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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Chartism

Working-class movement for political reform in the UK.
Working-class movement for political reform in the UK.

Chartism was a national protest movement in the United Kingdom from 1838 to 1857, demanding political reform. It aimed for male suffrage and other democratic reforms outlined in the People's Charter of 1838.

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1832
Great Reform Act 1832

The Great Reform Act 1832 granted voting rights to the property-owning middle classes in Britain, but many working men were still unable to vote.

1834
Vindication of the 'Guardian's' Doctrines Respecting the Rights of Capital and Labour

In 1834, the 'Guardian's' Doctrines Respecting the Rights of Capital and Labour were vindicated.

1836-10-18
Minute Book of the London Workingmen's Association

On 18th October 1836, the Minute Book of the London Workingmen's Association was recorded.

1837-02-28
Six points of reform presented at Crown and Anchor public house

On February 28, 1837, the London Working Men’s Association presented the six points of reform at a meeting held at the Crown and Anchor public house on the Strand.

1838-05-21
Introduction of People’s Charter at Glasgow Green

A large gathering at Glasgow Green learns about the People’s Charter for the first time on May 21, although printed copies are not available yet.

1838-09-24
Kersal Moor Mass Meeting

A huge mass meeting held on Kersal Moor near Salford, Lancashire, on 24 September 1838, with speakers advocating for manhood suffrage and emphasizing the economic factors in the launch of Chartism.

1839-02-04
First Chartist Convention in London

The first Chartist convention took place in London on February 4th. This marked a significant gathering of Chartists to discuss their demands and strategies.

1839-05-07
First Chartist Petition to Parliament

On May 7th, the first Chartist petition with over 1,280,000 signatures was presented to Parliament. This demonstrated the widespread support for the Chartist movement.

1839-07-12
Debate on Chartist petitioners in House of Commons rejected

A debate on whether the Chartist petitioners should be heard in the House of Commons was rejected by a large margin of 235 votes to 46.

1839-08-14
Great meeting of Scottish delegates in Glasgow

A significant meeting of Scottish delegates took place in Glasgow from 14th to 16th August, where a central committee was formed to coordinate activities in Scotland.

1839-10-05
The People's Charter

On 5th October 1839, The People's Charter was officially adopted, outlining the six main demands of the Chartists for political reform.

1839-11-03
Newport Rising

The Newport Rising was a failed Chartist rebellion led by John Frost in South Wales, resulting in a disastrous confrontation at the Westgate Hotel in Newport. The Chartists were forced to retreat after a brief, violent battle with armed soldiers, leading to casualties on both sides.

1839-11-04
Newport Rising

On 4 November 1839, a group of 5,000 Chartists led by John Frost, William Jones, and Zephaniah Williams attempted to take control of Newport, Monmouthshire. The uprising ended abruptly when troops protecting the Westgate Hotel opened fire, resulting in the death of at least 22 people.

1840-05-25
Thomas Slingsby Duncombe presents petition to Parliament

On 25th May 1840, Thomas Slingsby Duncombe presents a petition with 1.3 million signatures to Parliament, requesting a pardon for the Newport prisoners.

1840-07-20
Chartist convention founds National Charter Association

On 20th July 1840, a Chartist convention in Manchester established the National Charter Association to bring together local organizations.

1841-08
Robert Peel forms new government

In August 1841, Robert Peel and his Conservative party took power after defeating Melbourne's Whigs in a general election.

1842-01-12
Samuel Holberry led abortive rising in Sheffield

Samuel Holberry led a failed uprising in Sheffield on January 12. The plot was uncovered by spies, leading to the easy suppression of the rebellion. Holberry was later sentenced to a long prison term with hard labor and eventually died in prison, becoming a martyr for the Chartist movement.

1842-01-26
Robert Peddie attempted rising in Bradford

Robert Peddie attempted a similar uprising in Bradford on January 26, but the authorities were already informed by spies, resulting in the swift end of the rebellion. Peddie, like Holberry, received a lengthy prison sentence with hard labor.

1842-05-02
Second Chartist petition presented to Parliament

On 2nd May 1842, a second Chartist petition containing over 3,250,000 signatures was submitted to Parliament but was ultimately rejected by the House of Commons.

1842-08-13
Trouble in Manchester and Surroundings

Extracts from an article in ‘The Preston Chronicle and Lancashire Advertiser’ on 13 August 1842 reported trouble in Manchester and its surroundings.

