Chapter Eleven Flashcards
What was Britain struggling with in the years after 1811?
Immense and social economic distress. High prices and taxation from Nap Wars, lack of efficient system of poor relief. Low wages, high unemployment. Government adopted repressive model of the Pitt government of the years after 1793 to deal with it.
What was Luddism?
Machine-breaking began in Nottinghamshire in 1811. Men believed the machinery in the textile factories www depriving them of their livelihood. Stocking frame knitters angered by wide frame machine initially. Rumoured organisation by Ned Ludd. Spread to Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire.
What action did the Yorkshire croppers, angered by introduction of the shearing frame to the woollen industry?
Initially tried democratic process and petitioned Parliament but this failed so in 1812 they turned to machine breaking. April, William Horsfall was murdered and three were hanged for his killing months later. 60 men also stood trial for Luddite offences my
How was Luddism stopped?
After further instances of machine-breaking occurred, soldiers were drafted to keep order. After arrests, trials, transportations and hangings the resistance ended.
What factors support the arguments that Luddism was/was not a threat for the Government?
Spontaneous anger to machines taking over jobs, rather than planning a revolution, frustration at unable to rely on a basic standard of living. Even gov spies could not find evidence of treason or a plan of revolution. Unrest limited to local reasons, no pol motives. Others argue they were highly organised, not targetting machines but laissez faire principles of government, unlikely that there was no connection between the ringleaders given the geographical proximity of the disturbances. Absence of reluable evidence, no documentation from the Luddites themselves.
What was working class discontent focused on?
Low wages, unemployment, inadequacies of the system of poor relief. Expressed through riots and disturbances in times of economic hardship. But wc were becoming increasingly politicised and interested in achieving pol influence through extension of franchise.
What working class demonstrations occured?
Luddism, Spa Fields 1816, The Blanketeers, St Peters Field. Subsided with economic recovery of the 1820s. But late 1820s economic slump again 1830 Swing Riots.
What middle class avdocations for reform were there?
The middle class radicals were wary of being too closely associated with the more violent tactics of wrking class Radicalism, preferring to agitate for change through persuasion and rational agrument. E.g 1821 Mancester Guardian founded, acting as a mouthpiece for mc manufacturers, who started to press for parliamentary representation. Radical mps e.g William Wilberforce- slavery and David Ricardo economic interests of ind class. Weakened by different interests.
How did the anti-Slavery movement gain support?
Supporters published pamphlets to shock mainly middle class and increasingly literate audience about the inhuman conditions suffered by trafficked black African slaves. Leading anti-slavery campgianer was William Wilberforce.
What was the 1807 Abolition of Slavery Act?
Formerly ended the trading in slaves, but did nothing to help those already enslaved in plantations in the British colonies.
What happened in 1815 after the Napoleonic Wars?
Issue of slavery resurfaced during peace negotiations among the European powers. Did not want slave trade to be built up again. Pressure on Liverpool’s government through petitions.
What was the Anti-Slavery society?
Formed in 1823 by Wilberforce (evangelical) and philanthropist MP Thomas Buxton, coordinated wider campaign to outlaw slavery throughout British colonies. 1825 Buxton took over leadership.
What was the Slave Trade?
Black slaves were shipped from African continent in English vessels to the American colonies and West Indies, sold to work on plantations. The wealth of many British families was based on their ownership of plantations in British West Indies and was dependent on slavery. By early 1800s people started to express their opinion more, through peaceful channes. So reform societies and voluntary organisations were set up and focused on the anti-slavery movement.
What was Methodism?
An alternative to the established Anglican Church. Leader was John Wesley. Emphasis on respectability, strong work ethic and social inequality. Movement took off after 1790.
How did the establishment view Methodism?
Regarded the movement as suspicious. Due to belief in equality in all men they were regarded as potentially dangerous, with radical tendancies. Put effort into convincing establishment that they were loyal. 1811 Bill requiring Dissenting preachers to be lisenced only if respectability could be vouched for. Uproar= withdrawn.
