What did the Chartists believe in What were

What did the Chartists believe in? What were the causes of the Chartist Movement? Was Chartism a failure? Chartism Was Chartism the first working class movement? Who were the leaders of Chartism? Was it a politically or economically motivated movement?

What did the Chartists believe in? The People’s Charter 1) Vote for all adult males – over 21. 2) Payment for MPs (so anyone could become one and not just the privileged). 3) Each constituency should be the same size (fair representation). 4) Secret Ballot (protect against bribery and corruption). 5) No property qualification for MPs (anyone should be able to become an MP). 6) General elections held annually.

Long term causes of Chartism Radical tradition in Britain at this time: Tom Paine had published his book, Rights of Man, this book had influenced the American and French Revolutions. Set out how man should not live in society dominated by aristocracy. Men like Henry Hunt had encouraged people to get involved in political debates and the importance of Parliamentary Reform. Radical newspapers like William Cobbett’s, Political Register, promoted radical views and raised the issue of extending the franchise.

Long term causes of Chartism Changing nature of British Society Franchise out of date, only rich could vote and they did not represent the interests of the general population. Major developments in society as the Industrial Revolution formed towns and cities, these areas had no representation in Parliament. The social conditions in these places were appalling, people looked towards the government to address issues such as disease and poverty.

Short term causes of Chartism The 1832 Reform Act had left the vast majority of people without the vote. Radicals were extremely disappointed with this and set out to campaign to redress the balance. Chartism was a by-product of this disappointment. Their message was being disseminated across the country in the many free radical newspapers being published at the time. Trade Union activity and involvement had risen sharply during this period, they sought to stand up for the rights of the working man and saw the extension of the franchise as a fundamental goal.

Short term causes of Chartism Need for Factory Reform saw many factory workers swell the ranks of the Chartists, disgusted by the appalling working conditions the Chartists offered a political movement that would campaign for their rights. The New Poor Law Act (1834), arguably the least popular of the Whig policies, instilled a strict workhouse test that stated no-one could receive relief in their homes, they had to go into the workhouse to get it. This was called lesser eligibility and meant that the workhouses were made to be worse than worst conditions on the streets to stop people from entering unless totally destitute. This angered the poor as the country was in a time of economic decline, jobs were scarce and food was expensive – what options did they have. Chartism became an option.

The leaders of Chartism Moral Force vs Physical Force One of the major flaws in the Chartist armoury was its leadership, it was always split into two camps; those who wanted to achieve their aims through pamphleteering and petitions and the more radical element that were prepared and even encouraged the use of force to take what was rightfully theirs. Moral force – William Lovett and Francis Place – organised petitions and called for a Sacred Month of strikes to pressurise the government into enacting reforms. Physical force – Fergus O’Connor and John Frost – incited the crowds with vociferous and provocative language. O’Connor was a driving force of Chartism that could not be harnessed.

A political or economic movement? Chartism, undoubtedly, initially was a political movement, founded in the London Men’s Working Association (LMWA) its six point charter was explicitly political in its makeup. Moreover, chartist leaders attacked the Poor Law and published political pamphlets. However, it gained the support of the working classes during times of economic hardship. When the country entered recession and unemployment and bread prices were high the three petitions were signed by the masses calling for change. Chartism although political in its aims, really became a knife and fork question for those who joined and advocated the movement.

Working class movement? Russian revolutionary leader Lenin called Chartism “The first broad and politically organised proletarian-revolutionary movement of the masses” Its members were working class and its aims sought to redress the balance and allow the working classes a say in their lives. Many working men meant believed strongly that only when they achieved a say in the governance of their lives, only when they had the vote, could their lives improve.

Was Chartism a failure? On three occasions the Chartists presented a petition to Parliament outlining their People’s Charter and the overwhelming support they had for it. On three occasions the petition was rejected in the House and the Chartists were left frustrated and empty handed. The movement had inspired the masses to rebel at Newport in 1839 but many of those involved had done so out of hardship as much for the cause. By 1850 the economy was improving and Britain entered a period of prosperity, with this prosperity Chartism died without achieving any of its aims and with O’Connor dying in 1852.

Was Chartism a failure? Nevertheless, ironically 5 of the 6 aims of the Chartist movement were eventually passed by Parliament. Perhaps Chartism was a movement before its time or a precursor for what was to come for working class involvement in politics. Working class involvement may have been prompted by hunger and unemployment but those involved realised that legislation was key to improving the lives of themselves and those around them. In the short-term Chartism failed to achieve its aims, in the longerterm however, it provided inspiration for future radicals to take up the banner and call for change to a corrupt and broken system.

CHARTISM Newport Rising 1839