Chartism

What were the main causes of chartism? (5)

The 1832 Great Reform act left the w/c feeling betrayed

There were lots of active radical figures such as Feargus O’Connor

Radical press found loopholes to avoid 1819’s stamp duty such as the poor man’s guardian

The 1834 poor law made the Whigs unpopular, allowing radical opposition to thrive

Economic depressions in the late 1830’s and the 1840’s made people angry so they looked to chartism

What were the terms of the charter and when and by whom was it published? (7)

Published in 1839 by the London working men’s association

equally sized constituencies
secret ballot
elimination of property qualification
a wage for MPs
yearly parliament meetings
universal suffrage for men over 21.

Summarise the first petition (5)

1839

led by the LWMA and BPU

1.2 million signatures

idea of a general strike was considered

rejected by a vote of 235/46

Summarise the second petition

1842

many leaders were in prison, morale was low

3.3 million signatures

rejected by 287/49

Summarise the third petition

1848

only got 2 million signatures

rejected again by a big majority

provoked by economic depression

What 2 violent protests are linked to Chartism?

1839 Newport rising, a small local riot that led to the arrest of O’Connor

1842 Plug riots, led to a general strike that failed due to a poor economy

What 3 political groups were tied to Chartism?

New charter association

Anti corn law league (via NCA)

Complete suffrage union

Why was Lovett exiled from Chartism in 1843?

he was more peaceful, wanting to widen political education to draw in support over rioting.

How were the church and Chartism linked in Scotland?

the Christian Chartist movement developed, arguing that the charter was God’s will.

What was O’Connor’s land plan?

The idea that chartists could rent land for £1.5s per acre and live off the grid.

In what ways was Chartism a political movement? (3)

spurred by increased literacy

an offshoot of existing radical sentiments

spurred by anger towards the 1834 poor law

In what way was Chartism a purely economic movement?

The highest periods of chartist activity coincided with periods of high unemployment and steep bread prices.

Why did Chartism fail? (6)

Parliament, regardless of party, hated the Charter

Their leadership was very divided and split into 2 factions, moral and physcial force

It’s popularity was mainly concentrated in the north

The rural police act had 7000 soldiers stationed in London at any one time, the state was very strong when Chartism was active.

They lacked middle class support

Peel’s reforms in the 40s appeased people and so they lost interest.

In what way did Chartism succeed?

It was the first w/c centred political movement- paving the way for future groups.