VIEWPOINTS AND OBJECTIVITY Not everyone thought that the reforms outlined on pages 293–295 were good ideas. Some people, including government members, thought that the Chartists, Luddites and trade unionists were wrong. In 1819, 50,000 protesters met at St Peter’s Field near Manchester to demand political reform and anti- poverty measures. In response, the government sent in mounted troops. Eleven people were killed and hundreds were injured by the cavalry who used sabres on men and women.
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11. Viewpoint A
Published in August 1819, this cartoon was drawn by George Cruikshank. Look at the image and then answer the following questions: (a) Is this image a primary or secondary source? Give reasons for your answer. (b) Which side does the artist support? Give reasons for your answer. (c) What emotion does the depiction of the mother with the child being attacked with a bloodied sabre produce in you? Do you think that the artist meant to do this?
(d) The voice bubble says: ‘Down with ’em. Chop ’em down my brave boys. Give them no quarter. They want to take our Beef and Pudding from us – & remember the more you kill the less Poor Rates you’ll have to pay, so go to it, lads, show your courage and your loyalty!’ Why do you think the artist included this?