Peterloo Massacre, 1819

What was the Peterloo Massacre?

In 1819, 60,000 workers in Manchester held a peaceful protest for changes to elections. Fifteen people were killed. This is known as the Peterloo Massacre.

What caused the Peterloo Massacre?

The protesters were angry about the problems that existed with elections in the 18th century. They wanted working men to have the vote and an end to property qualifications.

What happened at Peterloo?

There were three key events during the Peterloo Massacre:

• ❖ 60,000 people went to hear Henry Hunt speak about reforms to Parliament.
• ❖ The local magistrates panicked and sent in the Yeomanry Cavalry (troops on horses), who were drunk.
• ❖ The Yeomanry Cavalry killed 15 people.

When was the Peterloo Massacre?

The Peterloo Massacre took place in 1819.

What was the significance of the Peterloo Massacre?

The massacre was significant for four key reasons:

• ❖ People such as Thomas Attwood, who formed the Birmingham Political Union, continued to push for reform.
• ❖ It encouraged the Great Reform Act of 1832, which ended rotten boroughs and doubled the number of votes.
• ❖ It only had a small effect; the majority of the population could still not vote. This showed how difficult it was to change elections.
• ❖ Following Peterloo, the government passed the Six Acts, in 1819, which aimed to stop radical meetings.