Radicalism Re-emerges: The events of 1816-1819 Flashcards
How poor harvests of 1816 lead to increase in radical activity?
Severe weather resulted in poor harvest and this lead to desperate food shortages in the winter. This declined the economic hardship during the Napoleon War
What was the Spa Field protest (1816)?
There was a huge meeting at spa field attended by 10,000. Hunt gave a speech and the intention was to give a petition to prince regent. The chief concerns were parliamentary reform, there was banners, slogans everywhere around the city.
Why did Spa Fields prove controversial?
Before Hunt had arrived the crowded rioted breaking into a gun shop seizing weapons and marching towards the Tower of London. Riots lasted for several hours but by nightfall everything stopped most people were peaceful and singing the national anthem.
Was Hunt at least partly responsible for the violence?
Hunt spoke from the window of a public house. He made no appeal to violence but urged people to sign a petition. Cobbett was invited but he did not attend.
What were the effects of Spa Fields?
The petition was not delivered until 1817, signed by thousands. Most MPs were afraid of this demonstration of popular feeling and did not want manhood suffrage.
How did the authorities react to in 1817?
The government pushed tree measures through the parliament
- suspension of habeas corpus (6months)
- seditious meetings act
- incitement to mutiny (hanging offence)
Legislations was effective cobbett fled to us and radicals were forced to operate underground
What was the Pentrich uprising 1817?
200 unemployed workers began march to Nottingham where they planned to attack a castle.
Armed with pikes, forks and guns they believed it would start a national rebellion
Why did Pentrich prove so controversial?
As the trial it was transpired that Oliver had convinced the men to act leading them to think they were part of a nationwide rebellion.
Three leaders were hanged and 14 others were transported
What were the effects of these harsh sentences
Evidence of governments involvement led to public outcry, which was supported by Whig politicians who were keen to seize an opportunity to attack tories
Who are the blanketeers?
Unemployed workers,
They planned to march to London to present petition to prince regent demanding better textile industry restoration of habeas corpus and reform of parliament
What happened when the crowds gathered on 10th march in Manchester?
Marchers were carrying blankets to sleep on and to signify that they were textile workers. They planned to depart in groups of 10 each carrying a petition of 20 signatures to signify it was real and not illegal mass assembly.
They were broken up and 27 people and they were pursued and attacked by the cavalry
What err the effects of the actions taken by the government in Manchester?
Many marchers had deep wounds
Stockport resident was shot dead
Wave of arrests
No more meetings were held and the hampden clubs were disappeared
Describe economic conditions of 1818
There was slight improvement in trade and fall in unemployment. Habeas corpus was restored and the ban on large meetings was lifted
Why meet at St. Peter’s field Manchester in 1819?
Four huge meetings were planned as a demonstration of radical and working class strength. The last was scheduled to take place in St. Peter’s field and Henry hunt was to address the crowd
What preparations by both sides prior to the meeting?
Local authorities grew concerned at prospect of large numbers grew concerned at prospect of large number of radicals gathering. Radical clubs and political unions were getting ready for the meeting
The yeomanry were called yo and professional trolls were on stand by
