2. Condition of England 1832-53 Chartism

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Key personnel William Lovett Feargus O’Connor Sir Charles Napier Sir Robert Peel

10. 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 ?)

11. 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

12. Chartism – main events 1840 many Chartist leaders arrested 1841 O’Connor released – economic recession 1842 2 nd 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 3 rd and final petition - rejected

13. 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