How did the French Revolution affect different groups in Britain and what demands for reform were

Question 1

What did Thomas Muir do? What were the consequences he faced?

Answer 1

-a author of seditious writing based on the need for parliamentary reform
- transported to Australia

Question 2

Was there a desire to overthrow the regime in Britain? How close did this bring Britain to a Revolution in the 1790s?

Answer 2

• King George III’s illness made him more popular with the public
• loyalist propaganda increased the support for him
• 1792: John Reeves founded a society whose aim was to protect property from republicans
• not close at all

Question 3

Was there a serious economic crisis? How close did this bring Britain to a Revolution in the 1790s?

Answer 3

• 1795 - 1797: high bread prices and unemployment
• not severe enough for revolution
• standard of living improved at this time despite this
• only slightly close

Question 4

Was there a strong and united revolutionary opposition? How close did this bring Britain to a Revolution in the 1790s?

Answer 4

• was a minority
• had a north-south divide
• divided over aims too
• did not possess the arms or weaponry to start the whole process
• Charles James Fox’s opposition to the outbreak of war in 1793 portrayed the opposition as traitors
• not close

Question 5

Was there a weakness within the existing government? How close did this bring Britain to a Revolution in the 1790s?

Answer 5

• Pitt’s reforms improved it a lot
• repressive legislation was passed in the 1790s, which was unpopular with the radicals
• supported by the majority
• not close