Chartism

Chartism was a working-class movement for political reform in Britain that emerged in the 1830s and 1840s. The movement's name derives from the People's Charter, a document outlining its key demands. These demands included universal male suffrage, the abolition of property qualifications for Members of Parliament, equal electoral districts, payment for MPs, the secret ballot, and annual parliamentary elections.

Chartism gained momentum due to widespread social and economic hardship experienced by the working classes following the Industrial Revolution and the 1832 Reform Act, which had largely excluded them from political representation. Supporters organized mass meetings, petitions, and strikes to advocate for their cause. The movement was characterized by both peaceful and, at times, more militant factions.

Despite significant public support, evidenced by millions of signatures on petitions presented to Parliament, the Charter was repeatedly rejected. This lack of success led to internal divisions within Chartism and a decline in its influence by the late 1840s. While the immediate goals of Chartism were not achieved, many of its demands were gradually implemented in subsequent decades, contributing to the expansion of democracy in Britain. The movement is considered an important precursor to later reform movements and a significant chapter in British social and political history.