GCSE INFORMATION BOOKLET ON POPULAR MOVEMENTS IN WALES AND ENGLAND 1815-1848

This information booklet is useful for students studying the WJEC GCSE History of Popular Movements 1815-1848. This particular booklet looks at the themes as outlined below.
The growth of Radicalism, 1815-1822

Key questions:

What problems did England and Wales face in 1815?

• Political and economic problems in 1815
(the post-war situation; demobilised soldiers; the Corn Laws; the demand for parliamentary reform)
• Social issues in 1815
(growing working-class dissatisfaction; the beginning of Radicalism)

In what ways did people protest?

•The importance of the Spa Fields Riot, 1816
(causes, events and effects)
• The importance of the 'March of the Blanketeers', 1817
(causes, events and effects)
• The importance of the St Peter's Field Massacre,1819
(causes, events and results; the role of 'Orator' Hunt)

How did the government react to popular protest at this time?

• Government action against popular protest
(agent provocateurs; suspension of habeas corpus; repression; the Six Acts)
• The importance of the Cato Street Conspiracy, 1820
(the plot; government tactics; execution of the conspirators)