Unit 4: How far had the Chartists achieved their aims by 1850? Flashcards
What is Chartism?
A parliamentary reform movement of 1837-48 with the principles set out in the manifesto The People’s Charter which called for:
- Universal suffrage
- Equal electoral districts
- Voting by secret ballot
- Annual general elections
- Payment of MPs
- Abolition of property qualifications for MPs
Rank the supporters of chartism
Working class as they were mostly affected by the economic changes and Chartist movement aligned with their needs.
Women played a significant role in fundraising and running Chartists schools as the working women were also affected by the economic fluctuations, yet it was too radical, even for chartism, to petition for universal suffrage to include women so women support started to dissipate after 2nd petition.
The Northern regions as even after the industrial revolution they still remained underrepresented - as support increased in the north the movement got more violent where militia formed and weapons were manufactured.
Birmingham and in particular the Birmingham Political Union, was a significant support for the early Chartist movement. However, the Birmingham reformers were more moderate. so after the failure of the riots for the First Petition in 1839, the BPU distanced themselves from the Chartists and support declined.
Middle class as at first there was significant support in the industrial areas with economic problems . There were middle-class supporters in the first National Convention. However, after the Birmingham riots and Newport Uprising of 1839, middle-class support declined. When the Chartists took an Anti-Corn Law stance it alienated the middle-class.
Rural workers as they did not face the same circumstances as working class and Chartism did not affect them.
What factor led to the emergence of the Chartist movements in the 1830s?
Schemes promoting universal suffrage such as the ‘Head of the Proposals’ 1647, when army leaders met to discuss how the country should be governed after the Civil War of the 1640s.
French revolution and post-war distress revived interest in political reform but the debate suppressed by Peterloo, the Six Acts.
Working-class interest in reform revived in late 1820s as they supported organisations such as the BPV, but were disillusioned by the passage of the Reform Act 1832 therefore pushing them towards ore radical politics.
Chartists were opposed to many policies by the Whigs because of their attacks on the rights of trade unions and their failure to provide effective reform of factory conditions.
What was the Irish Coercion Act 1833?
The Catholic Relief act 1829 freed Catholics from their civil disabilities which led to Irish Catholics going against their religious rules by attacking the payment of the tithes to the Anglican Church of Ireland which caused the violent breakdown of law and order.
The act gave the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland powers to suppress public meetings, to commonly use arbitrary arrest and for offenders be tried by court martial rather than in civil courts.
What was the impact of the Irish Coercion Act 1833?
Shocked radicals as they feared that the Whigs would impose similar restrictions on British radicalism.
Caused demonstrations against the Act, in England and Scotland.
Mass meetings occured in Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham which marked the revivial of radical political activity and emergence of Chartism.
What happened with the Whigs and Trade Unions?
The repeal of the Combination Acts 1824 led to the establishment of trade unions eg. in 1834, Robert Owen created the Grand National Consolidated Trades Union (GNCTU) intending to bring together all workers to one national union as power would be enhanced by substantial membership- Whigs shut them down.
Farm labourers from a Dorset village formed a trade union and swore an oath to keep their activities secret- the government considered oaths to be criminal so the men were convicted and sentenced for 7 years transportation.
Small localised unions continued.
What was the impact of the Whigs intervening in trade unions?
The attacks on trade unions intensified the hatred felt by working people towards the Whigs.
Led to growth in Chartism.
What was the War of the Unstamped 1831-6?
Newspapers had been taxed since 1712 to restrict its circulation and public access.
Britain imposed stamp duties on American colonies in 1765 which led to American Revolution.
In the 1830s, every copy of a British newspaper paid 4 pence tax which made the press too expensive for ordinary people.
In 1831, Henry Hetherington founded ‘The Poor Man’s Guardian’ which was unstamped and sold for 1 penny. It had a circulation of 220,000 copies by 1833- the government tried to stop Hetherington from publishing newspapers with fines and imprisonment but this did not deter him.
What was the impact of the War of the Unstamped 1831-6?
Led to the reduction of stamp tax on newspapers to 1 penny.
Led to the abolishment of tax on pamhplets.
Highlights how the extra-parliamentary pressure could force change in government policies.
Led to People’s Charter.
What was the Factory Act 1833?
During late 18th century, many reformers campaigned for government regulations of the factory system eg. Sir Robert Peel sponsored measures in the early 1820s to limit the hours worked by children under 16 but without a system of regular inspections, they were largely ignored.
Richard Oastler (Bradford humanitarian) began his reform campaign in a letter to the Leeds Mercury in October 1830 comparing conditions for slaves on plantations overseas, he organised several short time committees in Yorkshire and Lancashire that campaigned for a 10 hour day for all factory workers- led to the Whigs passing the Factory Act where factory owners could not employ children under 9 and those between 9-18 could work a maximum of 12 hours, some children workers given some education and 4 inspectors appointed to enforce the Act.
What was the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834?
From 1601, the old poor laws which allowed the poor to remain in their own homes and claim assistance in the form of outdoor relief, became expensive to maintain because of significant increase in population.
The 1834 Act introduced a new principle for poor relief where those who sought poor relief from their parish would receive less than the lowest paid worker.
The poor should only be supported if they left their homes and enterted the local workforce, where conditions were deliberately unpleasant.
What was the impact of the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834?
The instructions on outdoor relief were widely ignored.
Little opposition in the agricultural south from 1836.
Operation not suited to the economic conditions of industrial towns.
What was the impact of the Factory Act?
Short time committees had hoped adult employment would also be regulated but never happened.
Led to many commitee members joined the Chartist movement.
Political reform would improve factory conditions.
What was the London Working Men’s Association (LWMA)?
Formed in 1836, led by William Lovett.
Membership of politically aware artisans such as tailors and other craftsmen, charged a membership fee of 1 shilling.
Moderate ambitions- promoted political and social rights eg educated opportunities for all.
Aims would be achieved by peaceful protests to persuade parliament to embrace social and political change.
What was the East London Democratic Organisation?
Formed 1837, appealed to the poorer working class members (radical).
Was prepared to use physical force to meet their needs- universal male suffrage, secret ballot.
Held public meetings and rallies to build support for reform.
