“Rebels and Dreamers”: The British Romantic Period ENG 400: British Literature Unit IV – Rebels and Dreamers

Key Historical Themes: Conservative European rulers tried to roll back revolutionary ideas. In England, industrialization prompted workers to organize. Police killed peacefully protesting workers in Manchester in 1819 (“Peterloo Massacre”). The Reform Bill of 1832 extended the right to vote, but not to the working classes.

The Romantic Period The Enlightenment beliefs of the 18 th century led to advances in science and industry which had negative effects on British society. During the Romantic Period, nearly all of the attitudes and tendencies of 18 th -century classicism and rationalism were redefined or changed dramatically.

Revolution and Reaction Beginning in 1789, the French Revolution saw the populace rise up against the aristocracy. In Britain, reactions to the revolution varied. ▫The ruling class felt threatened by the disruption of social order. ▫Most intellectuals initially supported the revolution and its democratic ideals. In 1793, after the execution of King Louis XVI, France declared war on Britain, which dragged on for 22 years.

English Victories Over Napoleon Revolutionary France led by Napoleon Bonaparte, who crowned himself Emperor. For England, two national heroes emerged ▫Lord Horatio Nelson: shattered French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) ▫Duke of Wellington: defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo (1815). Victors met at Congress of Vienna (1814 – 1815) to try and restore traditional order.

Effects on Britain After the chaotic violence of 1793, even sympathetic Britons turned against the French Revolution. The Tory (conservative) government grew more restrictive ▫Outlawed talk of Parliamentary reform outside of Parliament ▫Banned public meetings ▫Suspended certain basic rights Liberal-minded Britons turned to literature when their political outlets were restricted.

Industrialization and Urbanization Key inventions: ▫Steamboat – Robert Fulton, 1807 ▫Steam locomotive (train) – George Stephenson, 1814 Major advances in textile production moved weaving of fabric from homes to factories. Water and coal power drove machines, which ran factories, which created cities. As a result, wealth no longer depended on land ownership.

Society’s Problems Distracted by France, Britain’s government ignored problems caused by Industrial Revolution: ▫Overcrowded factory towns ▫Unpleasant and unsafe working conditions in factories ▫Long working hours for low pay The working class grew larger and more restless. Government claimed neutrality, but sided openly with factory owners against workers.

Eruptions of Violence Luddite Riots (1811 – 1813) ▫Occurred in factory towns of northern England ▫Workers protested loss of factory jobs to new machinery. ▫Some workers attempted to organize into unions. Peterloo Massacre (1819) ▫Occurred in Manchester ▫Mounted soldiers charged a peaceful meeting of cotton workers, killing several of them.

Waves of Reform 1820s: New generation of Tories grew more liberal ▫1824: passed new law allowing Britain’s first labor unions ▫1829: Catholic Emancipation Act restored economic and religious freedoms to Roman Catholics 1830: Whig (liberal) Party took control of Parliament ▫1832: Reform Bill extended voting rights to males of the middle class ▫1833: Parliament abolished slavery and passed first law governing factory safety

Structure of Parliament Parliament is the bicameral (two-house) legislative body of Britain. During the Romantic Period, both houses had to agree upon a bill before it became a law. Today, Britain’s laws are made by the House of Commons. The monarch and House of Lords have virtually no political power. House of Commons Made up of elected members Led by the Prime Minister House of Commons Made up of elected members Led by the Prime Minister House of Lords Membership is hereditary or by appointment House of Lords Membership is hereditary or by appointment

Out-of-Touch Monarchy In 1811, King George III declared insane, leading to his son being named Prince Regent (Regency Period). Prince Regent became George IV in ▫Extravagant and involved in a very public separation from his wife ▫Largely unaware of social changes taking place In 1830, George IV was succeeded by his brother William, who had 10 illegitimate children but no legitimate heir.

Table Discussion Break Choose a group recorder to take notes on your discussion. As a group, discuss the following question: The Romantic period was characterized by innovation and a rejection of tradition. Sometimes these innovations led to positive changes and a greater degree of freedom. Other times, they created new problems. Choose one of the innovations/changes listed below and discuss the various perspectives of those it affected. Who gained something from the change? Who was harmed by it? Be prepared to share out to the class. French Revolution/Napoleonic wars Technological advances of the Industrial Revolution