing his power. He imposed a tax called ‘ship money’ in 1637 which he made everyone pay to raise money for the navy. Many were opposed to this including the MP John Hampden who refused to pay it. He also needed money to pay for his wars against Spain. King Charles often ignored parliament, shown through his 11 year tyranny.

Question 11

Explain two ways in which the Magna carta and the English Civil War were similar
Similarity 2: Consequences

Answer 11

Both events were important for paving the way for democracy in Britain

For example, in the short term the magna carta did remove power from the king as it introduced the ideas that there were some laws and rules the king had to follow. At the time, it hadn’t really affected the ordinary people and only benefitted the nobility and the barons.
Over time, the magna carta applied to more people as they gained freedom.

Similarly, the aftermath of the civil war benefitted parliament and specifically Oliver Cromwell who became ‘Lord Protector’. The trial and execution of King Charles had shown even kings could be convicted and that they were not immune from the law.
In the long term, the idea of the ‘divine rights of kings’ was seriously questioned, paving the way for parliamentary power and therefore democracy.

Question 12

Explain two ways in which the Peasant’s revolt and the People’s Charter was similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 12

Similarity 1:The cause
Both the Peasant’s Revolt and People’s charter was inspired by the desire for change and anger at the ruling class. The peasant’s revolt and the campaign for people’s charter both happened due to the unfair system.

The peasants revolt came about in 1831, where peasants in England had very little power. For instance, the poll tax was imposed on the people of Britain, they had no choice but to pay or be arrested. The population was also suffering from expensive wars and the Black Death, so being taxes was the last straw.

Question 13

Explain two ways in which the Peasant’s revolt and the People’s Charter was similar
Similarity 2: The methods

Answer 13

Similarity 2:The methods
Another similarity is that both movements took violent action against the opponents.

During the peasant’s revolt, the rebels broke in to the Tower of London and killed the Archbishop of Canterbury. They also beheaded the clerks of the tax collector, John Bampton and set fire to he houses of their supporters.

Similarly, in the Newport Rising, chartists were shot by soldiers after they tried to free chartist prisoners. 22 were killed. The government became so concerned about the chartists violence that they moved Queen Victoria to the Isle of Wight for her own safety.

Both movements contained leaders who tried to promote peaceful methods In peasants revolt, Wat Tyler gave the peasants explicit orders to be peaceful.
Similarly, William Lovett encouraged temperance in the chartist movement, which meant no alcohol or swearing and the use of peaceful methods.

Question 14

Explain two ways in which the Anti-Corn League and the Abolition movement were similar
Similarity: The cause

Answer 14

Similarity: The cause
Both wanted to change the law.

The Anti-Corn League wanted the government to repeal the corn laws. These laws kept the price of wheat high which meant workers could not afford to buy bread. It also meant manufactures had to pay more for wheat to produce it in their factories. The key supporters of the league were middle class e.g Richard Cobden and John Bright who were elected as MPs and were able to use their political position to gain support of the prime minister Robert Peel.

Similarly, the abolition movement wanted the government to abolish slavery. The idea that slavery was wrong and non-Christian began to spread, especially due to the conditions endured by slaves, eventually resulting in the Anti-Slavery Society led by William Wilberforce and many supporters were middle class

Question 15

Explain two ways in which the Anti-Corn League and the Abolition movement were similar
Similarity 2: Methods

Answer 15

Similarity 2: Methods
Both groups produced pamphlets and uses speeches to get support.

The league toured the country giving speeches. They produced pamphlets and had membership cards. They took advantage if new technology and used the penny post to send leaflets to voters. They also had mass meetings - 5000 people often gathered to hear John Bright speak. In 1846 the Corn Laws were repealed by Robert Peel.

Similarly, the abolitionists used peaceful methods; they spoke in parliament, held meetings and organised petitions (in 1787 Manchester sent an abolition petition to Parliament with 10,000 names. They produced drawings on slave ships and created propaganda like a famous Wedgewood badge ‘Am I not a man and a brother?’.
The abolitionists achieved their aim in 1833, the Abolition o Slavery Act was passed.

Question 16

Explain two ways in which the Chartist campaign and the campaign for Women’s suffrage were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 16

Similarity 1: The cause
Bothe the chartists were inspired at the desire for change and anger at the ruling class. They wanted political reform and were inspired by ideas of freedom and democracy.

Similarly, the chartists wanted the government to pass their 6 demands, which would improve working class people’s live as it extended their political freedom and electoral power. For example, they wanted to get rid off property qualifications, they wanted votes for all men as well as wages for MPs. One of the key leaders was Feargus O’Connor who was radical and wanted land reform to benefit the working class.

