Supporting the civil power
Caricature of the Peterloo Massacre, 16 August 1819. NAM 2001-05-17
The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed major social and political unrest. While the Industrial Revolution created new social groups and new wealth, it also caused economic dislocation as older trades declined and traditional social ties were eroded. At the same time, demands for political and economic reform increased. Britain did not have a major police force until the 1830s, so the Army found itself upholding law and order, protecting property and suppressing 'subversion'.
Peterloo Massacre
A Trooper of the 15th King's Hussars, c1819. NAM 1982-04-217-12
On 16 August 1819 a meeting was held at St Peter's Field in Manchester. It had been organised by the Manchester Patriotic Union Society, a political group calling for parliamentary reform and the repeal of the Corn Laws. Local magistrates were concerned that the meeting would end in a riot or rebellion.
They arranged for the Army to be on hand. The 600 troops present included men of the 15th (The King's) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Hussars), the Cheshire Yeomanry, the Manchester and Salford Yeomanry, a unit of the Royal Horse Artillery and the local militia. At least 60,000 people attended. All was peaceful until the magistrates attempted to end the meeting.
Trampled by horses
Mug inscribed 'Success to the Manchester Cavalry' and 'To protect our families and property', 1819. NAM 2006-08-15
After the Riot Act was read, the Yeomanry and Hussars tried to arrest the speakers, cutting their way through the crowd with sabres. Eleven people were killed and over 400, including women and children, were injured. Many people were trampled by the cavalry's horses. The events were reported in the press. The Manchester Observer coined the phrase 'Peterloo Massacre' to describe the event in ironic reference to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The government supported the action of the Army and magistrates. By the end of the year, the government had introduced legislation, later known as the Six Acts, to stamp out radical meetings. Widespread public anger at the massacre swelled the support of the reform movement.
Chartism
Trooper of the Suffolk Yeomanry, c1840. NAM 1982-04-152-3
Despite the passing of the 1832 Reform Act demands for change continued. The most important reformers were the Chartists who gained their name from the People's Charter of 1838. This called for universal male suffrage, voting by secret ballot, the end of property qualifications for Members of Parliament and equal-sized electoral districts. When the petition was refused, some Chartists advocated using force to achieve their aims.
To prevent revolt, General Sir Charles Napier was put in charge of 6,000 troops in the northern districts. Although he sympathised with the Chartists, he used the men to maintain law and order. Anxious to avoid bloodshed, Napier invited Chartist leaders to a demonstration of artillery fire and showed them that they could not hope to fight the Army.
Newport Rising
A strong critic of the Chartists, the Duke of Wellington was brought in to defend London during 1848. NAM 1965-01-1
Riots occured across the country and more soldiers were deployed. Fearing revolt, the government arrested leading Chartists. When thousands of demonstrators marched on Newport jail in Monmouthshire to demanding the release of several Chartists, troops opened fire, killing 24 and wounding 40.
1848: Year of Revolution?
In 1848 the Chartists presented another petition to Parliament after holding a huge meeting on Kennington Common. It came at a time when European capitals were being rocked by revolution. Queen Victoria was sent to the Isle of Wight for her safety. The Duke of Wellington, staunchly against reform, was brought in to defend London with thousands of soldiers. Most Chartists opposed revolt and the emergency passed off peacefully.
Eureka
Shoulder belt plate, 12th (East Suffolk) Regiment, c1850. NAM 1970-12-170-26
Chartism was also influential in the British colonies. In 1854 Chartist demands were issued by the miners at the Eureka Stockade in the Victorian goldfields. The dispute there was caused by anger at unjust mining licence fees and the brutal administration which collected them. It soon took on a political flavour as calls for reform were issued. Fearing revolution, the authorities ordered a crackdown against the miners, many of whom were armed. Reinforcements from Melbourne, including the 12th (East Suffolk) and 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiments, were sent to Ballarat to put down the revolt.
Miners defeated
After a two day stand-off, soldiers and police attacked the stockade, catching the 120 miners unprepared. Outnumbered and outgunned, they were quickly overwhelmed. Over 30 people were killed. Despite the defeat, the Eureka revolt became a lasting symbol of the struggle against injustice and was a defining moment in the creation of Australian democracy.
