1. Farm workers formed a 'friendly society' to protest about their low wages
2. The government feared they were losing control of their workers
3. The six men were arrested for taking secret oaths
4. They received the maximum sentence of seven years transportation to Australia
5. News of the Tolpuddle Martyrs' sentences spread quickly and a petition of 200000 signatures was collected in opposition of their harsh punishment
6. Protests continued and in 1836 the Martyrs were pardoned and returned home
