Lesson 21: 1700-1900 Treatment of the tolpuddle Martyrs

• What was life expectancy like in 1918?

  Life expectancy was shorter.
• What disease significantly affected people in 1918?

  The Spanish Flu
• What major event had just finished in 1918?

  The First World War
• How did the First World War impact countries economically?

  It left most countries in economic difficulty.
• What feelings did many people experience after the war?

  Shock and fatigue from previous rulers.
• What was the condition of many people after the war?

  Many were poor.
• What revolution occurred in France in 1789?

  A revolution that overthrew the monarchy.
• How did the British government feel after the French Revolution?

  They felt vulnerable and fearful.
• What social changes occurred due to industrialization and urbanization?

  Workers lived in poor conditions with low wages.
• What did many workers want during this time?

  The right to vote and to strike.
• What did workers start to form during this period?

  Trade unions.
• Why were the authorities worried about trade unions?

  They feared workers would gain too much power.
• Who was George Loveless?

  A farm labourer arrested in Talpuddle.
• Why was George Loveless arrested?

  For supporting a trade union.
• What was the real reason for the arrest of Loveless and his men?

  To stop their political activities.
• What was the average wage for a farm labourer at the time?

  10 shillings per week.
• How much were the arrested men earning?

  6 shillings per week.
• What punishment did George Loveless and the others receive?

  7 years transportation to Australia.
• Why was transportation considered a severe punishment?

  Conditions on ships were extremely harsh.
• What was the purpose of the harsh punishment given to the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  To deter others from forming unions.
• How did the public learn about the Tolpuddle Martyrs' punishment?

  Through local press coverage.
• What actions did the public take in response to the punishment?

  Mass protests and a petition were organized.
• How many people attended the demonstration in London?

  Around 100,000 people.
• How many signatures were on the petition presented to parliament?

  200,000 signatures.
• What was the government's reaction to the petition?

  Lord Melbourne refused to accept it.
• What support did other trade unions provide to the families of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  Financial support.
• What significant change occurred in 1838 regarding the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

  The government pardoned and released them.
• How were the Tolpuddle Martyrs received upon their return?

  They received a 'hero's welcome'.
• What does the case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs illustrate about government control of crime and punishment?

  • Governments can manipulate laws.
  • They react to changing societal attitudes.
  • They aim to protect business interests.
• What are key terms related to the Tolpuddle Martyrs case?

  • Martyr: A person suffering for beliefs.
  • Trade Union: Organization for workers' rights.
  • Tolpuddle: Village in Dorset, England.
  • Home Secretary: Minister responsible for law and order.