Revolutionary Threat in Britain (1783-1885)

Overview

• Genuine revolutionary threat in Britain between 1783 and 1885 was limited.
• Upper class fears of working class revolt.
• Desire for reform rather than revolution.
• New political ideologies and leadership causing unrest.
• Middle and working class discontent over voting rights, living conditions, and political representation.

Influences and Groups

• French Revolution Influence:
  • Inspired groups like the Society for Constitutional Information (1780) and London Corresponding Society (1792).
  • Causes included outdated voting requirements (only 11% of men voting) and unequal representation.
• Methods of Protest:
  • Peaceful protests like petitions and pamphlets over violent methods.
  • Groups lacked a unified cause, limiting revolutionary threat.

Upper Class Fears

• Upper class exaggerated threats from groups like the London Corresponding Society.
• Accusations of radical aims like "no king!" were denied by the groups.
• Asa Briggs, a historian, corroborates limited threat with focus on reform over revolution.

Chartist Movement

• Rise and Impact:
  • Large following, including middle and working class.
  • Motivated by poor living conditions and outdated voting laws.
  • Divided leadership between radical methods (Feargus O'Connor) and moral force (William Lovett).
  • Violence in events like Newport uprising led to decline in support.
• Perception and Decline:
  • Chartists seen as a threat due to violent reputation.
  • Fear spread among townspeople and led to government intervention.
  • Movement declined with economic improvements and reforms accommodating middle class needs.

Economic Factors

• Mid Victorian Boom (1850-1885):
  • Economic growth and industrialization improved living standards.
  • Reduced revolutionary threat as people's needs were met.

Conclusion

• Revolutionary threat was primarily an upper and middle-class fear.
• Groups preferred reform and civil methods over violent revolution.
• Government was able to accommodate demands, preventing revolutionary action.
• Lack of unified goals among groups limited revolutionary potential.

Bibliography

• Notable works include "Mastering Modern British History" by N. Lowe and "The Age of Improvement" by Asa Briggs.
• Books and essays provide context and analysis of the period.
• Historians like Asa Briggs and E.P. Thompson offer differing views on the revolutionary threat.