Swing Riots

Series of disturbances mainly in South and East of country.
Machine Breaking, Arson, Riots, Threatening Letters and Extortion - Letters signed 'Swing' or 'Captain Swing'.

• Population Growth - More People, Same No. Jobs
• Poor Harvests = Higher Food Prices
• Post War Agricultural Slump
• Rural Poverty - 10% on Poor Relief
• 2nd French Revolution
• Cheap Irish Labour
• New Technology

Rioters wanted work and higher wages.

Lower wages in the south - less money for food

• Offering Rewards
• Mobilised Yeomanry/Swore in more SC
• Troops sent to worst affected areas
• Wage Levels fixed.

Of those punished 40% were acquitted.