Chartism Flashcards
(48 cards)
Which association was key to the start of Chartism?
London Working Men’s Association- founded by Lovett.
What did the LWMA publish? When?
The People’s charter- outlining the aims of chartism in 1838.
How did the LWMA differ from other groups?
Strictly working class organisation. Original purpose was education.
3 key reasons why chartism emerged?
-Response to government actions
-Disillusionment with Great Reform Act 1832
-Poor social/economic conditions
Evidence of negative government actions which led to chartism: Factory Act?
-Factory Act 1933 showed parliament was opposed to factory reform; voted against limiting the working day in factories and mines to 10hrs.
Evidence of negative government actions which led to chartism: exclusion of w/c?
Municipal Corporations Act 1835 excluded working classes from local government.
Evidence of negative government actions which led to chartism: Poor Law Amendment Act?
Poor Law Amendment Act 1834 seen as punishing the poor by worsening workhouse conditions and neglect of the poor in favour of the rich.
Evidence of discontent with the Great Reform Act leading to chartism:
-W/c deliberately excluded from the extension of the franchise.
-MPs championing votes for the working class- like Henry Hunt lost seats.
Evidence of poor working and living conditions post-1832.
-Bad conditions in factories and mines.
-Trade depression 1837-42
-Life expectancy of a labourer in Liverpool was 15 years.
How many people signed the first chartist petition? When was it? What happened?
1.3 million, in 1839. It was rejected by parliament.
What were 3 areas of disagreement during the National Convention?
1839- whether force should be used, whether the movement should be local or national, what to do if the petition failed.
Evidence of chartist use of violence?
Newport Uprising 1939; 10,000 marched to Westgate Hotel where chartists were being held; shots exchanged with troops and 20 protestors killed.
What did the Newport Uprising mean for Chartists?
Lost them lots of credibility; leaders convicted of treason, reputation of insurrection and violence.
Evidence of government strength- William Lovett
-Arrested 1839 after Birmingham riots.
Evidence of lack of chartist organisation- William Lovett’s aims
From 1840, focused significant attention on educational reform and by 1842 was marginalised from mainstream chartism.
What did Lovett found to help improve education?
National Association for the Moral, Social and Political Improvement of the People.
Evidence of lack of chartist organisation: conflict between leaders.
-O’Connor against Lovett’s focus on education; criticised him in his Northern Star Newspaper.
3 main reasons why chartism failed
-Parliamentary opposition
-Lack of organisation
-Loss of public support
Evidence for parliamentary opposition: First petition.
Government rejected it 235 votes to 46 in 1839.
Evidence of a lack of organisation: general strike
Ambitious ‘sacred month’ never materialised due to lack of organisation. Reduced by O’Connor to a 3 day strike to oppose failure of 1st petition.
Evidence of strong government response to chartists following riots.
Arrested leaders; John Frost after Newport, Lovett after Birmingham and O’Connor.
Evidence of good organisation by Chartists: news
Northern Star Newspaper run by O’Connor. Not cheap, and profits used to finance chartist movement; build defence funds for trials etc.
Evidence of popular support for chartism: petitions
-1.2 million signed 1839 petition.
-3.3 million signed 1842 petition
Evidence of good organisation by Chartists: 2nd petition
National Charter Association set up to provide chartism with central organisation.
