Radical Reformers 1790-1819

Aims and tactics of radical reformers

Spread ideas through writing and radical press, protests and meetings, groups working towards a common goal (Hampden Clubs, London Corresponding Society.) They wanted suffrage, revolution, parliamentary reform, or opposed poverty.

London Corresponding Society

Had 5000 members at its height. Educated people on politics with pamphlets, encouraged debate, paved the way for other groups (such as the Hampden Clubs.) Government perceived them as a threat

Henry Hunt

Powerful orator and journalist. Opposed poverty taxes and the Corn Laws. Made influential speeches and spoke at important meetings, such as Spa Fields 1816 and Peterloo 1819

Cartwright

Founded the Hampden Clubs. Believed reform was the cure for social evils and wanted universal suffrage, as well as annual parliaments. He lowered the subscription to the Hampden Clubs so that the working class could participate

Thomas Paine

Supported the French Revolution and disliked hereditary peers in the House of Lords. Wrote the influential Rights of Man 1791-2

Cobbett

Promoted parliamentary reform, but was against the French Wars. Wrote Cobbett’s Political Register. A single sheet was 2p to make it more accessible, and by 1805 it had a circulation of 4000

Peterloo 1819

The government tried to oppress a peaceful meeting. The radicals gained sympathy for the radicals and it showed the government’s oppressive nature

Spa Fields 1816

Henry Hunt was invited to speak to 10000 people and present a petition to the Prince Regent, who did not come. Some left and looted a gunsmith’s with the intention of seizing the Tower of London. They were crushed, but influenced future mass gatherings

Pentridge Rising 1817

A spy led revolutionaries to think there was an uprising, leading to the arrest of many radicals

The Treason Act 1795

To target the LCS, it was made treason to “intimidate or overawe either Houses or either House of Parliament”

The Seditious Meetings Act 1795

Restricted the size of public meetings to 50 people, unless approved in advance by the magistrates

The Gagging Acts 1817

The Treason Act was made permanent. Seditious Meetings Act 1817 - easier to disband meetings and groups with secret oaths were banned. The terms lapsed in 1818

The Six Acts 1819

Result of Peterloo, which the government believed to be an organised threat. Included the Unlawful Drilling Act and the Seizure of Arms Act

Suspension of habeas corpus 1794

Shut down the LCS and put the leaders on trial for treason. They were acquitted, but many did not return to radicalism

Reasons for government repression

Thought the LCS were bigger than they were, wanted to prevent further arrest, scared by the French Revolution, the French Wars 1793-1815 ensured national unity and meant that radical activity was seen as unpatriotic