Radicalism Re-emerges: Press, political clubs & public meetings Flashcards
Describe the influence of John Cartwright in the early 1800s
Radical agitation in the early 1800s in the press. The “father” of newspaper agitation was major john Cartwright he remained supporter of parliamentary reform.
Who was William Cobbett?
Influential radical, who became a MP he traveled around the county to learn about living conditions. He believed there was inequality in GB because of the government
Describe Cobbett’s early career?
Published “Weekly political register” in 1802. He embraced reformist views after imprisonment for a campaign about flogging in the army
How did Cobbett’s influence grow?
He was writing about his views on the Political register and felt responsible for suffering of the people. His influence grew during the winter 1816-17 as there was poor harvest and bread prices rose he gave one simple solution to people; parliamentary reform
Provide an example of cobbett’s “labels”?
Placemen - those who received incomes from places they held in government.
What were political / radical clubs?
Many of Cobbett’s readers attended meetings in pubs and chapels to read articles and pamphlets and discuss ideas
Who joined the Hampden clubs?
Memberships were limited by fear of punishment to a revolutionary society. Middle class were reluctant to join as they feared such organisations could encourage a revolution
What were their aims?
To win over respectable support for reform
Achieve manhood suffrage
Abolition of the corn laws
Describe their activities
Produced pamphlets financed by their weekly subscription
Started a petition to parliament
What was the “platform”?
The third form of radical agitation was the platform they built around the right to petition parliament and provided an opportunity to demonstrate popular support for reform
Who was Henry Hunt?
He shared a prison cell in 1810 with Cobbett because he released a campaign for manhood suffrage. He became the most popular radical leader, he was the main speaker at Peterloo and also spoke at Spa Field
Explain Hunts core beliefs
Henry’s fiery speeches made him a hero to the working class. He didn’t want any riots only peaceful ways such as the method mass platform
