The Growth of Popular Protest (1780-1822)

General Context

  • The period from 1780 to 1822 was marked by significant political activism and popular protests demanding parliamentary reform and better living conditions.

Major Movements and Protests

  • Movements like the Society for Constitutional Information and the formation of the London Corresponding Society (LCS) played a pivotal role in advocating for political rights for all citizens.
  • The Peterloo Massacre of 1819 stands out as one of the most notorious instances of repression of protest. An estimated 60,000 to 80,000 people participated in the peaceful protest at St Peter’s Field in Manchester demanding Parliamentary reform when it was brutally suppressed.
  • Political Unions, which were non-partisan political organisations, emerged across Britain. They campaigned for electoral reform and their actions culminated in significant reform in the 1830s.

List of Grievances

  • Common grievances revolved around corrupt electoral practices, rotten boroughs—outdated electoral districts having minimal population—and overall restricted suffrage.
  • There were also economic concerns, particularly among the working classes and agricultural labourers who were struggling with the impact of industrialisation and enclosures.
  • The aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the economic hardship that followed were also central to the increasing social unrest.

Government Response

  • Government response was often characterised by repression and a lack of willingness to implement reforms, as seen in policies such as the repressive ‘Six Acts’ implemented in the aftermath of Peterloo.
  • The government and the ruling class often saw these popular protests as potential precursors to revolution, resulting in violent confrontations and stringent repressive measures.

Significance and Legacy

  • This period of unrest paved the way for significant reforms in the 1830s and beyond, leading to more representative democracy.
  • Movements such as the LCS are significant as they can be seen as the forerunners to current day political movements and parties.
  • The often violent response to these protests underscored the need for a change in the relationship between the state and the citizens, one based on rights and representation.