Toldpuddle Martyrs Flashcards
How did the French Revolution in 1789 influence the British government?
They were terrified the same would happen in Britain and fearful landowners and politicians viewed every protest as a potential uprising or riot
Which group were the government worried about?
They were concerned about the Grand National Consolidated Trades Union, which aimed to bring workers together and fight for better pay and working conditions. It was legal to belong to a trade union but employers believed that is threatened their profits and harmed their interests.
Describe who the Tolpuddle Martyrs were:
Six farm labourers from Tolpuddle and were led by George loveless. Farm labourers wages had been cut several times and struggled to support their family. In 1833, after a further cut to their wages, the men set up the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. Each man was blindfolded and swore an oath of secrecy and support for the union
Despite the oath of secrecy, local farmers heard about the martyrs group. What happened after this?
The authorities arrested the six men, using a law originally used for the navy that prevented sailors taking secret oaths. The government used this law to include all secret oaths and changing the definition of crime for their own purpose. Loveless and the five other men were sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia in 1834
Describe the experience of the Tolpuddle martyrs transportation and the public’s reaction?
After 111 days they arrived at Sydney harbour and were forced to walk to the farms where they worked. In Britain there was a wide public outcry and the men were regarded as martyrs for union rights and a campaign was ordered against their unfair treatment. A petition demanding their release was signed by 250,000 people.
What happened in march 1836 for the Tolpuddle martyrs?
All six men were granted a pardon but it would still take two more years before the men were able to return home
State two facts that prove that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were not a serious group:
Unions and friendly societies had been legal in Britain since 1824
The martyrs group had no intention to use violence and hoped to negotiate respectfully with their bosses
State two facts that prove that the Tolpuddle martyrs were a serious group:
They made a secret oath, which were often used by revolutionary groups. This challenged the authorities and could be hiding illegal activities
In 1830, there were major riots across southern England by agricultural labourers which caused a huge amount of property damage. They could inspire other labourers to improve their situation and cause more riots
