The tolpuddle martyrs

• What event in 1789 led to the British authorities feeling vulnerable?

  The French Revolution
• Why did British authorities treat political change efforts as potential revolutionary movements after the French Revolution?

  They felt vulnerable due to the overthrow of the French government
• In what year were the six farm workers in Tolpuddle arrested?

  1834
• What was the name of the village where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were arrested?

  Tolpuddle
• What was the purpose of the 'friendly society' formed by the six farm workers?

  To protest against low wages and push for higher pay
• Who was one of the notable farm workers arrested in Tolpuddle?

  George Loveless
• What was the excuse given for the arrest of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  They had sworn an illegal oath
• What was the real reason for the arrest of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  To stop their political activities
• What was the sentence given to the six men from Tolpuddle?

  Seven years of transportation to Australia
• Why was the sentence of the Tolpuddle Martyrs considered extremely harsh?

  It was the most severe possible penalty meant as a deterrent
• How many people attended the demonstration against the sentence of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  Up to 100,000 people
• Who was the Home Secretary that refused to accept a petition to reverse the sentence of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  Lord Melbourne
• How many years later were the Tolpuddle Martyrs pardoned and returned home?

  Four years later
• How were the Tolpuddle Martyrs welcomed upon their return home?

  They were welcomed as heroes
• What did the case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs demonstrate about public opinion?

  It could influence how authorities punished people
• What activities were seen as crimes in the context of the Tolpuddle Martyrs' case?

  Political activities aimed at forming unions
• What was the nature of the 'friendly society' formed by the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  It was an early form of trade union