1842-08-16
The General Strike of 1842

The General Strike of 1842, also known as the Plug Plot, was a series of strikes and unrest in various regions of England, including Staffordshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Scotland, and West Yorkshire. It was marked by organized protests, property destruction, and clashes with authorities.

1842-09-26
Return to Work in Lancashire and Cheshire

By September 1842, the General Strike of 1842 had largely subsided, with Lancashire and Cheshire being the last regions to see workers return to their jobs. The power loom weavers in Manchester were among the final group to end the strike.

1843-05
William Sharman Crawford introduces NCSU approved bill to House of Commons

In May 1843, William Sharman Crawford introduced the NCSU approved bill to the House of Commons, which was described as 'a small and bored' audience.

1844-04
Chartist Convention in Manchester

In April 1844, the Chartist convention was held in Manchester.

1844-11
Publication of Chartist Hymnal

Subscriptions were raised for the publication of a hymnal, which was printed as a 64-page pamphlet and distributed for a nominal fee. In 2011, a smaller pamphlet of 16 hymns was discovered in Todmorden Library, believed to be the only Chartist Hymnal in existence.

1845-04
Chartist Convention in London

In April 1845, a Chartist convention took place in London.

1846-07
New Government Formed by Lord John Russell's Whigs

Lord John Russell's Whigs formed a new government in July.

1847
Feargus O'Connor Elected for Nottingham Constituency

In 1847, Feargus O'Connor was elected for the Nottingham constituency, becoming the first Chartist to achieve such a feat. This election victory was a significant boost for the Chartist movement.

1848-03-22
London (People's) Charter Union Founded

The London (later People's) Charter Union was founded on March 22 by James Watson, Henry Hetherington, and Richard Moore as a rival to the National Charter Association.

1848-04-10
Kennington Common demonstration

In April 1848, a demonstration was planned to be held on Kennington Common, London, following protests and riots in Manchester, Glasgow, and Dublin. The demonstration aimed to present a petition to Parliament, but was cancelled by O'Connor due to authorities' restrictions.

1848-04-15
Chartist meeting at Blackfriars Bridge

A Chartist meeting took place at Blackfriars Bridge as depicted in the 'Illustrated London News' on 15 April 1848. Chartism was a working-class movement for political reform in Britain during the mid-19th century.

1848-04-17
Universal Suffrage Definition in People’s Charter Union Handbook

The handbook of the People’s Charter Union in 1848 defined universal suffrage as the right of every man of 21 years of age and over. It highlighted the evolution of the definition of universal suffrage over time.

1849-08-23
Death of Henry Hetherington

Henry Hetherington dies from cholera on August 23rd, 1849.

1850
Peak of the Chartist Movement

By the 1850’s, the peak of the Chartist movement had long since passed and all that was left were a few pockets of resistance.

1851-01
Chartist Convention Boycotted in Manchester

The Chartist convention held in Manchester was boycotted by supporters of Harney and only eight delegates attended in January 1851.

1851-02
Bill to Dissolve National Land Company

In February 1851, a bill was proposed to dissolve the National Land Company.

1851-04
Chartist Convention in London Adopts Socialist Programme

In April 1851, a Chartist convention held in London adopted a socialist programme.

1852-05
Chartist Convention in Manchester

A Chartist convention took place in Manchester from May 17 to May 21, 1852.

1854-03-06
Labour Parliament Meets in Manchester

In March 1854, the Labour Parliament gathered in Manchester to lead a Chartist revival which unfortunately did not materialize.

1855-08-30
Death of Feargus O'Connor

Feargus O'Connor passed away on August 30, 1855.

1858-02
Last National Chartist Convention

The final national Chartist convention was held in February 1858, with 41 delegates in attendance.

1859
Nottingham Town Council Approves Statue of Feargus O'Connor

In 1859, the Nottingham Town Council agreed to erect a statue in honor of Feargus O'Connor.

1860
National Charter Association Dissolved

The National Charter Association was formally dissolved in 1860.

1867
Reform Act 1867

Part of the urban working men was admitted to the franchise under the Reform Act 1867, expanding voting rights.

1872
Introduction of Secret Voting

In 1872, secret voting was introduced, a demand that was part of the People's Charter.

1911
Payment of MPs

In 1911, the payment of Members of Parliament was implemented, fulfilling another demand of the Chartists.

1916
The Decline of the Chartist Movement

Preston William Slosson's work that discusses the decline and eventual waning of the Chartist movement, reflecting on its historical trajectory.

1918
Full Manhood Suffrage Achieved

In 1918, full manhood suffrage was achieved in the UK, granting voting rights to all adult men.

