Explain why Chartism emerged in 1838.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2022
Topic
The Industrial Revolution in Britain, 1750–1850
👑Complete Model Essay
Explain why Chartism emerged in 1838.
The Emergence of Chartism in 1838
Chartism, a momentous working-class movement, emerged in 1838 fueled by a potent cocktail of socio-economic grievances and political frustrations. The movement represented the culmination of years of simmering discontent among the working class, ignited by the transformative but turbulent Industrial Revolution and the perceived indifference of the political elite.
The Industrial Revolution and the Plight of the Working Class
The Industrial Revolution, while ushering in an era of unprecedented economic growth, had a devastating impact on the living and working conditions of the lower classes. The rise of factories led to the exploitation of workers, who were subjected to long hours, low wages, and hazardous working environments. Urbanization, a byproduct of industrialization, resulted in overcrowded slums plagued by disease and poverty. The plight of the working class was in stark contrast to the prosperity enjoyed by the middle and upper classes.
The Illusion of Reform: The Great Reform Act of 1832
The Great Reform Act of 1832, hailed by some as a triumph of parliamentary reform, ultimately proved to be a source of disillusionment for the working class. Although the Act extended the franchise and addressed some electoral inequalities, it failed to grant voting rights to the working class. The Reform Act, rather than ushering in an era of political inclusion, served as a stark reminder of the exclusionary nature of British politics.
The Limitations of Trade Unionism
Trade unionism, while offering a platform for collective bargaining, was still in its infancy in the 1830s and faced significant opposition from both the government and employers. Unions were seen as a threat to social order and economic stability, and their activities were often met with repression. The Tolpuddle Martyrs case of 1834, in which six agricultural laborers were convicted and transported to Australia for forming a trade union, exemplified the government’s hostility towards organized labor. Moreover, trade union membership remained low, and unions lacked the political clout to effect meaningful change.
The Municipal Corporations Act and Continued Exclusion
The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835, while introducing reforms to local government, further exacerbated the sense of disenfranchisement among the working class. The Act, by restricting voting rights in municipal elections to ratepayers, effectively excluded a large segment of the working class who did not own property. The Act served as a bitter reminder that political participation remained a privilege reserved for the propertied elite.
The New Poor Law and the Catalyst for Action
The New Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which sought to reform the Poor Law system, proved to be the final straw for many working-class people. The Act, which introduced workhouses and imposed a harsh regime on those who sought relief, was seen as a punitive measure that punished the poor for their poverty. The Anti-Poor Law campaign, which emerged in response to the Act, galvanized working-class communities and highlighted the urgent need for political representation.
Conclusion
The emergence of Chartism in 1838 was the culmination of years of mounting frustration and discontent among the working class. The Industrial Revolution, while transforming British society, had exacerbated social inequalities and created a climate of economic hardship for many. The failure of successive governments to address the grievances of the working class, coupled with the perceived indifference of the political elite, led to a widespread belief that only radical political change could bring about meaningful reform. The People’s Charter of 1838, with its six key demands for electoral reform, represented the hopes and aspirations of millions of working-class people who sought a greater voice in the political system that governed their lives.
**Sources:**
Brimblecombe, E. "The Making of the English Working Class." Penguin Books, 2016.
Evans, E. J. "The Forging of the Modern State: Early Industrial Britain, 1783-1870." Pearson Education, 2001.
Thompson, E. P. "The Making of the English Working Class." Victor Gollancz, 1963.
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Why Chartism Emerged in 1838
This essay will argue that Chartism emerged in 1838 because the lower classes felt disenfranchised and powerless in the face of a Parliament that ignored their concerns. This was despite their efforts to influence the political process through various means.
The Impacts of the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the working and living conditions of the lower classes. However, the lower classes had no political power to influence the Parliament to address their concerns.
The Great Reform Act, 1832: A False Hope
The Great Reform Act of 1832, while a positive step in some ways, gave the lower classes false hope. The Act showed the impact of well-organized campaigns, but the reformed Parliament did not act differently and ignored the concerns of the lower classes. This fuelled frustration.
The Limitations of Trade Unionism
Trade unionism was unable to provide a solution for the lower classes. The government viewed unions as a threat to the social order and harshly suppressed them, as seen in the Tolpuddle Martyrs case. Low membership, as exemplified by the GNCTU, and declining membership during economic downturns further limited the impact of unions.
The Municipal Corporations Act, 1835: Further Exclusion
The Municipal Corporations Act, 1835, further excluded the lower classes from the political process. While extending voting rights for town councils, the act made voting dependent on property ownership, a privilege few in the lower classes possessed.
The Anti-Poor Law Campaign: The Final Straw
The Anti-Poor Law campaign, formed in 1837-38, aimed to reform the New Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. This campaign highlighted the control Parliament had over the daily lives of working people and the lack of control they had over their own lives. The overwhelming defeat of the repeal vote further showed the futility of seeking change through existing channels. This experience, combined with the other factors, led to the emergence of Chartism in 1838, marking a shift towards more radical demands for political representation and influence.
Chartism's emergence in 1838 was a direct consequence of the lower classes' frustration with their limited political power and the perception that Parliament was unresponsive to their needs. The Industrial Revolution, the limitations of the Great Reform Act, the suppression of trade unionism, and the exclusionary nature of the Municipal Corporations Act all contributed to this sentiment. Finally, the Anti-Poor Law campaign showed the futility of relying on Parliament for change, leading to the emergence of Chartism as a more radical response.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Why Chartism Emerged in 1838
The Industrial Revolution had resulted in profound changes to working and living conditions for the lower classes. To get improvements in these conditions, the lower classes needed to have Parliament take up their cause. They had to influence the political process.
The Great Reform Act of 1832 seemed to offer hope to the lower classes as it showed what a well-organised campaign (demonstrations, meetings, pamphlets, and newspapers), with the support of large numbers, could achieve. However, the reformed Parliament acted no differently to previous Parliaments and so the concerns of the lower classes were ignored.
Trade Unionism did not offer a solution because the government, be it Whig or Tory, saw unions as a threat to the social order and acted harshly, e.g., the Tolpuddle Martyrs (1834). Also, membership of unions was low, the Grand National Consolidated Trade Union (GNCTU) only had 16,000 members and during a decline in trade (as in 1836), membership of unions fell.
The Municipal Corporations Act (1835) further excluded the lower classes from the political process. The votes for town councils were extended to all ratepayers, but to pay rates you needed to own property and few members of the lower classes did so.
The Anti-Poor Law campaign (1837–38) was formed to reform the New Poor Law Amendment Act (1834). This law showed how much control Parliament had over the daily lives of working people and how little control they had over their own lives. A vote on the repeal of the New Poor Law was defeated 309 votes to 17 votes. Thus, seeking to influence Parliament would not work; change would only come once working people entered Parliament.
Accept any other valid responses.