Tolpuddle Martyrs Flashcards
why had wages dropped?
new farm machinery that had been invented meant fewer labourers were needed- anyone could operate the machines- no special training was needed- wages dropped
What had farm labourers formed a union for?
to try and negotiate better pay and conditions
who was their leader?
George Loveless
how had the men broken the law?
no secret oaths were allowed to be taken
the men had taken an oath to keep their union a secret
what was the men’s punishment?
7 years transportation to Australia- they would endure hard labour
how many people from the GNCTU arrived at the meeting?
10,000
where was the march?
at Copenhagen Fields
what happened on 14th March 1836?
the 6 men were given a full and free pardon
what was the average farm workers wage reduced to?
to 10 shillings a week- then 7 shillings
what was the landowners name?
James Frampton
what was the law that made making secret oaths illegal?
1797 Act Against Unlawful Oaths
what was significant about the Tolpuddle Martyrs in the short term?
showed the government were really worried about TUS
a popular protest by ordinary people that led to the government reversing its decision
200,000 people met in London (Copenhagen Fields) on 21st April 1834 and marched carrying a petition with 800,000 people’s names on it
for the 3 years the government took to reverse its decision, the families were supported by TUS financially- showed the benefit of joining TUS and the power of popular protest
how was it significant in the long term?
inspired other groups e.g. Chartists who, like the protesters, used petitions
Tolpuddle Martyrs are still remembered today- there is a museum in their village and an annual festival in July
they continue to celebrate the power of working class people banding together
George Loveless wrote a best selling pamphlet- “The Victims of Whiggery”- profits raised funds for the families
