Cavalry Charges at Peterloo Meeting
August 16th, 1819
August 16th, 1819
How Long Ago?
205 years, 8 months, 13 days ago
Location
Manchester, England
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Henry Hunt
- Sir Charles Dike
- Joseph Kershaw
- Major Thomas Birch
Links & References
Tags
Cavalry Charges at Peterloo Meeting
A large crowd gathered at St. Peter's Field in Manchester to demand political reform and extension of voting rights. As the peaceful meeting progressed, local magistrates ordered a cavalry charge to disperse the crowd, leading to chaos. The authorities' violent response resulted in the loss of seventeen lives and left over 600 people injured, igniting public outrage and calls for reform.
Over 60,000 people attended the public meeting.
Seventeen people died, with over 600 injured.
The event was sparked by demands for political reform.
Cavalry charges were ordered by local magistrates.
What Happened?
On a sunny day in August, thousands of people converged at St. Peter's Field in Manchester to advocate for political reforms. The crowd, numbering over 60,000, primarily consisted of working-class citizens seeking universal suffrage, better representation, and improved working conditions. Despite the peaceful nature of the assembly, local authorities, perceiving the gathering as a threat, decided to take drastic action. At around noon, cavalrymen were ordered to charge into the crowd, with magistrates fearing a potential insurrection. This led to a violent confrontation where participants were trampled, and panic ensued. Notable figures, such as Henry 'Orator' Hunt, were present, calling for reforms. As the cavalry descended upon the meeting, many were caught unaware, resulting in chaos and confusion as people tried to flee. The aftermath left seventeen individuals dead and over 600 injured, marking a somber moment in the struggle for political rights in Britain. The scene was captured in various pamphlets and news reports, highlighting the brutality of the authorities and the plight of the working class.
Why Does it Matter?
The Peterloo Massacre became a significant touchstone in the history of social reform in Great Britain. It galvanized public opinion against the government, illuminating the dire need for political reforms. The incident led to widespread outrage and is often regarded as a catalyst for future reform movements, including the Chartist movement in the 1830s. It emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and the need for legislation to prevent such violent responses to civil demonstrations.
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