Why was there an increase in radicalism in the 1780s and 1790s?

Question 1

The impact of the French Revolution 1789

Answer 1

• Encouraged demands to limit the political power of monarchy
• Created a belief that the constitution could be changed
• Created a revolutionary impetus in Britain
• Encouraged the lower classes to campaign for a less exclusive political system

Question 2

The growth of the revolutionary underground and the influence of radical individuals, societies and the radical press

Answer 2

• Thomas Paine
• John Wilkes
• The North Briton
• The Corresponding Scoieties

Question 3

Government policies

Answer 3

• Failure to consider demands for parliamentary reform
• Focus was on maintaining law and order
• Unsympathetic/repressive policies - Pitt’s ‘reign of terror’

Question 4

Underlying economic distress

Answer 4

• The war with France and bad harvests caused distress

- There were food shortages and food riot