The government response to Chartism

Question 1

How did the GRA of 1832 impact the government’s policies?

Answer 1

• GRA of 1832 had sufficiently extended the constitution
• No further change was desirable or necessary

Question 2

Did the Whigs support the movement, however?

Answer 2

• Number of MPs who sympathised with the Chartists
• Petition gained almost 50 supporting votes each time

Question 3

What deterred the government to extend the franchise further?

Answer 3

• Disorganised nature and the clear association with violence made any real parliamentary support untenable

Question 4

How did the government respond up until 1838?

Answer 4

• Due to Whig’s liberal ideology, gov took no real direct action against movement
• E.g. Manchester Moor meeting in 1838 - involving 30,000 people

Question 5

Following the 1839 Birmingham riots the government response changed to a more…

Answer 5

• Direct role of opposing the Chartist movement

Question 6

The two main tactics to counter the Chartists were…

Answer 6

• Arresting of leaders - putting them in prison for small periods of time - disorganising the movement
• Using police and soldiers to break up marches and protests - intimidation and fear

Question 7

How was General Napier important?

Answer 7

• In charge of the armies up north (where most violent protests and radical groups were)

Question 8

Why was Napier’s response to the Chartist’s violent action significant in sustaining governmental control?

Answer 8

• Methodical and calm in his response
• Avoided the government looking rash and violent as they did in Peterloo 1819

Question 9

If the government had not responded to violence so well …

Answer 9

• The Chartist movement could have gained more support by creating a common enemy (gov)
• Criticised in articles and newspapers to gain wider spread support