Timeline
1789
The French Revolution shocks Europe, as radicals – partly inspired by the American Revolution – overthrew the monarchy in the name of ‘liberty, equality, fraternity’.
1815
Economic and agricultural depression in
Britain after the Napoleonic Wars that lasted several years, leading to public dissatisfaction.
16 august 1819
A peaceful campaign for reform turns deadly as the gathered crowds at St Peter’s Field are violently dispersed, culminating in Henry Hunt’s arrest.
March 1820
Hunt is tried and sentenced to two and a half years in prison unlawful and seditious assembling for the purpose of exciting discontent – many others are also imprisoned.
June 1832
The Representation of the People Act 1832 is introduced and makes changes to the electoral system. Although Peterloo paved the way for the Act, working class men were still without the vote.
May 1838
The Chartist movement emerges amongst the British working-class with creation of the People’s Charter, a bill with six key points for electoral reform, influenced by Peterloo.