Reaction to Failure and Revival 1840-1842

Question 1

What was the National Charter Association?

Answer 1

Formed with the help of O’Connor the National Charter Association aimed to provide the central organisation which Chartism lacked

Question 2

When was the National Charter Association formed?

Answer 2

On July 1840

Question 3

What did the National Charter Association manage to do similarly to the Northern Star?

Answer 3

Maintain unity which kept Chartism alive

Question 4

When was the second petition?

Answer 4

May 1842

Question 5

How many signatures did the second petition contain?

Answer 5

3.3m signatures

Question 6

Was the second petition a success?

Answer 6

No - it was again easily rejected by the House of Commons by 287 votes to 49

Question 7

When was economic depression at its worst?

Answer 7

July 1842 - mass unemployment and wage cuts

Question 8

Were the Plug Riots organised?

Answer 8

No - working class activists drifted out of control and Chartist leaders had no influence

Question 9

When were the Plug Riots?

Answer 9

1842

Question 10

What happened during the Plug Riots?

Answer 10

Strikers pulled the plugs from the boilers to prevent the steam engines from working, and thus forcing factories to close down (most severe in the Midlands and the North)

Question 11

Were the Plug Riots successful?

Answer 11

Despite there being many violent clashes across the country, the Chartists were no match for the 6000 troops under the command of General Napier - nothing became of the Plug Riots

Question 12

How did General Napier’s troops manage to interfere with Chartist disturbances so quickly?

Answer 12

Troops moved around the country using the newly build railways

Question 13

Were any arrested during the Plug Riots?

Answer 13

Yes - mass arrests were made by a Conservative government that was elected in 1841 (far more firm in response than the Whigs), by the end of 1842 about 1500 people were put on trial