Unit 3: How effective was the government's response to protest in the years to 1819? Flashcards
Describe the trial of the leaders of the LCS.
The royal proclamation of 1792 against seditious writing resulted in more action against reformers.
The government arrested delegates from the ‘potentially subversive’ meeting in 1793 with the LCS, calling for parliamentary reform.
Despite this, the reform societies regrouped calling for a national reform convention. To the government, reformers appeared to be dividing the nation at a critical time (war between Britain and France since 1793).
Armed with the information provided by their network of spies, the government arrested several leaders of the LCS and SCI and charged them with high treason.
At the same time, habeas corpus was suspended.
The government grew concerned with the growth of the LCS- only 500 members but their small meetings to involve every member led to the formation of more groups, Hardy declared membership unlimited- therefore, they posed a threat.
The trial in 1794 lead to the aquittal of the leaders due to flimsy evidence.
What was the impact of the trial of the LCS leaders?
Several leaders of LCS withdrew from radical politics.
Pitt’s government continued to harass radical movements, and was prepared to change laws to achieve its purpose- including longer prison sentences.
It discouraged some reformers from peaceful political organisations and pushed others towards more militant appeals.
What was the purpose of the Treason Act 1795?
The rise in unemployment in industrial towns because the French war dislocated Britain’s overseas trade had catalysed more reform activity.
The existing laws against treason didn’t allow the conviction of LCS leaders.
The definition of treason extended to those who had intention to intimidate or overawe the Houses of Parliament.
What was the impact of the Treason Act 1795?
Radical activity diminished rapidly.
Support for reform declined as it served as a deterrent, emphasised how the government was committed to suppressing any perceived threat to the monarchy.
Restricted publication of protest pamphlets.
However, rarely used in practice suggesting it did not effectively address the government’s concerns.
What was the purpose of the Seditious Meetings Act 1795?
Restricted the size of public meetings to 50 people unless they were approved in advance by the magistrates.
Renting a hall for debating policies without a magistrates license was banned.
Justices of the peace were given powers to attend any public meeting and could disperse if they considered it to be an unlawful assembly.
What was the impact of the Seditious Meetings Act 1795?
Radical activity diminished rapidly.
Support for reform declined.
Rare use of the act suggests that its impact was minimal.
The efforts made to repeal the act, although unsuccessful, indicate its opposition undermined its success.
What was the purpose of the Gagging Acts 1817?
Refers to the 1817 measures aimed to suppress radical unrest.
After 1815 when the war with France led to British victory, Lord Liverpool’s government faced numerous challenges to authority.
The government had a laissez-faire belief that the economy would revive without government intervention as the economy fell into a depression, poor harvests, and rising unemployment.
Radical activities in the years 1915-17 led to ministers to believe in the existence of a national revolutionary conspiracy, eg the Hampden clubs, Spa Fields etc.
Seemed to be linked to a series of events that would lead to a general insurrection.
What was the impact of the Gagging Acts 1817?
Succeeded in their aim of quelling unrest in the short-term, especially in London.
What was the purpose of the Six Acts 1819?
The Peterloo Massacre frightened the government because of the well-organised and disciplined crowd marching with almost military efficiency- so the government aimed to restore order:
- Drilling Act banned unlawful military-style drilling with the harsh penalty of transportation; this is because many of those who attended Peterloo were known to be practising marching and drilling prior and therefore could be seen as preparation for future insurrection.
- Seizure of Arms Act empowered magistrates to enter any property where they suspected arms were being stored.
- Misdemeanours Act reduced the ability of any arrested person from being granted bail.
- Criminal Libel Act introduced the transportation penalty for libellous writings which failed.
- Newspapers and Stamp Duties Act extended the number of publications that had to pay the stamp duty and the amount to be paid was increased- this was to reduce the number of newspapers and pamphlets that could be published profitably.
- Seditious Meetings Act where magistrates needed to be notified before public meetings.
What was the impact of the Six Acts 1819?
Radical activity was suppressed.
Acts were strongly condemned by many contemporaries.
