Unit 3: What was the impact of the radical reformers themselves?

Question 1

Who was Thomas Paine?(headlines and achievements)

Answer 1

Welcomed the French revolution; hoped for a democratic system.

‘Rights of Man’- published 1791-92 was successful in opposing Burke’s conservative ideas.

His pamphlet ‘Rights of Man’ was the most successful attempt to counter Burke’s argument- reached large audiences in Britain and France. It was accessible to most, not just the educated elite in terms of his writing style.

Question 2

What was Thomas Paine’s short-term impact?

Answer 2

The government didn’t take action against Paine after Part I of his pamphlet even though it reached a wide audience- 200,000 copies sold in 3 years.

Part II concerned ministers- issue sent against seditious writing, so he left for France.

Question 3

What was Thomas Paine’s long-term impact?

Answer 3

Historian Evan acknowledges the importance of Paine’s work, writing that it was the most single important event in the History of British radicalism.

Question 4

What was Thomas Paine’s limits?

Answer 4

Government issued a royal proclamation against wicked/seditious writings- many saw this directly aimed at Paine who decided to leave for France.

Question 5

What did Thomas Paine’s ‘Rights of Man’ Part I consist of?

Answer 5

It rejects Burke’s claims that the civil/political rights were created by the government. Instead it declares all men were born equal, thus they should all have the same human/political rights. He wanted all adult males to have the right to vote.

Question 6

What did Thomas Paine’s ‘Rights of Man’ Part II consist of?

Answer 6

It comprehensively outlined his theories of British government/society: creation of a national democratic assembly, abolition of aristocracy/titles, establishment of a national education system, reduction of taxes on the poor.

Question 7

Who was William Cobbett? (headlines and achievements)

Answer 7

William Cobbett established Cobbett’s political register- a leading independent source of impartial news.

The register had a circulation of 4000 by 1805.

In 1816, he wanted to reach a wider audience- his political register was very popular but cost 1 shilling, therefore hard for working-class readers to access. Cobbett then decided to issue a single sheet for 2 pence.

Question 8

What was William Cobbett’s short term impact?

Answer 8

His register was extremely popular in promoting parliamentary reform.

Question 9

What was William Cobbett’s long term impact?

Answer 9

His new publication- ‘to the Journeymen and Labourers of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland’ was a huge success.

By the end of 1817, 200,000 copies were printed and circulated.

Question 10

What were William Cobbett’s limits?

Answer 10

The government used his articles against him- in 1810, he was tried for seditious libel against armed forces, sentenced to 2 years in prison.

In 1809, soldiers at Cambridgeshire mutinied as they hadn’t been paid- they were court martialled and 5 ring leaders were sentenced to 500 lashes each. Cobbett vigorously denounced this inhumane punishment, in successive editions of the register.

Question 11

Who was John Cartwright? (headlines and achievements)

Answer 11

John Cartwright formed the London/Hampden clubs to promote parliamentary reform.

He published a pamphlet calling for universal suffrage.

He toured industrial districts in the North/Midlands- saw the widespread poverty and poor living conditions.

Became convinced parliamentary reform was needed, encouraging a creation of regional Hampden clubs.

Question 12

What was John Cartwright’s short-term impact?

Answer 12

Rapid growth in popularity of regional Hampden clubs- led to a plenary meeting in London 1817.

Question 13

What was John Cartwright’s long-term impact?

Answer 13

Government actions meant that the Hampden clubs were unable to act effectively after 1817.

Question 14

What were John Cartwright’s limits?

Answer 14

Authorities weren’t convinced they had peaceful intentions, arresting many reformers and deploying spies.

Helped send reformers to prison for a couple of months, as there was no serious charge.

Question 15

What were the Hampden clubs?

Answer 15

Hampden clubs in London- an exclusive affair. Annual subscripton of two guineas/£2.10- limited membership to middle class/aristocratic men.

Regional Hampden clubs: weekly subscription to one penny. Frequent meetings to discuss national news and debate political issues.

Question 16

Who was Henry Hunt? (headlines and achievements)

Answer 16

Henry Hunt was the great orator- made powerful speeches standing for universal suffrage, bringing him national popularity.

Established himself as one o the most important leaders of British radicalism, thanks to his speeches opposing property taxes and the Corn laws 1815.

His influence clearly seen at the Spa Fields Meeting in November 1816, where he first proposed universal suffrage at a mass meeting.

Question 17

What was Henry Hunt’s short term impact?

Answer 17

His trademark white top made him instantly recognisable at public meetings and his powerful championing of radical causes bought him national popularity.

Question 18

What was Henry Hunt’s long term impact?

Answer 18

From 1815 onwards, Hunt was seen as the Champion of people and their interests.

Question 19

What were Henry Hunt’s limits?

Answer 19

In 1819, he was arrested by Magistrates after it was feared his influence would lead to violence in public meetings. He was charged with promoting seditious conspiracy and was jailed in 1820 for 2 and a half years.

Question 20

What was Henry Hunt’s attitude to reform?

Answer 20

Initially, in the years 1800, he supported the political and social outlook of men of his class, giving unqualified support for Pitt’s domestic and foreign policy.

His attitude changed dramatically in 1799-1800 when he was imprisoned for defying the orders of the commander of his local militia. In prison, he came in contact with radicals imprisoned for political activities and had a profound influence on Hunt.