Rebellion through Industrial England

Sources: My lessons at school + Google searches

What percentage of the population could vote during the early 20th Century?

<2%

What were the land requirements for being able to vote?

Land worth >40 shillings.

What was the Enlightenment?

A period of time where rebellion and revolution involving constitutional reform began across multiple nations and empires, sparking new ideas of how the world should be run fairly.

What was the issue with MP distribution?

MPs were only elected from smaller, more rural areas where the higher-class lived. These places were known as ‘rotten boroughs’. Larger cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Birmingham did not have any parliamentary representation.

When was the Peterloo Massacre?

August 1819

Where did the 1819 Peterloo protesters meet?

St. Peter’s Field

What were the events of the Peterloo Massacre?

• Over 60,000 individuals gathered

• Protest was peaceful and purely to bring recognition to the ideas of the people.

• Parliament sent out armed cavalry to violently deter the protesters. Innocent people were killed or injured.

• Rumour has it that the officers were drunken during this event.

Who were the Blanketeers?

An 1817 protest march organised by three working-class men who were dismayed at the idea of automated machinery usurping their employment positions. The name comes from how they carried blankets to keep warm. The goal of the petition was to bring attention to their cause.

What were the Bristol Riots and what caused them? (1831)

The Bristol Riots were caused by the prime minister, Earl Grey, attempting to allow major cities to elect MPs. Grey’s failure to deliver resulted in mass riots that involved burning down houses in some cases.

Who were the Luddites? (1811-1813)

The Luddites were British textile workers who began to smash machinery and burn mills down because they were afraid of losing their jobs to machinery. Punishments for their actions included execution or being sent to Australia to be imprisoned.

What was the Spa Field Riot? (1816)

A group known as the Spenceans, led by popular speaker Henry Hunt, attempted and failed to seize control over the Tower of London.

What as the Cato Street Conspiracy? (1820)

A small group led by Arthur Thistlewood spoke out against laws that prevented workers from protesting. Despite failing easily, they made a plot to overthrow the government by assassination.

What were the outcomes of the Great Reform Act of 1832?

• All men over 21 were allowed to vote (+800k people)

• Major cities given Parliamentary representation (Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford, etc)

• More recognition for the working class

• Rotten boroughs disenfranchised

Define ‘suffrage’

The ability or right to vote.

Define ‘enfranchisement’

Given the power/ability/privilege to do something

What were the commandments of the People’s Charter?

• A vote for all men aged >21

• Private elections (without outside influences)

• Any man can become an MP (no property qualifications)

• Yearly elections

• Equal electoral districts (same/similar amount of people voting to eliminate unfairness)

• Payment for MPs

When was the Chartist Movement?

The 1800s

What was actually given from the government in response to the People’s Charter?

A few of the commandments were implemented, though some were completely ignored. An example of this is how annual elections were completely redefined into elections every 5 years.

Why was the Chartist movement largely perceived as a failure?

Because the commandments were majorly ignored and many never made it to law.

What was the story of Annie Besant and the Matchgirls’ strike? (1888)

It was an important tale outlining how factory workers rebelled against unfair and unsafe working conditions.

What was ‘Phossy Jaw’?

A terminal ailment caused by being exposed to toxic white phosphorus - identical to what matches used to be dipped into in factories. Symptoms included:

• Toothache

• Fits

• Rotting bone tissue

• Glowing remains

Who was Annie Besant?

A journalist.

What did Annie Besant do regarding the Matchgirls?

She wrote an article detailing their horrific treatment, conditions, and fates in the Bryant and May match factory. Every detail was accurate. This sparked a disorganised union, which Annie turned to lead

What was the response to Annie Besant’s work?

Bryant and May attempted to sure her for libel, but the delegation of protesters refused to sign the false morale letters that would cover up the company’s actions.

What was the effect of the Matchgirls’ strike?

• Breakfast room for all of the workers

• Abolishment of all fines and payment deductions

• Red phosphorus was used instead of white

• Women’s rights protests gained popularity

• Landmark in British labour history