Liverpool and the radical challenges

How serious was the radical challenge?

> Major Cartwright's political clubs

1. Major John Cartwright = leading radical in 18th century

2. Set up debate societies known as Hampden Clubs

3. Held National convention London 1817

4. Petitioned parliament 

NO VIOLENT THREAT. REFORMING RATHER THEN RADICAL. MIDDLE CLASS

> Radical press

1. William Cobbett = leading journalist (published Political Register)

2. Sold over 60,000 copies a week ---> demand for reform

WORKING CLASS INFORMED OF POLITICS AND REFORM

> Henry Hunt's open-air meetings

1. Most recognisable speaker

2. Ability to stir up protest and feeling amongst the masses at open-air meetings

MIDDLE CLASS FIGURES ENCOURAGING WORKING PEOPLE

THREATS;

Luddism:

1. Machine breaking in East Midlands and North

2. Protests due to mechanisation and resulting job losses/reduced wages

3. Rise 1809-12 due to bad harvests, cheap labour with…