The Tolpuddle Martyrs Flashcards

1
Q

Why had labourers formed a union in Tolpuddle?

A

To negotiate better pay and conditions.

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2
Q

What caused wages to drop?

A

New farm machinery had meant fewer labourers were needed. Anyone could operate these machines and no special training was needed, so wages dropped.

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3
Q

Was being part of a trade union legal?

A

Yes, so the men were not breaking any laws.

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4
Q

Who was their leader?

A

George Loveless

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5
Q

When was George Loveless arrested?

A

February 1834

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6
Q

What law was broken in this trade union?

A

The men had all taken an oath to keep their union a secret, and part of the act to legalise unionism had stated that no secret oaths were to be taken.

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7
Q

What did landowners and governments think could influence ideas of equality and freedom through Britain?

A

The French Revolution.

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8
Q

What 2 groups had not helped assure governments and landowners that ideas of equality and freedom would not spread through Britain?

A

The Luddites and Swing Rioters

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9
Q

What was the mens’ punishment for being found guilty of making an unlawful oath?

A

They were sentenced to 7 years’ transportation to Australia. There they would endure hard labour.

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10
Q

Who was Robert Owen and what did he do?

A

He was a Tolpuddle Martyr who called a meeting of the GNCTU, where 10,000 people arrived to attend

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11
Q

How many people met at Copenhagen Fields?

A

200,000

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12
Q

When did people meet at Copenhagen Fields?

A

21 April 1834

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13
Q

Where were the people at Copenhagen Fields marching to, carrying what?

A

They were marching to parliament, carrying a petition demanding the release of the Tolpuddle men.

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14
Q

How many names were on the petition brought by the people at Copenhagen Fields?

A

800,000

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15
Q

How long were the families of the 6 men supported?

A

3 years

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16
Q

What supported the families of the 6 men?

A

Contributions organised by unions.

17
Q

When was the pardon granted?

A

1837

18
Q

What did George Loveless write after his arrival home?

A

A best-selling pamphlet, the Victims of Whiggery.

19
Q

What were the benefits out of the pamphlet Loveless wrote?

A

It cost 4d to buy and profits raised funds for the families.

20
Q

Where were Loveless’s writings widely quoted?

A

At Chartist meetings throughout the country.

21
Q

What committee raised enough money to buy the returned men’s farms?

A

The London Dorchester Committee

22
Q

Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs significant in the long term?

A

-It inspired other groups such as the Chartists
-The Tolpuddle martyrs are still remembered today
-There is a museum in their village and an annual festival

23
Q

Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs significant in the short term?

A

-It showed the government was really worried about trade unions
-A popular protest by ordinary people led to the government reversing its decision
-It showed the power of population protests
-It showed the benefits of trade unions