English History

FOR: Yes, it was serious because: | AGAINST: but on the other hand it could be argued that it was not serious because |

Economic distress and bad times led to mass discontent, riots, machine breaking and large numbers of ordinary people were ready to attend demonstration and listen to political radicals.. | Liverpool used initiative policies such as the 1817 Poor Employment Act, 1819 Factory act and 1817 Truck act to improve the economy. Peel’s Bullion Committee advised rapid return to fixed gold system which helped improve the economy. |

Much of the distress was seen to have political origins and a political agenda – the landed aristocracy had set up Corn Laws and Game Laws and abolished the Income tax to benefit themselves. The working people were carrying an unfair share of taxation. | |

The activities of vocalised and organised popular radicals like Cartwright, Cobbett and Hunt who criticised the activities and corruption of government and wanted radical political changes, scared the government. | The government puts into place acts such as Seditious meetings Act to stop political rallies which helped prevent mass meetings.Gash-“It was not exactly a reign of terror” |

Such fears were increased by a radical press……the growth of radical associations..the large attendances at the mass meetings.. | Gash-“ The cabinet believed the disaffected demagogues were trying to stir up revolution”Stamp duty , Seditious meetings Act and suspension of Habeas Corpus were used to oppress any radical activity. Incitement to mutiny tried to prevent mass radical activity as it was made a hanging offense to discourage individuals. |

The events – Spa Fields.. Blanketeers Pentich Rising Cato Street Conspiracy, all alarmed a government….… which was more than aware of its lack of forces....to combat revolution. | The Pentrich Raising resulted in 48 arrested,3executedand 14 transported. However it was believed...