Chartism (1832-1848)

In the 19th century, industry grew in Great Britain. New machines made many workers lose their jobs. Those who had work worked very hard, sixteen hours a day. Children started working at six or eight years old and worked twelve hours a day. The workers joined Trade Unions to fight for their rights. They wrote their demands in a document called the “People’s Charter.”

The Charter was sent to industrial cities. The workers held meetings and signed the Charter. It was read in the House of Commons in Parliament, but the members rejected it. There were fights in the streets and strikes all over the country. Many workers were arrested and sent to prison.

Chartism was the first national political movement of the working class in Great Britain.