1958
The Literature of Chartism

Yuri V. Kovalev's article in Victorian Studies that discusses the literary aspects and representations within the Chartist movement, shedding light on its cultural significance.

1961
Feargus O'Connor: Irishman and Chartist

A book by Donald Read and Eric Glasgow focusing on the life of Feargus O'Connor, an Irishman who played a significant role in the Chartist movement in the 19th century.

1970
Publication of 'The Chartist Land Company' by Alice Mary Hadfield

Alice Mary Hadfield published a work on The Chartist Land Company in 1970.

1971
The early Chartists

Dorothy Thompson's early work focusing on the beginnings of the Chartist movement, examining its roots and initial developments.

1975
Publication of 'Chartism and the Chartists' by David J. V. Jones

David J. V. Jones wrote about Chartism and the Chartists in 1975.

1982
Publication of 'The Chartist Experience' by James Epstein and Dorothy Thompson

James Epstein and Dorothy Thompson published essays on the Chartist experience in 1982.

1984
The Chartists: popular politics in the Industrial Revolution

Dorothy Thompson's work that delves into the popular politics of the Chartists during the Industrial Revolution, providing insights into their activities and impact.

1985
Publication of 'The Last Rising; The Newport Insurrection 1839' by David J. Jones

David J. Jones wrote about The Newport Insurrection of 1839 in 1985.

1991
Women in the Chartist Movement

Jutta Schwarzkopf's study focusing on the role and contributions of women within the Chartist movement, highlighting their participation and influence.

1993
Radical Politicians and Poets in Early Victorian Britain: The Voices of Six Chartist Leaders

Stephen Roberts' book that explores the voices and perspectives of six Chartist leaders who were influential figures in the early Victorian Britain political landscape.

1995
Publication of 'Perish the Privileged Orders': A Socialist history of the Chartist movement' by Mark O'Brien

Mark O'Brien wrote a socialist history of the Chartist movement in 1995.

1996
Chartism

E. Royle's book providing insights into the Chartist movement, its history, and impact during the 19th century in Britain.

1998
Images of Chartism

A work by Stephen Roberts and Dorothy Thompson that delves into contemporary illustrations related to the Chartist movement, providing visual insights into the historical period.

1999
Chartism

John K. Walton's concise textbook providing an overview of the Chartist movement, its key events, and impact on British history.

2000
Publication of 'Chartism' by Eric J. Evans

Eric J. Evans published a short textbook online about Chartism in 2000.

2003
The People's Charter: Democratic Agitation in Early Victorian Britain

Stephen Roberts' essay collection that examines the democratic agitation and movements in early Victorian Britain, particularly focusing on the People's Charter and its significance.

2007
Publication of Chartism: A New History

Professor Malcolm Chase, a social history professor at the University of Leeds, published the book 'Chartism: A New History' in 2007.

2008
The Chartist Prisoners: The Radical Lives of Thomas Cooper and Arthur O'Neill

Stephen Roberts' work that sheds light on the radical lives and experiences of Thomas Cooper and Arthur O'Neill, two notable figures within the Chartist movement.

2009-04
Publication of 'Labour's Candidates': Chartist Challenges at the Parliamentary Polls, 1839–1860' by Malcolm Chase

Malcolm Chase's article on Chartist challenges at the parliamentary polls from 1839 to 1860 was published in April 2009.

2010
Publication of 'Chartism in Scotland' by W. Hamish Fraser

W. Hamish Fraser wrote about Chartism in Scotland in 2010.

2014
The Making of the Chartists: Popular Politics and Working-class Autobiography in Early Victorian Britain

Emma Griffin's study focusing on the formation of the Chartists, exploring popular politics and working-class autobiography in early Victorian Britain.

2015
The Dignity of Chartism

An essay collection edited by Dorothy Thompson, featuring contributions from leading specialists that discuss the dignity and significance of the Chartist movement.

2016
Publication of 'Shark Alley: The Memoirs of a Penny-a-Liner' by Stephen Carver

Stephen Carver wrote a creative non-fiction account of the life of a Chartist journalist in 2016.

2018
An Underground History of Early Victorian Fiction: Chartism, Radical Print Culture, and the Social Problem Novel

Gregory Vargo's exploration of the connections between Chartism, radical print culture, and social problem novels in early Victorian fiction, shedding light on literary aspects of the movement.

2024
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The copyright for the content related to Chartist ancestors is reserved for the year 2024.

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Chartism
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