The Tolpuddle Martyrs Flashcards
Why had labourers formed a union in Tolpuddle?
To negotiate better pay and conditions.
What caused wages to drop?
New farm machinery had meant fewer labourers were needed. Anyone could operate these machines and no special training was needed, so wages dropped.
Was being part of a trade union legal?
Yes, so the men were not breaking any laws.
Who was their leader?
George Loveless
When was George Loveless arrested?
February 1834
What law was broken in this trade union?
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.
What did landowners and governments think could influence ideas of equality and freedom through Britain?
The French Revolution.
What 2 groups had not helped assure governments and landowners that ideas of equality and freedom would not spread through Britain?
The Luddites and Swing Rioters
What was the mens’ punishment for being found guilty of making an unlawful oath?
They were sentenced to 7 years’ transportation to Australia. There they would endure hard labour.
Who was Robert Owen and what did he do?
He was a Tolpuddle Martyr who called a meeting of the GNCTU, where 10,000 people arrived to attend
How many people met at Copenhagen Fields?
200,000
When did people meet at Copenhagen Fields?
21 April 1834
Where were the people at Copenhagen Fields marching to, carrying what?
They were marching to parliament, carrying a petition demanding the release of the Tolpuddle men.
How many names were on the petition brought by the people at Copenhagen Fields?
800,000
How long were the families of the 6 men supported?
3 years
What supported the families of the 6 men?
Contributions organised by unions.
When was the pardon granted?
1837
What did George Loveless write after his arrival home?
A best-selling pamphlet, the Victims of Whiggery.
What were the benefits out of the pamphlet Loveless wrote?
It cost 4d to buy and profits raised funds for the families.
Where were Loveless’s writings widely quoted?
At Chartist meetings throughout the country.
What committee raised enough money to buy the returned men’s farms?
The London Dorchester Committee
Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs significant in the long term?
-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
Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs significant in the short term?
-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