The Pankhurst’s created by the WSPUE in 1903 because they were frustrated by lack of action from the NUWSS, who advocated for peaceful methods to gain women’s suffrage. The suffragettes wanted to extend parliamentary influence to women. Their one demand was that they were keen for parliament to give women the vote.

Question 17

Explain two ways in which the Chartist campaign and the campaign for Women’s suffrage were similar
Similarity 2: Methods

Answer 17

Similarity 2: Methods
Both movements used a combination of violent actions and peaceful methods.

In the Newport Rising, chartists were shot by soldiers after they tried to free chartist prisoners. 22 were killed. The government became so concerned about the chartists violence that they moved Queen Victoria to the Isle of Wight for her own safety.

Suffragettes: smashed windows on Oxford Street, vandalized golf courses, set fire to post boxes. Many went on hunger strikes and were force fed. Emily Davison took the extreme action by running in front of the kings horse at the Epson Derby. Suffragettes experienced violence by the police e.g women were assaulted on Black Friday in November 1910. Over 1000 women were arrested in between 1906-1914.

Both movements contained leaders who tried to promote peaceful methods. The chartists produced propaganda such as the Northern Star newspaper and sold posters and held mass meetings. William lovett encouraged temperance.

Similarly, the suffragettes produced propaganda; postcards, newspapers and posters. They used peaceful methods like when Sophia Duleep Singh refused to pay her taxes and held marches like Women’s Sunday.

Question 18

Explain two ways in which the General Strike and Tolpuddle Martyrs were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 18

Similarity 1: The cause
Both fought for better pay and working conditions.

General Strike happened as coal workers were also reacting to change - falling coal prices and lack of investment in tech meant foreign coal was cheaper. Their wages were cut and shift length were shortened especially as new tech meant less workers were needed.

Tolmuddle were reacting to industrial change - some had their wages lowered and some lost their jobs due to farming machinery. They therefore formed a union (in secret).

Question 19

Explain two ways in which the General Strike and Tolpuddle Martyrs were similar
Similarity 2: Impact

Answer 19

Similarity 2: Impact
Both had a huge impact on trade unions.

The General Strike had a negative impact on unions as the strike failed to achieve change and the government passed the Trades Disputes and Trade Unions Act (1927), which made it illegal for unions to work together and unions could no longer fund political parties.
Labour lost 30% of its members.

After the Toldmuddle, people became involved in Chartism and co-operative societies as a way to improve the lives of the working classes. So the impact on unions was positive.

Question 20

Explain two ways in which the American and early nineteenth-century reformers were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 20

Similarity 1: The cause
Both demanded change from their British rulers/government

American colonists = American who wanted independence from the British Empire. They wanted freedom from Britain firstly because of unfair taxes like the stamp tax. They had no way of getting their view across in parliament and so their slogan was ‘no taxation without representation’. They protested this through the Boston Tea Party for example.

Early 19th century parliamentary reformers demanded electoral reform from the British government. The wanted to have representation in parliament via extending the franchise. They protested through events like Spa Fields riots in 1816 and Peterloo in 1819. Powerful ideas also encouraged the reformers, for instance in 1776 Major John Cartwright published a pamphlet called “Take your choice’ which argued for electoral reform and universal manhood suffrage.

Question 21

Explain two ways in which the American and early nineteenth-century reformers were similar
Similarity 2: Methods

Answer 21

Similarity 2: Methods
Both published their demands and both faced violence from the government.

The American colonists methods were both active and peaceful. For example, they published the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which outlined their vision for the future, including the idea that ‘all menq` are created equal’.
Violence was also a part of colonists methods. With help from France, they were successful in 1781 after almost 5 years of battling the British. America had won its independence.

19th century reformers also published their vision which is seen from the People’s Charter in 1838, which outlines the chartists their aims for example ‘all votes for men’.
They also faced violence for example in 1819 in Peterloo, 11 people were killed and 400 were injured. Reformers were also attending peaceful gatherings to hear Henry Hunt speak. Military were sent by the government to break up the meeting, showing that they were unwilling to listen to their demands.

Question 22

Explain two ways Chartism and New Unionism were similar
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 22

Similarity 1: The cause
Both wanted and demanded change.

The chartists had 6 demands including votes for all men and wages for MPs. The reason for their anger was due to their lack of political power. The MPs in parliament were not passing laws that were benefitting the working class.

New Unionism demanded for better working conditions e.g the dockers wanted a guaranteed of 4 hours a day and better wages. The match girls demanded higher wages, safer working conditions (phossy jaw) and end to the fine system. The bosses in charge of the matchbox factories refused to listen to the grievances of the workers, and thus they wanted a strike.

