Opposition To The Poor Law Flashcards
What were the main 2 reasons people were opposed to the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act?
Act ignored high start up costs , people in Britain felt the new act was too severe
Why were the Tories opposed to the 1834 poor law act?
They felt the centralised measure of the new systems undermined the role of the local magistrates, also believed society should take care of poor
Which Tories actually supported the 1834 poor law act?
Peel and Wellington
What did William Cobett compare the poor to?
Criminals - showed bleak workhouse conditions
What occurred in Bedfordshire as a result of the Poor Law Act?
Riots in 1835, involving 300-500 participants
What was the impact of the Bedfordshire riots?
Led to the passing of the riot act and the arrest of 4 men
What occurred in Suffolk in December 1835?
A workhouse was attacked by a mob of 200
Why did violent opposition to the poor law act have little impact?
Riots were often unorganised and not united
Why did the Poor Law act receive no support in the North?
No need for new poor law due to greater employment - outdoor relief remained sufficient due to greater demand
Which 2 MPs organised opposition to the 1834 Poor Law Act in 1836?
Sadler and Oastler
Where did the anti-poor law movement have success?
Lancashire, through public speeches
What was the main reason for the Bradford riots 1837?
Economic depression lead greater unemployment, outdoor relief not offered which created discontent, lead to the riots
Why was the anti-poor law movement more threatening in the north than the south?
In the north, there was more a of a working+middle class alliance, as the middle class in the north had a more humane view as it maintained society
What did the Huddersfield Board of Guardians refuse to do in 1837?
Appoint a poor law administrator, despite pressure from Chadwick - shows the lack or parliamentary control over relief in the north
What did the Poor Law Commission allow in 1838, which shows failure of the 1834 Poor Law Act?
Local boards were allowed to give outdoor relief if they chose - shows new act wasn’t as effective as they demanded old relief
