Radicalism Grows: The London Corresponding Society Flashcards
What was the LCS?
An organisation set up to campaign for political reform. The idea for Corresponding Societies came from Paine. The first opened in Sheffield in 1792, followed a month later by The LCS. Aim was to write to / link with, similar provincial societies.
What changes did the LCS call for?
The LCS believed
• the people of GB were not adequately represented in Parliament;
• and pointed towards the ‘oppressive taxes, unjust laws, restrictions of liberty, and wasting the public money’.
• The LCS were actually quite moderate, limited aims.
They emphasised their opposition to violence and anarchy.
How successful were the LCS and others in calling for reform?
• Total membership peaked at over 3000 in 1795
• Societies became a feature of many unrepresented towns, such as Manchester, Leeds, and Edinburgh; skilled craftsmen in particular joined
• The Societies held weekly meetings & printed pamphlets
- In 1793, 6000 members of the public signed a petition to say they supported the resolutions of the LCS; the organisation could attract several thousand for a demonstration and plans were underway to organise a convention in Edinburgh.
How did the Government respond?
The initial response came from the propertied classes who formed loyalist associations (with government’s backing); they used anti-radical propaganda to counter the threat of the LCS by focusing upon anti-French sentiment and fear of radical change
Why did the Government’s fears increase?
• Growth in support for radical societies and increased organisational capacity.
• Perceived growth in unrest, partly evidence of local magistrates / informers.
• The increased violence in France, especially execution of King Louis XVI Jan 1793.
However, there is little evidence that the LCS aimed to exploit discontent even after 1793 when the economic and social strains of war became more apparent
Which laws were passed to counter this threat posed by the LCS?
The Royal Proclamation Against Seditious Writings and Publications (1792) Authorised government to use of spies, infiltrate radical groups and open private letters.
The Suspension of Habeas Corpus (1794-1795)
Enabled the authorities to round up suspects and detain them without trial.
The Treason Trials (1794) 41 radicals (13 from the LCS), including Hardy, Tooke and Thelwall were arrested and charged with high treason. Only Hardy, Tooke and Thelwall’s trials took place – all three were acquitted (to widespread celebration) and the others were released. However the trials had the effect of stopping the spread of radical ideas throughout the country; certainly this contact with France was now lost.
‘The Two Acts’
The Treasonable Practices Act and the Seditious Meeting Act (1795)
A failed harvest, and food shortages / high prices had increased unrest. The first act made words, either spoken to written, treasonable. Aim = intimidate: no radical ever prosecuted under it. The latter prohibited meetings of more than 50 people without a magistrate.
The Combination Act (1799)
Prohibited trades unions and collective bargaining after a series of strikes and other political agitation by workers.
What was the effect of this legislation?
laws introduced to counter the threat posed by LCS
By end of 1795 radicalism was silenced. The new powers of Pitt’s government rarely used and fewer than 200 were convicted under them in 1790s. Key to success was they enabled authorities to intimidate radicals – arresting leaders, silencing propaganda and frightening many away.
Other factor was return of war with French. War broke out 1793 and led to restored patriotism in Britain, under which radicals increasingly viewed as traitors. Nonetheless, although radicalism quietened down, it did not disappear. Many of its supporters and ideas endured, ready to re-emerge before the end of the war against France.