Question 23

Explain two ways Chartism and New Unionism were similar
Similarity 2: Methods

Answer 23

Similarity 2: Methods
Both groups fused similar methods

Both used written propaganda e.g the chartists ‘The Northern Star’ (the paper of Feargus O’connor) and ‘The Chartist (by William Lovett).
The matchbox girls had the ‘White slaves of London’ by Annie Besant which called for the boycott of matches.

Both used public marches e.g.The chartist procession of their petition is 1842 and the dockers march in 1889 where they carried rotten fish and onions to get sympathy for their cause as its the only thing they could afford to eat.

Question 24

Explain two ways in which the people that protested in Brixton and suffragettes were similar
Similarity 1:The cause

Answer 24

Similarity 1:The cause
Both groups frustrated with inequality

Brixton rioters faced inequality with housing, employment etc based on race. They were frustrated with the government decisions e.g the SUS law which discriminated against young black youths and Operation Swamp which led to 1000 people being searched in 6 days.

Suffragettes faced inequality as they didn’t have the vote and their voices weren’t acknowledged by the government. They were frustrated after they weren’t given the vote after Women’s Sunday in 1912.

Question 25

Explain two ways in which the people that protested in Brixton and suffragettes were similar
Similarity 2: Consequences

Answer 25

Similarity 2: Consequences
There are still problems with inequality.

Brixton: Scarman report which recognised the police were racist, however not enough action was taken, shown by future riots in Brixton (1985-95). The death of Stephen Lawrence and subsequent Macpherson, which concluded there was ‘institutional racism’ within the police.

Despite some women getting the vote in 1918 through the Representation of the People Act, there still wasn’t equality. Women got political equality with men in 1928. Other laws had to be passed to help female equality e.g 1967 abortion act, 1970 equal pay act. However the struggle for inequality increases as women still do not have equal rights in all aspects of life.

Question 26

Explain two ways in which the strikes in the 19th century were similar to the strikes after the Second World War
Similarity 1: The cause

Answer 26

Similarity 1: The cause
Strikes over employment/working conditions

New Unionism demanded for better working conditions e.g the dockers wanted a guaranteed of 4 hours a day and better wages. The match girls demanded higher wages, safer working conditions (phossy jaw) and end to the fine system. The bosses in charge of the matchbox factories refused to listen to the grievances of the workers, and thus they wanted a strike.

After WW2, strikers were about work - as pits were being closed by the conservative government. The Nation Union of Miners went on strike in protest over the closers. The Grunwick was also over working conditions and demanded for higher paper and discrimination they faced e.g they had to ask permission to go toilet.

Question 27

Explain two ways in which the strikes in the 19th century were similar to the strikes after the Second World War
Similarity 2: Methods

Answer 27

Similarity 2: Methods
Both groups gained support from the community and others.

The matchbox girls had the ‘White slaves of London’ by Annie Besant which called for the boycott of matches. The dockers march in 1889 where they carried rotten fish and onions to get sympathy for their cause as its the only thing they could afford to eat. This worked as the Dockers Relied started which meant they could eat and they were given £30,000 from trade unions in Australia.

Similarly, miners had support from many who contributed funds to the miners families. Arthur Scargill, the leader of the miners union made powerful speeches to gain support from the public. And by 1977, 20,000 people had joined the Grunwick strikers in solidarity, showing again how their strikes were supported by others.

Question 28

Explain two ways the peasant’s revolt is similar to Trade Unionism in the 19th century
Similarity 1:The cause

Answer 28

Similarity 1:The cause
Both movements were due to critical of authority. They were both concerned about their standard of living, pay or conditions and how much money they had to give away as taxes.

The peasants were inspired by John Ball, a priest. He criticised the morality of the church as they exploited the working class and being rich when the poor were starving. His famous quote “When Adam delved and Eve span, Who was then the gentleman?”

The trade unionists criticised the authority of the dock owners or factory owners for poor working conditions and low wages, such as the Match girls in 1988 who developed phossy jaw. Like the peasants who marched to see the king, the match girls went to protest to parliament. The peasants were critical to the polices of John Gaunt who introduced the poll tax which disproportionally affected the poor as the statue of labourers kept the wages low.

Question 29

Explain two ways the peasant’s revolt is similar to Trade Unionism in the 19th century
Similarity 2: Outcome

Answer 29

Similarity 2: Outcome
Both events are similar as they had some successful results.

The peasants revolt scared the ruling class to free many villains. 70 years later all villains were free and could work for wages wherever they wanted. The ideas of the peasants revolt inspired C17th levellers and C19th socialists.

The impact trade unionism had on the 19th century began with the skilled workers and the New Model Unions and spread to the new unionists who were successful like the Match Girls Strike in 1888 and the Dockers Strike in 1889 which inspired the creation of the Independence Labour Party to provide a permanent political voice for workers.