Condition of England 1832-53

Chartism

What was ‘Chartism’?

• A national, political movement

• Originating in 1836, 3 great peaks

• Aimed at gaining political power for the working classes

• None of the aims achieved in the short term

What were the origins of Chartism?(1)

• Period of economic hardship and political frustration

• W/classes had given support to campaign for parliamentary reform but had been disappointed

                   

What were the origins of Chartism?(2)

• Working classes were suffering as result of industrialisation

• By 1830s stamp duty on newspapers had been reduced – very important!

Chartism – “A knife and fork movement?”

• Was Chartism a political movement or a reaction to economic hardship?

• Certainly true that movement started at time of economic depression

John Rayner Stephens

Chartism – Political Origins

• Response to exclusion by 1832 Reform Act

• Experience of campaigning through opposition to Poor Law and support for 10 Hour movement

• People’s Charter drafted by William Lovett and Francis Place, 1837

The People’s Charter

• A vote for every man over 21

• Voting by secret ballot

• No property qualifications for MPs

• MPs to be paid• Constituencies to be

of equal size• Parliament to be

elected annually

Key personnel

William Lovett

Feargus O’Connor Sir Charles Napier

Sir Robert Peel

How were the Chartists to achieve their aims?

• Moral Pressure (as advocated by William Lovett and Francis Place?)

• Physical Force (as advocated by Feargus O’Connor ?)

Chartism- main events

• 1838 People’s Charter launched in Glasgow

• Followed by large meetings at Birmingham and Manchester

• 1839 National Convention in London – petition presented to Parliament

• Petition rejected – Newport Rising

Chartism – main events

• 1840 many Chartist leaders arrested• 1841 O’Connor released – economic recession • 1842 2nd petition presented – again rejected• Wave of industrial unrest in the North – Chartists

imprisoned• 1845 O’Connor launches Chartist Land Co-

operative Company• 1847 O’Connor elected as MP• 1848 3rd and final petition - rejected

Chartism – Why did it fail?

• Lack of consistent working class support

• Reaction by the authorities

• No support from middle classes

• Poor leadership – movement lacked united policy

• Aims too many• Movement became

splintered –education, religion, land ownership, moral reform