Suffrage Flashcards
What was Peterloo (1819)
A major protest against the British political system
What happened at Peterloo
50,000 people arrived at St. Peter’s Field in Manchester
Henry Hunt (a radical speaker) was due to make a speech calling for the reform of Parliament
An army was sent to prevent disturbances
What happened when the army arrived
When Henry Hunt began to speak to the army and attempted to arrest him, the army attacked anybody who got in their way.
What were the casualties of Peterloo
11 killed, 400 injured
What were the consequences of Peterloo
The government congratulated the army and those involved in keeping order
Henry Hunt was sentenced to 2+ years in prison
The government banned meetings of more than 50 people at any time
Tax on newspapers was increased
Why did the government change the tax on newspapers
So that working-class people could not afford to read them and they would be less likely to publish negative things about the government
Why did the government passed the 1832 Reform Act
Because of the recent riots (e.g. Peterloo)
What did the Act change
Men whose homes had a lease of £10+ got the vote
Seats must be created in new industrial towns such as Birmingham
Seats for MP’s in rotten boroughs had to be removed
What was the reaction to the Act
The middle class was happy about the changes, but the working class still couldn’t vote
What were the restrictions of the Act
Elections were held in public so there was still bribery
MP’s were still not paid and the government was controlled by the upper class
Women were still not allowed to vote
