chartist

The Chartists were a working-class movement for political reform in Britain that existed from 1838 to around 1857. The movement sought to gain political rights and influence for the working classes. Its main demands were outlined in a document called the People's Charter. This charter called for six points of reform: universal male suffrage, the secret ballot, abolition of property qualifications for MPs, payment for MPs, equal constituencies, and annual parliamentary elections.

The movement was named after the People's Charter. It was characterized by mass meetings, petitions to Parliament, and demonstrations. While the Chartists presented several large petitions to Parliament, these were repeatedly rejected. The movement experienced periods of heightened activity and also periods of decline. Internal divisions and government repression contributed to its eventual fading.

Although the Chartists did not achieve their immediate goals, many of their demands were eventually enacted into law in subsequent decades. The movement played a significant role in raising political consciousness among the working classes and in laying the groundwork for future democratic reforms in Britain. It is considered an important early example of a mass working-class political movement.