Radicalism Flashcards
What was the impact of the American revolution on Britain?
- proved political reform was obtainable
- principles of democracy could be established in a written constitution
- no hereditary titles
- universal male suffrage
What was the initial impact of the French Revolution on GB?
- inspired radicals that change was possible
- reform could be achieved by mounting popular
- stimulated enthusiasm for reform
Why did the impact of the French Revolution on GB change as the Revolution progressed ?
- bloodshed of terror (1793 onwards)
- those who opposed reform could portray change as dangerous
- Britain vs France war in 1793 so radicalism was unpatriotic
Who was Edmund Burke ?
MP sympathised with American colonies Conservative under Pitt Believed in hereditary monarchy Saw democracy as dangerous
What were Burkes central ideas ?
- anti revolution
- Revolution = violence
- government derives from Custom and tradition
- liberty of the “swinish multitude” needs to be restrained
Who was Thomas Paine?
- pro revolution
- published “common sense” urging the colonies to seek independence
- supported French citizens but fled to US during terror
How did Paine respond to Burke’s defence of the constitution?
- published “the rights of man”
- p2 (1792) sold 200,000 copies within the year. Sold cheaply and opened political debate to lower classes
- hugely inspirational to radicals
What were Thomas Paine’s core beliefs?
Equality and liberty
Individual freedom and shared outlook on the common good
Private property should be shared
What were the key ideas or the rights of man?
Tradition is not always a good thing Universal suffrage Free education Welfare Gov protect all equally
What was the LCS?
Campaigns for political reform
Idea came from Paine
First opened in Sheffield 1792
Aimed to link with similar societies
What changes did the LCS call for?
-end to: unjust laws
wasting of public money
Impressive taxes
Restriction of liberty
- moderate, limited aims
- opposed violence
How successful were the LCS and other CS?
- membership peaked at over 3000 in 1795
- weekly meetings and printed pamphlets
- joined by artisans mostly
How did the government respond to LCS initially?
- didn’t
- propertied classes formed loyalist associations
- -used anti radical propaganda and anti French sentiment
Why did the governments fear of LCS increase?
- growth in support of radical societies
- perceived growth in unrest
- increased violence in France (execution of Louis XVI in 1793)
Which laws were passed to counter the threat posed by the LCS?
PITTS REIGN OF TERROR
- suspension of habeas corpus (1794-95)
- The royal proclamation against seditious writings and publications 1792
- the treason trials 1794
- seditious meetings act 1795
- the combination act 1799
What were the treason trials? (1794)
41 radicals, including Hardy and Tooke, were arrested and charged with high treason. Only three trials took place, all were acquitted. All 41 released.
- -stopped spreading of radical ideas
- -contact with France was lost
What was the effect of Pitts reign of terror ?
By 1785 radicalism was silenced.
-aimed to intimidate rather than convict
( war with French also made radicalism unpatriotic )
What complaints emerged by 1815?
- unemployment after napoleonic wars (300,000 troops return home)
- new machines replace skilled workers
- fluctuating food prices
- indirect taxation
- corn laws
Hat was Luddism?
1810-11
Recently installed machines destroyed
<= skilled craftsmen feared loss of livelihoods
William Horsfall assassinated
How did the authorities respond to Luddism?
Thousands of troops stationed in the north and midlands
Machine breaking made capital offence
Several executions
What problems did GB face after the defeat of Napoleon in 1815?
(Since 1793)
National debt increased
Loss of war orders. Most trade partners were in depression.
Unemployment rose
How did the government attempt to reduce national debt in 1815?
Indirect taxation of everyday items such as sugar, tea, candles, beer and Tabacco
(Disproportionate impact on the poor)
Why were the corn laws introduced?
Landowners demanded a ban on import of foreign wheat
–wanted to be self sufficient in case of another war. Plus agriculture was the primary employer in Britain
Saw profits of landowners and impoverishing of lower classes