William Cobbett was one such converted man, and as a result there was an explosion of printed material. The Political Register was an example of cheap literature produced that spread this ideology, an ideology that later became known as Chartist. The paper became very influential, as it was so widely available and read. Other indications that people were interested in chartist ideas carry examples such as Jonathon Wooler’s “Black Dwarf” which was another cheap Chartist paper and the publication of James Burghs’ “Political Disquisitions” which called for suffrage.
These ideas would later be repeated in the “Peoples Charter”, where Chartism takes its name. People were unhappy that during a long period of change, the social ruling of Britain was still centuries old, being ruled by land owning aristocrats. It was felt that the rulers did not represent the all of the people, nor did they even understand them.
The industrial revolution can also be credited for the emergence of Chartism. Although it created new forms of wealth and new centres of commerce, e.g. Manchester, Birmingham etc, these centres could not elect their own MP. Even if they could, the electorate was restricted by constituency limitations and lack of consistency in qualification to vote. Skilled workers that found themselves now out of work or in competition with new factories and machines. These machines had made factories more efficient that meant the workforce could be reduced both in terms of numbers and skill. The introduction of machinery, increase of production meant that small units (such as home based businesses) could no longer exist. Those people were then forced into the very factories that had put them out of business. Not only was this bitter irony, but also those people then had to adjust to the factory way of life. They could no longer work as their own bosses and work in their own way; they had to abide by factory rules. These rules were strict and harsh. Parliament was blamed for this loss of control in people’s lives and added to the discontent.
Free trade and the new political economy pushed people to Chartism. Utilitarian believed that the proper mechanism for regulating rules on behalf of unprotected workers such as women and children should be the market forces in a free trade economy. Also, the encouragement of free trade (despite creating more jobs for the doubling population) was a threat to “old” work practices and perceptions of rights. An example of this kind of attack is the removal of the apprenticeship regulations in1813-14 (i.e. skilled workers – large support base for Chartism).
Owenism was a method of working in factories co-operatively through incentives, not threats and punishment. This, in a time when workers were treated very poorly became attractive, especially among the working class. William Cobbett was an active Owenite. This way of working, although unsuccessful in its aims had shown people that there was another way of living and working. Inspiration was the key role that Owenism played in Chartism.
By 1820, mass protests against the government occur all over the country as a result of the re-emergence of political radicalism and the general poor standards of living and working. A of these meetings in Manchester, a local police force kills a number of peaceful protesters which creates martyrs. Lord Liverpool, the Prime Minster takes a defensive posture. The need for reform was greater than ever
Reform was introduced with the 1832 Reform Act under the new Whig Government. Those inside the government were appalled by it, as they believed the new electorate (50% larger) was unwanted so much to the point of possible revolution. Ironically, Chartists outside government were equally disappointed with the reform Act, as it did not go far enough to represent the wide range of interests of the nation. Henry Herbington , the editor of a leading radical magazine explained to his readers why he felt bitter and betrayed. The disappointment with the reform act led the working classes back to the Trade Unions, but after its peak in 1832 they declined due to lack of support.
Arguably the most important short-term factor would be The New Poor Law of 1834. Controversial at the time, this act imposed more order and central authority on the system of poor relief. Those who were physically able to, but were out of work were forced to commit themselves to workhouses. These workhouses were designed to be less appealing than being poor, and it worked. The conditions were horrendous and wages nearly worthless. The Act was even condemned by some Tory humanitarians and dignitaries of the poor (despite both parties broadly supporting it). The Chartists were outraged as an extract of The Northern Star demonstrates: “The new act was passed… to place the whole labouring classes at the utter mercy and disposal of the moneyed or property owning classes.” Protests in Northern England were held where the building of workhouses was physically halted. Mass meetings were also held in West Yorkshire where direct support for Chartism was given.
The return of the economic depression coincided with the height of radical/chartist activity. The depression brought wage cuts, short-term unemployment and short time working. Bread prices rose, as did wheat which made feeding ones family very difficult for the working classes. Chartism is often referred to as a “knife and fork” question, that is when people are hungry they turn to Chartism as a means to fill their stomachs. The statistics show that Chartism has most support in times of economic depression and misery. Despite these short-term economic factors that really pushed Chartism by 1838, other social factors influenced the support of Chartism. Cholera was strife; people were unemployed, hungry and the government taxed radical publications in what became known as the war of the unstamped. It was for these reasons that people became politically active; it was their only legitimate hope of living on their feet rather than on their knees.
