What was the Peterloo Massacre? | 6 Minute History

Summary

The transcript recounts the tragic events of the Peterloo Massacre in 1819, where a peaceful demonstration for political reform in Manchester turned violent when local magistrates, fearing rebellion, summoned armed forces to disperse the crowd. Henry Hunt, a prominent advocate for universal suffrage, was arrested as the yeomanry charged at the demonstrators, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Although the immediate aftermath saw increased government repression, public outrage eventually shifted opinion towards reform, culminating in the 1832 Reform Act. Peterloo has since been commemorated as a pivotal moment in the struggle for democracy and workers' rights in Britain.

Takeaways

• 🗡️ The Peterloo Massacre occurred on August 16, 1819, when a peaceful reform meeting in Manchester turned deadly.
• 📜 Henry Hunt, a prominent advocate for universal suffrage, was the key speaker at the demonstration, demanding voting rights for all.
• 👥 The meeting drew around 60,000 attendees, primarily workers from the cotton industry, carrying homemade flags for reform.
• ⚔️ Fearing rebellion, Manchester magistrates called in local yeomanry and soldiers to disperse the crowd, resulting in violence.
• 💔 The attack led to the deaths of 15 people and over 600 injuries, shocking public opinion across social classes.
• 📰 The massacre was likened to the Battle of Waterloo and was termed the 'Peterloo Massacre' by journalists.
• 📉 In response to the event, the government enacted the Six Acts, which restricted public assembly and press freedom.
• 🏛️ Despite initial setbacks, Peterloo galvanized support for political reform, with many middle-class advocates joining the cause.
• ✊ The aftermath of Peterloo is seen as a catalyst for the Great Reform Act of 1832, which expanded voting rights.
• 🕯️ The event has since been commemorated as a pivotal moment in the fight for democracy and labor rights in Britain.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the gathering at St. Peter's Fields in Manchester in 1819?

The gathering aimed to demand political reform and an extension of the franchise, particularly advocating for universal suffrage.

Who was Henry Hunt and what role did he play in the demonstration?

Henry Hunt was a prominent orator known as the 'champion of the people' for his advocacy of universal suffrage; he was the headline speaker at the meeting.

What was the response of the Manchester magistrates to the gathering?

The magistrates feared the demonstration could escalate into a rebellion, leading them to request military support to arrest Hunt and disperse the crowd.

What significant event occurred during the demonstration?

The demonstration turned violent when the Manchester yeomanry charged into the crowd, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and over 600 injuries, an event now known as the Peterloo Massacre.

How did the government react to the Peterloo Massacre in the short term?

In the aftermath, the government passed the Six Acts, which banned mass meetings, prohibited carrying flags, and restricted the circulation of cheap newspapers.

What was the impact of Peterloo on public opinion and political reform?

Peterloo galvanized public opinion against the government, with many seeing the demonstrators as having the moral high ground, which eventually contributed to the passage of the Reform Act of 1832.

How did the events at Peterloo influence future movements for political rights?

Those who died at Peterloo became martyrs for liberty and democracy, inspiring subsequent movements like the Chartists, who continued the struggle for working-class rights.

What role did the Manchester Guardian play after the massacre?

The Manchester Guardian, founded by John Edward Taylor in 1821, provided a platform for liberal middle-class voices advocating for political reform in response to Peterloo.

In what way is the legacy of Peterloo remembered today?

Peterloo is commemorated as a significant event in the labor movement, with annual readings of the names of those who died, highlighting their bravery in the fight for free speech and democracy.

What long-term changes in voting rights were influenced by the events surrounding Peterloo?

The public outcry and political discourse following Peterloo led to the 1832 Reform Act, which expanded voting rights to a larger portion of British men.