Chartism Origins: Weak Trade Unions?

Chartism emerged in 1838 as a result of the weakness of trade unions, but there were also other factors that contributed to its emergence. The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in the working and living conditions of the lower classes, necessitating improvements in their circumstances. In order to achieve these improvements, the lower classes needed to influence the political process and gain the support of parliament. However, trade unions did not provide an effective means of influencing the political classes.

Both Whig and Tory governments viewed trade unions as a potential threat to the social order and took harsh actions against them. The Combination Acts of 1799 and 1800, as well as the persecution of the Tolpuddle Martyrs in 1834, demonstrated the government's hostility towards trade unions. Additionally, trade union membership was low, with the Grand National Consolidated Trade Union (GNCTU) having only 10,000 members. During periods of declining trade, such as in 1836, trade union membership further decreased. Although the Combination Acts were repealed in 1824, trade unions still faced restraints that rendered them ineffective in influencing the political process.

However, the emergence of Chartism in 1838 cannot be solely attributed to the weakness of trade unions. The Great Reform Act of 1832 provided hope to the lower classes, as it showcased the potential achievements of a well-organized campaign supported by large numbers of people. Despite this, the reformed parliament failed to address the concerns of the lower classes, further excluding them from the political process with the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835. This act extended the vote for town councils to all ratepayers, but property ownership was a requirement for paying rates, which few members of the lower classes possessed. Consequently, the lower classes were unable to influence their own localities and lacked control over their lives.

The New Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 also highlighted the extent of parliamentary control over the daily lives of the lower classes, while simultaneously demonstrating the limited control the lower classes had over their own lives. A vote on the repeal of this law was overwhelmingly defeated, with 309 votes against and only 17 votes in favor. This further reinforced the notion that seeking to influence parliament alone would not bring about the desired change. Instead, the lower classes recognized the need to enter parliament themselves in order to effect meaningful change.

In conclusion, while the weakness of trade unions played a significant role in the emergence of Chartism in 1838, there were other factors that contributed to its rise. The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent changes in working and living conditions necessitated political influence, which trade unions were unable to provide. The failure of the reformed parliament to address the concerns of the lower classes, as well as the exclusionary nature of the Municipal Corporations Act and the New Poor Law Amendment Act, further fueled the need for a movement like Chartism. Ultimately, the lower classes recognized that change could only be achieved by actively participating in the political process themselves.